Archive-name: alt-sex/fetish-fashion/part2
Alt-sex-fetish-fashion-archive-name: FAQ-Part2
Version: 2.0
Last-modified: 07-Jul-94
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              F R E Q U E N T L Y   A S K E D   Q U E S T I O N S
                            (and other information)

                                      for

                        ((( alt.sex.fetish.fashion )))


                   Posted bi-weekly (on the 8th and 22nd) in
             alt.sex.fetish.fashion, alt.answers and news.answers
                   - or when significant updates require it.



                          Created and maintained by:

                       Per Goetterup <pg@login.dknet.dk>


                         Your input is *very* welcome!
             Send suggestions, additions, updates and corrections
                 to me and it'll be included in this document.

                The contents of this document is a compilation
             and paraphrasing by me of the information supplied by
                        the readers of this newsgroup.


                             ====================

   The latest version of this FAQ is (along with countless others) available
       by anonymous ftp from rtfm.mit.edu [18.181.0.24] in the directory
    /pub/usenet/news.answers/alt-sex/fetish-fashion - where the parts will
     simply be titled part1, part2, part3 and so on - or in the directory
   /pub/usenet/alt.sex.fetish.fashion, where the three parts will be titled:
                     FAQ-Part1, FAQ-Part2, ... FAQ-Part5.

   You can obtain it by E-mail as well if you have no ftp access, by sending
     an E-mail message to: mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu containing the single
   word 'help' (without quotes) in the message body to receive instructions.

       Alternatively you can request it by E-mail from me by sending me
(pg@login.dknet.dk) an E-mail message with a subject containing the words
  'faq-request' (the message body will be ignored). An automatic reply demon
     will then send you the complete FAQ in return to the sender address.
   Use a 'Reply-To' header if you want the FAQ sent to another address than
     the one the request was sent from, as this takes precedence over the
     'From' header (RFC-822). Please do not include messages to me in the
    message body of your request as I'll never see the contents of messages
                         processed by the reply demon.

      You can also view it (and *many* other FAQs) via WWW using the URL:
       http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/FAQ-List.html
        and proceed through "Alt Sex" and then on to "Fetish Fashion".

                             ====================

        Dedicated to the late Thorkild Borup of Avantgarde (She-An-Me),
          Copenhagen, who made me aware of the fetish fashion world.
                                    R.I.P.

                             ====================

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

     Editorial, Copyright and Disclaimer.

<< Part 1/5 >>

     1. General.
           1.1  FAQ Revision History.
           1.2  Legend.
           1.3  What is this newsgroup all about?
           1.4  Netiquette on alt.sex.fetish.fashion.
           1.5  Credits.
           1.6  Other related newsgroups.
           1.7  About the FAQ maintainer.

     2. Frequently Asked Questions and other information
           2.1  Questions and answers.
           2.2  Jessica - Wearing high heels for an extended period of time.

<< Part 2/5 >>

     3. Vocabulary.
           3.1  UseNet jargon.
           3.2  High heels.
           3.3  Outfits.
           3.4  Bondage fashions.
           3.5  The materials.

     4. The people behind the fashions.
           4.1  The designers.
           4.2  The models.
           4.3  The photographers.
           4.4  Advocacy groups.
           4.5  Fetish Ball organizers.

     5. Fetish fashion in literature, comics, on movies and TV.
           5.1  About fetish fashion.
           5.2  Containing or using fetish fashion.
           5.3  Fetish videos or films.

     6. Guides.
           6.1  Product Guide.
           6.2  Magazine Guide.
           6.3  Shop guide - Reviews

<< Part 3/5 >>

     7. The big shop list.
           7.1  England

<< Part 4/5 >>

           7.2  Europe and the Far East

<< Part 5/5 >>

           7.3  North America

                             ====================

EDITORIAL.

