DOES FASHION’S DOMINATRIX OBSESSION HERALD SEX POSITIVITY ERA?
DENIZ AKKAYA
First making it’s runway debut with Mugler in the 90s and continuing with Demna’s Balenciaga, dominatrix has made a whip-cracking return to the runways!
Fashion and sex are undeniably connected and have been for decades: from 90s Mugler and Versace, kink-inspired pieces left their mark on fashion and with their recent return, they sure are here to stay. Kink’s entry into fashion actually begins with the leather jackets we saw on the 70s Jean Paul Gaultier runways. Later in the ’90s, Versace took over this role with its 1992 collection titled “Miss S&M”. The bustiers, collars and leather pieces in this collection mark the full entry of BDSM into fashion!
While BDSM was shamed in the past, elements of the lifestyle — like the style and appeal of the dominatrix — have been accepted from time to time through these steps of fashion. Recent returns of many trends from the 90s also brought kink-inspired fashion back! The moment Kim Kardashian stepped on the red carpet of 2021 Met Gala in a head-to-toe black Balenciaga body suit including full face covering, the world of fashion realized dominatrix is back and will be here for a long time.
BDSM influence transitioning back into the mainstream could signal a cultural change when it comes to sex positivity. Younger generations may seem less interested in sex, but in reality they are simply finding other ways of expressing their sexual energy.
The most important thing to remember when it comes to rocking dominatrix-inspired looks is we should appreciate the culture and respect its origins. Dominatrixes are a part of the sex work industry and their style is not just a trendy aesthetic but a lifestyle and art form that needs to be respected.
