Beyond the Aesthetic
A Fetish is an impulse, a feeling, a desire. For some, it’s merely an aesthetic, for others, it’s who they are. Fetish-wear thrives underground and penetrates the mainstream during times of social instability.
It dominated runways following the Covid-19 pandemic as designers responded to a global desire to both feel in control and escape reality. Whether imitating or reimagining Fetish looks, they used bondage to sexually empower wearers sexually and push against taboos.
While some collections and campaigns throughout history have shown appreciation for the subculture, others have appropriated the scene, marginalised Fetish history and purged authentic representation on the runway. Unfortunately, this has promoted misconceptions about the culture and generated a harmful cycle of secrecy and shame.
Click here to watch the clip.
Click here to watch the clip.
FEATURING
DECAY II
Devoid
Impenetrable
Machine
Switch
Devoid
Impenetrable
Machine
Switch
Matthias von Braun. Filmmaker
Versace AW22
Dolce & Gabbana AW22
Balenciaga AW23
Balenciaga SS23
Richard Quinn FW22
Dolce & Gabbana AW22
Balenciaga AW23
Balenciaga SS23
Richard Quinn FW22
Creative Commons
Thierry Mugler SS92
Yoox Net-A-Porter Runway Collection: Fashion Footage Archive
Christian Dior AW00
Creative Commons
Pam Hogg SS92
Yoox Net-A-Porter Runway Collection: Fashion Footage Archive
Cover image
Decay II. Matthias von Braun. Filmmaker