           This document was originally written by Per Goetterup, but has
     been expanded again and again with the interesting stuff surfacing in
     the newsgroup - and stuff mailed to me directly - all edited and still
     maintained by Per Goetterup.
           I will add all material posted in alt.sex.fetish.fashion or
     related newsgroups that I feel has a general relevance for new users or
     which is simply interesting, and I'll naturally add a note as to who
     wrote it. If you do *not* want your name in the FAQ (for whatever
     reason) when posting to the newsgroup then you must add a note to this
     effect to every article you post, or contact me directly by E-mail.
           I will also add stuff mailed to me directly, and as I'm often
     unable to verify the correctness of the supplied information, I'll add
     it and rely on *you* for verification. If you mail me stuff, I'll not
     always write a 'thank you' note in return as I'm often busy doing other
     things than just maintaining this document. This doesn't mean that I'm
     not grateful! - I am! - Very! - I'm just very busy and don't have the
     time to write these notes.
           You are always welcome to ask me to remove your name from the FAQ,
     or to use a pseudonym or an anonymous id instead. I respect and comply
     to such wishes, but I will not consent to remove the information itself
     unless it is invalid, incorrect, outdated or similar.


COPYRIGHT!

             This FAQ is Copyright (C) 1993, 1994 by Per Goetterup
            and the members of the UseNet fetish fashion community
                      for their individual contributions.
                             All rights reserved.

           Permission to use, copy and distribute this FAQ, or parts thereof,
     by any means and for any purpose EXCEPT PROFIT PURPOSES is hereby gran-
     ted, PROVIDED that *both* the above Copyright notice and this permission
     notice appear in all copies of the FAQ itself, that the parts used are
     totally unaltered contents-wise and that information as to how to obtain
     the newest and most current release of this document is included, in
     particular when dealing with a published media inheritly outdated at
     time of release, like a printed publication or CD-ROMs.
           Also, in case this FAQ is published in a book, on a CD-ROM or
     similar, a minimum of one free copy of the final product delivered to
     the author free of any charge is required for permission to use anything
     from this document.

           Reproducing this FAQ or parts thereof by any means, included, but 
     not limited to, printing, copying existing prints, publishing by elec-
     tronic or other means, implies full agreement and consent to the above
     non-profit-use clause, unless upon explicit prior written (non-electron-
     ic) permission of the author. It also implies full consent to the above
     one-free-copy-clause with no exceptions.


DISCLAIMER!

           This FAQ is provided by the author ``as is'', and any express or
     implied warranties, including, but not limited to, the implied warran-
     ties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are dis-
     claimed.
           In absolutely no event shall the author be liable for any direct,
     indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages
     (including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or
     services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption)
     however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract,
     strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in
     any way out of the use of the informations herein contained, even if
     advised of the possibility of such damage.

           I'd also like to emphasize that I'm in no way connected to any of
     the businesses mentioned in this document, and that I'm doing this work
     purely for the benefit of the numerous people of the fetish fashion
     community and that I do not receive any kind of payment for any part of
     the work contained - and I don't want to.
           Please do *not* offer any kind of bribery or 'special services' in
     return for favorable mentioning or recommendations. I'll not accept it
     and I will continue to do my very best to keep this document as objec-
     tive as possible.
           I do not mind accepting favours *without* strings attached... ;-)

                             ====================


                         << Part 2/5 - Background >>

3. VOCABULARY.

3.1  UseNet jargon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     Delurk, v.:             The process of becoming an active participant
                             on the newsgroup - to stop lurking. Some people
                             add "(delurk)" to the subject when they post to
                             the newsgroup for the first time. This simply
                             indicates that they're posting on the subject
                             for the first time, and that they've collected
                             enough courage to go 'public'.

     Lurk, v.:               To read the newsgroup without ever showing ones
                             presence. In particular on the alt.sex.* news-
                             groups there are always a lot of lurkers, some
                             simply because they're curious about the sub-
                             ject without having enough interest to partici-
                             pate, others because they're shy or want to be
                             anonymous but doesn't know how.

     Lurker, n.:             One that 'lurk's! ;-)


3.2  High heels
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     Baby dolls:             Shoes with a type of toe box that is very
                             rounded like a little girl's shoe.

                                          From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)

     Ballet Shoes/boots:     Shoes and boots in various designs with the
                             common specialty that you stand on the tip of
                             your toes instead of on the balls of your feet
                             as with ordinary high heels. These are almost
                             exclusively used in scenes and/or in the bed-
                             room.

