Latex clothing - A love story
by Sophia Disgrace
Latex clothing: Sophia Disgrace takes us on a tour of latex couture - what new designers are moving latex clothing away from fetish, and wear to pick up fashion bargains.
So there I was... competing on the Junior Swmming Team, struggling to strech a rubber swimming hat over my head and wondering why the hell I was going to all this trouble just to improve my time by 3 seconds. Fast forward fifteen years, and a fledgling passion for latex clothing has grown. And grown.
Today, as an adult, I force said rubber clothing (albeit now of the Jane Doe Latex kind) over every lump, bump and curve in an attempt to feed my fetish for latex couture.
Latex clothing for beginners
The first latex addition to my wardrobe was a gorgeous Torture Garden Couture skirt, bought in Camden.
For latex bargains aplenty I scoured eBay. I have snapped up many a latex bargain on there! So do hunt around on eBay first if you're looking to build a latex wardrobe.
Beginners might want to consider skirts, leggings or accessories rather than dresses. Latex gloves make a great accessory, and latex skirts and leggings can be played down if required. Not all wearers of latex clothing are fetishists about the stuff. You may be looking for latex as daywear, or to blend in as a new texture in your wardrobe.
Why people started wearing latex clothing in the first place
As a fan of latex fashion and its unique ability to sensualise and complement (note to self - tummy in!)the female form, I have done a little research into how latex found its way into the fashion world's heart.
Join me if you will on a brief history of latex. It's a little love note from me to the latex fashion I adore!
Now, latex clothing was intially worn for protective purposes in various trades - such as building work and the like. It is thought that the transition of latex clothing into popular culture was made in the 1960s-1970s.
Certainly, latex resonated with subcultures such as the Punk movement. Punk style was anti-establishment and experimental. Latex and its 'second skin' quality definitely had a forbidden appeal.
Notoriously delicate, latex clothing is made with the aid of adhesives and then polished to give it an alluring, shiny appearance. Initially neutral in colour, latex is often dyed so you can get latex clothing in a fantastic array of colours from ice princess blue to acid yellow.
Beginner's tip for latex clothing: When you buy your latex thing of beauty, whatever it might be, do make sure you care for it so it lasts for years...
Today, latex clothing has found its way into pop culture and is recognised by the mainstream, although it still has a delicious taboo when worn for a good night out. Latex clothing is worn by superheroes in the movies (See X-Men and the Watchmen) and by popstars such as Lady GaGa and Rhianna.
Its heart, however, will always be in the S and M Fetish scene, where bondage style latex clothing is the outfit of choice and you can find every design from Japanese Geisha dresses (I want one!)to the dreaded gimp outfit (come on, guys - much as I love latex this isn't a good look when you are over 40 with a paunch).
Latex design continues to be ever-innovative and as deliciously subversive as ever. Try it. You'll love it. Just remember to use talcum powder when putting that latex top/skirt/dress on, or you'll end up a Miss Sweatypants in a not-so-artfully ripped dress!
Latex clothing designers
There are numerous upcoming designers of latex fashion worth noting.
Perhaps my favourite at the moment is the one woman show which is AM Statik Latex. Her delicate designs are deliciously feminine, comprised of dresses, skirts and bodices - all of which are hand-finished with beautiful latex flowers and butterflies. The style of AM Statik Latex is totally original and unique - quite a feat within latex couture.
Below you can visit the links of some of the better-known latex fashion houses. They're all equally amazing, but a bit pricy. They're worth a peek for the beautiful "I wants" which you can dream of, yearn for and plan to save up for...
House of Harlot - Very wearable designs, perfect for clubbing in style!
Pretty Pervy - Crazy and bizzare clothing and accessories by the highly original Pretty Pervy - a real eye opener!
Jane Doe Latex - Innovative and infamous, Jane Doe is often featured in Bizzare Magazine.
More alternative style tips
Mission statement
Mookychick believes that climbing trees and riding giant turtles is more fun and girly than worrying about make-up. But if you want to worry about make-up instead of turtles? Fine by us. Be you feminist, kitten, punk, emo, indie, goth, witch, vegan, horror junky, intellectual, christian goth, corset queen, geek, unicorn, sea monkey... be you into alternative style, alternative health, spirituality, comics, manga, j-pop, harajuku or jock culture... we will always love you.
Our very own Sophia Disgrace does her own version of a curtsey in honour of the splendour of latex couture
All the above items are stocked by the very wonderful AM Statik Latex
Sophia Disgrace was raised by wolves in the distant country of... Canada. Somehow, she made the transition to London, where she now resides. Along with writing for MookyChicks and two other online zines, Sophia also models, acts, performs and hosts her own Horror Hostess slots. She likes thinking outside the box, daydreaming, reading, moaning, body mods, travelling and partaking in various other nefarious pastimes. Oh - and she is also partial to referring to herself in the third person...
