Latex; Fetish or Fashion?

Latex has been in our lives since the start of the 1900's. For Wellies, protective clothing and gas masks, yet if you bring it up in a conversation, you're bound to get some mighty strange looks.

Mention latex and fetish's, BDSM, and the video after video of pornography containing models head to toe - literally - will certainly come into people's minds straight away. Cat suits, wedding dresses, bikini's and stockings have been produced and are very easily available if you type into Google - with care - and so many different varieties of latex fashion sites display.

One reason why latex, and other tight shiny fabrics may be fetishised is perhaps that the garment forms a "second skin". Meaning, wearers of skin-tight latex or PVC garments may be perceived by someone as being naked, or simply coated in a shiny substance like paint. Latex and PVC can also be polished to be shiny and can also be produced in bright colours, adding further visual pleasures to add to the physical sensations produced by the material.

 A while ago I had stumbled upon a video that showed the application of wearing latex, sounds cheap or nasty but it was so elegant and beautiful and I think from then the ever growing and popularising latex fashion had me captivated. After spending well over an hour on a friends wall I actually found the video that I had posted.

Atsuko Kudo is ultimate Haute Courture, who designs latex ladieswear which has different clothing/accessories and also latex designs such as lace and also have a collection of animal prints in store at the moment.

Lady Gaga is one of the main celebrities who has shown the public that latex doesn't have to be sexual or a fetish. You can feel empowered by the fact you can wear even just the smallest latex gloves with a killer dress and you'd ooze confidence.  Many other celeb's have been photographed wearing Kudos' creations. 

Pictured Above: Beyonce, Kate Moss, Dani Minogue, Lady Gaga.

For me, Latex is no longer just for the fetishes. It's for the confidence, the sexiness and the chance to wear something that will make you feel amazing.