     Ballet heels:           They are heels which are so hign that the only
                             part of the toe that touches the ground is the
                             tip, much like a ballet dancer's toe shoes. 
                             The heels are usually 7" high, but with a tiny
                             platform under the toe they can be as high as
                             17" (custom made). You can't really walk in
                             these shoes, they're just for enjoyment.

                                          From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)

     Bottine:                A boot with a moderate height, usually reaching
                             to somewhere between the ankle and the calf.

                                      From: 'Pamela' <an74482@anon.penet.fi>

     Dianette:               A form of sandels, where you have a strap be-
                             tween your big and your second toe.
     
                                      From: 'Pamela' <an74482@anon.penet.fi>

     Heel heights:           Centimeter <=> Inch conversion: 1" = 2.54 cm.
                             This gives:    2"=     5.08 cm
                                            3"=     7.62 cm
                                            4"=    10.16 cm
                                            5"=    12.70 cm
                                            6"=    15.24 cm
                                            7"=    17.78 cm
                                            8"=    20.32 cm
                                            9"=    22.86 cm
                                           10"=    25.40 cm

     Heel types:             Louis XV:   The typical form of a 'high heel':

                                  (
                                   \ /\
                                    V  \
                                    I   \____>

                             Queeny:     Like the Louis XV but the tip of
                                         the heel is placed more to the toe:

                                   (
                                    \      
                                      \/\    
                                       I \_____>

                             Block:      Massive heel (opposite of stilet-
                                         to), usually used for platform
                                         shoes:

                                  (
                                   \ 
                                    I  I\
                                    I  I  \        
                                    I__I   \_____>

                             Bell bottomed:    Begins like a normal heel but
                                               ends wide:

                                   (
                                    \ /\
                                     X  \
                                    /_\  \_____>

                                      From: 'Pamela' <an74482@anon.penet.fi>

     Mules:                  They have no back at all. The upper ends at
                             mid-arch, much like clogs do. Mules are usually
                             high-heeled and often are open-toed. Maribu
                             feathers are optional. :)

                                          From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)

     Opera Pumps:            Slender straight heel. Closed, slightly pointed
                             toe. Without straps or decorations. Vamps that
                             don't show much toe cleavage. Sides cut fairly
                             high. Opera pumps are usually black patent or
                             black kidskin. Just think of your typical re-
                             presentaion of a fetish shoe and you've got it.

                                          From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)

                             Also, no straps or adornment of any kind, self
                             (ie. one) colored, frequently jet black or at
                             least a dark color, and (strict interpretation)
                             the sides are of one piece with no stitching
                             half way between heel and vamp.

                                   From: jhurwit@netcom.com (Jeffrey Hurwit)

     Oxfords lace up:
     (aka. 'Old Oxfords')    A classically designed shoe originating in
                             Oxford, England. It's pretty much an ordinary,
                             closed shoe, dark or plain black, with an ordi-
                             nary 3 or 4 point lacing, but with the excep-
                             tion of the heel height, that can be anything
                             up to 6".

                             High heeled Oxfords will have a closed toe box
                             and lace closed with a tongue that extends to
                             the ankle.

                                                             From: Ms. Margo

     Platforms:              Any shoe that has extra height added under the
                             toes. It's a cheaters way to have very high
                             heels. A 6" heel with a 3" platform feels the
                             same (has the same rise) as wearing a 3" heel.

                                          From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)

     Pumps:                  An open shoe usually without any straps (except
                             perhaps an simple ankle strap). Can sometime
                             also be toeless.

                             A pump is a high-heeled shoe with a full back
                             and toe box. There are also open-toed pumps
                             which have the end of the toe box cut out so
                             the toes show.

                                                             From: Ms. Margo

     Pump D'Orsy:            The toe box ends at instep. The heel is held in
                             a heel cup. Along the sole from the toe box to
                             the start of the heel cup is open space about 1
                             to 2 inches depends on size. Toe box and heel
                             cup are seperate from each other. The most sexy
                             of pumps. Usually patent leather.

                                       From: G. Spelvin <spelvin@netcom.com>

     Saddle shoes:           More or less the inverse of spectators,
                             although one rarely finds high-heeled saddle
                             shoes.

                                          From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)

     Sandels:                They have straps for the upper. They are usu-
                             ally flat heels, but can be high-heeled as
                             well. Some people refer to any shoe with ankle
                             straps as a sandel.

                                          From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)

     Shoe locks:             Usually a simple system of straps, one going
                             under the foot (between the heel and the in-
                             step), the other around the ankle. These are
                             locked together, preventing the wearer from
                             removing the shoes without the key to the lock.
                             Sometimes a shoe or boot is equipped with lock-
                             ing ankle straps per design, serving the same
                             function.

     Pantolette:             Like mules but mostly made of wood, - a sort of
                             high heeled clog.

                                      From: 'Pamela' <an74482@anon.penet.fi>

     Sabots:                 A kind of mules, but with closed toe box.

                                      From: 'Pamela' <an74482@anon.penet.fi>

     Shoe size conversion:   US shoe sizes are roughly two full sizes more
                             than those in the UK (for example, I take a
                             size 4 1/2 in the UK therefore making me a size
                             6 1/2 in the US). Oh..and incidentally....I've
                             found that the Canadians follow the same sizing
                             pattern as in the States.
                             However, it should also be noted, that this
                             "two sizes more" rule is general -- as we all
                             know, sizes vary slightly from manufacturer to
                             manufacturer.

                                     From: Rachel Marriott <kbw@po.cwru.edu>

                             Also note that high heeled shoes tend to feel
                             smaller than flats. If you've never worn high
                             heels before and know your size from flats, you
                             should probably add a half (minimum) to your
                             size in high heels. This is not always the
                             case, but often. Just keep it in mind when mail
                             ordering. Shopping in person the first time
                             might be a pretty good idea.

                                                                    From: PG

     Shoe Size Table:        mm.     Europe      USA       England    France
                             ===     ======      ===       =======    ======
                             117.0     20         -           -         -
                             123.1     21         -           -         -
                             130.0     22         -           -         -
                             136.5     23         -           -         -
                             143.1     24         -           -         -
                             150.0     25         -           -         -
                             156.9     26         -           -         -
                             163.1     27         -           -         -
                             170.0     28         -           -         -
                             176.8     29         -           -         -
                             183.0     30         1           -         -
                             188.0     -          1.5         -         -
                             190.5     31         -           -         -
                             192.4     -          2           -         -
                             196.8     -          2.5         -         -
                             197.1     32         -           -         -
                             201.2     -          3           -         -
                             204.0     33         -           -         -
                             205.6     -          3.5         -         -
                             208.3     -          -           -         -
                             210.0     -          4           -         -
                             211.0     34         -           -         -
                             214.4     -          4.5         -         -
                             217.0     35         -           -         -
                             218.8     -          5           -         -
                             220.0     -          -           2         35
                             221.5     -          -           -         -
                             223.2     -          5.5         -         -
                             224.0     36         -           -         -
                             227.6     -          6           -         -
                             228.1     -          -           -         -
                             231.0     37         -           -         -
                             232.0     -          6.5         2.5       35.5
                             234.7     -          -           -         -
                             236.0     -          7           3         36
                             237.2     38         -           -         -
                             238.0     -          -           -         -
                             240.8     -          7.5         -         -
                             241.0     -          -           3.5       36.5
                             244.5     39         -           -         -
                             245.0     -          8           4         37
                             247.9     -          -           -         -
                             248.0     -          -           4.5       37.5
                             249.6     -          8.5         -         -
                             251.0     40         -           -         -
                             254.0     -          9           5         38
                             257.2     41         -           -         -
                             258.0     -          9.5         -         -
                             259.0     -          -           5.5       38.5
                             261.1     -          -           -         -
                             262.7     -         10           -         -
                             263.0     -          -           6         39
                             264.0     42         -           -         -
                             266.0     -         10.5         6.5       39.5
                             267.7     -          -           -         -
                             269.0     -          -           7         40
                             271.1     43        11           -         -
                             274.0     -          -           7.5       40.5
                             275.8     -         11.5         -         -
                             277.6     -          -           -         -
                             278.0     44         -           -         -
                             279.0     -          -           8         41
                             280.2     -         12           -         -
                             282.0     -          -           8.5       41.5
                             284.0     45         -           -         -
                             284.6     -         12.5         -         -
                             287.5     -          -           -         -
                             288.0     -          -           9         42
                             289.0     -         13           -         -
                             290.8     -          -           -         -
                             291.0     46         -           -         -
                             292.0     -          -           9.5       42.5
                             293.4     -         13.5         -         -
                             294.1     -          -           -         -
                             295.0     -          -          10         43
                             297.8     -         14           -         -
                             298.0     47         -           -         -
                             301.0     -          -          10.5       43.5
                             306.0     -          -          11         44
                             310.0     -          -          11.5       44.5
                             314.0     -          -          12         45
                             321.0     -          -          12.5       45.5

                             Conversion from male --> female sizes...
                             ----------------------------------------

                             Male size   Female size 
                             =========   =========== 

                             Narrow      Medium 
                             Medium      Wide 

                             Add:

                             Your size + 1/2 --> + 1       Any feminine
                                                           style shoe with
                                                           an open toe.
                             Your size + 1   --> + 1 1/2   Any feminine
                                                           style shoe with a
                                                           closed toe. 

                                           From: Tina H. <terjeh@ifi.uio.no>

     Suit and shirt sizes:   Conversions... Women.

                             (DRESSES AND COATS)
                             US      4   6   8   10   12   14   16
                             UK      6   8   10  12   14   16   18

                             (Blouses and sweaters)
                             US      30  32  34  36  38  40  42
                             UK      32  34  36  38  40  42  44

                             (Shoes)
                             US      4   5   6   7   8   9   10
                             UK      2   3   4   5   6   7    8

                             This is from Fodor's so it should be pretty
                             accurate.

                                                          From: Ms. Lisbetta

     Sling-backs:            They are exactly what they sound like. They
                             have no back, and have a strap the runs from
                             the sides of the shoe around the back of the
                             foot. This "sling" holds the shoe on. They can
                             be open-toed or close-toed.

                                          From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)

     Spectators:             Pumps which have a different colored toe box
                             and (usually) heel. Popular spectator color
                             combinations are white and blue and tan and
                             cream.

                                          From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)

     Stilettos:              Often the same as 'spikes'. Stilettos are are
                             type of heel that is extremely thin and point-
                             ed. Named after the very thin bladed knives.

     Spikes:                 Very thin heels, often almost ending in a point
                             at the tip (like a nail).

     Thigh Highs:            Long boots reaching al the way up to the
                             thighs, thus the name.

     T-strap Pumps:          Usually, this is in the style of a D'Orsay,
                             with a strap extending up from the vamp, along
                             the middle of the instep, to join an ankle
                             strap.

                                   From: jhurwit@netcom.com (Jeffrey Hurwit)


3.3  Outfits
~~~~~~~~~~~~
     Body:                   Garment that covers the body from the crotch to
                             just below the neck, sometimes with the arms
                             included. Can be made out of anything, usually
                             something see-though or latex/PVC. Has some-
                             times a snaplock at the crotch for easy bath-
                             room use.

     Bodystocking:           Like 'body' but also covers the legs and some-
                             times the feet (like 'stockings' added to the
                             'body').

     Catsuit:                An all-over body suit. Usually without feet and
                             hands, but these can be included, leaving only
                             the head free. Most materials are used, in
                             particular lycra, nylon, PVC and latex.

     Corset:                 Garment intended to create an ideal hourglass
                             figure on a woman, either permanent through
                             long training or by simply creating the illu-
                             sion while wearing it. Usually it covers the
                             body from the hips to the breasts, with a long
                             lacing in the back. Some versions went all the
                             way from the knees to the shoulders, often
                             extra stiffly boned, intended to enforce a
                             stiff posture if worn in the daytime (making
                             the wearer unable to sit down), or as training
                             corset worn during the night.

     Garter belt:            A belt (goes around the waist) with attached
                             garters which hold up 'stockings' or similar.

     Leotard:                Almost the same as a 'body' but always without
                             the snaplock at the crotch.

     Pantyhose:              Like a pair of stockings with a panty built in.
                             Comes in many materials. See also the newgroup
                             alt.pantyhose.

     Stockings:              Covers the feet and legs up to the thighs.
                             These can either be the stay-ups type or the
                             kind that needs a 'garter belt' to stay up. See
                             also the newsgroup alt.pantyhose.


3.4  Bondage fashions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     Hobble Skirt:           A tight skirt usually made of leather, PVC or
                             thick rubber, going from the waist to the an-
                             kles. Leaves only very little space to move the
                             legs in, thus acting as a hobble.

     Single Glove:           Much as the name implies, it is a single glove
                             to put both arms into. Made of many materials
                             (usually leather though), it laces the arms
                             together on the back, with straps going over
                             the shoulders to prevent it from slipping down
                             and off. Some versions are intended to be
                             slightly loose, only trapping the arms, others
                             are literary skin-tight, making the elbows
                             touch behind the back. Zippers and buckles
                             sometimes complement/replace the lacing.

     Discipline Hood:        A hood usually made of leather, thick rubber or
                             PVC with only a hole for the nose. Usually the
                             subject is gagged with a ball-gag or similar
                             under it. It is usually laced tightly in the
                             back of the head.


3.5  Materials.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     Cire                    The term is french an means literaly "Waxed".
                             It is made from lycra and is created by passing
                             the fabric against a hot roller to melt the
                             surface slightly, resulting in a 'wet-look'
                             finish.

     Lycra                   An elastic fabric often used in numerous types
                             of close-fitting sport outfits - and naturally
                             as a less expensive fetish material.

     Spandex                 Trade name for lycra.

                            ====================

4. THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE FASHIONS.

4.1  The designers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     Jean-Paul Gaultier      French designer, considered to be the "bad boy"
                             of Paris fashion. He's best known for designing
                             Madonna's "bullet-cone" corsets for her videos
                             and Blonde Ambition tour, and for designing
                             similar clothes for the movie _The Cook, the
                             Theif, his Wife, and her Lover_.

                         From: Allison Thurman <athurman@phoenix.cs.uga.edu>

     Vivienne Westwood       English designer who created the PVC and rubber
                             "punk" look at her shop, Sex, in the 1970's,
                             and one of the first women to use lingerie as
                             outerwear.

                         From: Allison Thurman <athurman@phoenix.cs.uga.edu>

     Pam Hogg                I dont know much about her work but ive read in
                             some English magazines that some of her cloth-
                             ing is PVC.

                         From: Allison Thurman <athurman@phoenix.cs.uga.edu>

     Lip Service, Inc.       A Los Angeles label that (if its still in busi-
                             ness) does lots of lycra-spandex wear, usually
                             with lacing and/or little daggers on it. I've
                             not seen much of the mens wear, but the womens
                             is moslty leggings and minidresses.

                         From: Allison Thurman <athurman@phoenix.cs.uga.edu>


4.2  The models.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     Anette Kellendonk:      Born 1965 in Wuppertal near Dusseldorf,
                             Germany. She's 1.70 m high (without heels!) and
                             weighs around 50 kg. Used to work closely with
                             Peter W. Czernich as photographer but now works
                             with several others. Her pictures has been in
                             Playboy, Bild and in particular in early issues
                             of <<O>>.

                             She released a techno-dance maxi-single enti-
                             tled "The Fetish" in 1991. Ido Amin writes: The
                             label is BOO RECORDS. I have "The Fetish" on
                             BOO 00512 (12") and on its cover it mentions
                             it's also available on BOO 00507 (7"), BOO
                             00515 (12"PD), BOO 00505 (5"CD). On the cover
                             it also says GEMA LC 6559. Distributor is Dis-
                             covery, Pf 1255, 4044 Kaarst., Germany, which
                             is also A.K.'s fanclub.
                             Quality? Not rec.music.materpieces stuff, being
                             two years old, and not up to current MTV or
                             dance standards. I kinda like it anyway.

                             Has now begun a career as designer with a shop
                             appropriately named 'Anette K. Fashion' in
                             Dusseldorf, Germany (see details elsewhere).

     Info on other models much appreciated!


4.3  The photographers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     Peter W. Czernich:      Very active. Has worked primarily with Anette
                             K. but now works mostly with varying models.
                             He's the editor and publisher of <<O>>.

     Trevor Watson:          British photographer who works primarily with
                             black & white photography. Among his best works
                             are the series he made for Ectomorph.


4.4  Advocacy groups.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     These are organizations or groups of equal minded people who work
actively to communicate our interest and way of living to the rest of the
society, fighting for it in court or on the battlefield of the media if
nessesary.

     National Leather Association.

                 They promote the "leather lifestyle", which includes DFP
           and some BDSM. It is the only sort of U.S. Nationwide advocacy
           group, so it is important for people in the US to know about it.

                                                   From: knewt@world.std.com

                        NATIONAL LEATHER ASSOCIATION
                            STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

        -  To establish and maintain a national/worldwide communication,
           information, education, and support network for sisters and
           brothers of the Leather/SM/Fetish community.
        -  To promote with power and pride the right of all adults to
           engage in Safe, Sane, and Consensual sexual expression.
        -  To increase communication and understanding among women and men
           in Leather/SM/Fetish.
        -  To facilitate political activism, visibility, and education in
           order to destroy stereotypes, misconceptions, and media misrep-
           resentation about the Leather/SM/Fetish family in the community
           at large.
        -  To provide, through our publications, educational material, and
           "LIVING IN LEATHER" conferences, a forum for the sharing of
           knowledge, viewpoints, and practices of a diverse network of
           women and men.
        -  To build, strengthen, and defend individuals, organizations,
           publications, and businesses within our community, especially
           against threats to their freedom of expression, freedom of the
           press, right to free association, and right to equal protection
           under the law.
        -  To develop outreach to women, people of color, transgenderals,
           the deaf, the physically challenged, and other minorities who
           have traditionally been discriminated against or poorly repre-
           sented in the Leather/SM/Fetish community.
        -  To facilitate fund raising for deserving projects, clubs, orga-
           nizations, defense funds, and/or charities which have given
           direct service to the Leather/SM/Fetish community.
        -  To fight for decriminalization of all sexual acts between con-
           senting adults.
        -  To preserve a record of our history, traditions, and culture.

           They publish a periodic newsletter (I don't know how frequently)
           called FIRST LINK. As of the date of this brochure, which is
           dated November 1990, their mailing address is:

                 P.O. Box 17463
                 Seattle, Washington, 98107
                 USA.
                 Tel: (206) 789-8990.

           Annual membership dues are $25.00 US, or $30.00 US outside of
           North America.

                                                        From: Jeffrey Hurwit


     SMil
     Sorgenfrigade 8b, 2.
     DK-2200 Copenhagen N.
     Denmark
     Phone: (+45) 3181 0550

                 They are an organization for BDSM and fetish oriented
           people in Denmark. They provide counselling, club facilities in
           four major danish cities (Copenhagen, Aalborg, Aarhus and
           Odense) which are open 1-3 days a week, parties (both theme-
           oriented and more regular social gatherings) and both an inter-
           nal newspaper and an external magazine (called SMil-bladet).

                                  (additional information by Heikko Levanto)


4.5  Fetish Ball organizers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     These are the people or organizations setting up fetish theme
balls/parties locally or in specific areas.

USA:
====

     Dressing for Pleasure.
     (usually the last weekend in Oct.)

           Dressing For Pleasure
           Constance Enterprises
           Box 43079
           Upper Montclair, NJ  07043
           Phone: 201-746-0072

                          From: jdblock@ic.sunysb.edu (Jonathan David Block)

           Boutique:
           590 Valley Rd
           Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
           Phone: 201-746-5466

                                   From: ixion@mindvox.phantom.com (leonard)

     Club Fuck!
           3909 W. Sunset Blvd.
           Los Angeles, CA
           (213) 463-7868

           Has regular fetish/bdsm/debauchery nights, Sundays, 9pm - 2am.

     Sin-A-Matic
           7969 Santa Monica Blvd.
           Los Angeles, CA

           Has pervery and fetishism on a regular basis. Info from James
           Stone at: (213) 463-7868.

           The above information was cribbed from Skin Two, issue 13.

                                 From: Bill Lemieux <blemieux@nyx.cs.du.edu>

JAPAN:
======

     Ms. Yumi or her husband Jean-Marie at Azzlo (fetish fashion store).

     Ms. Yumi organizes fetish fashion parties throughout the year. You can
     reach her at her shop:

           21 Sakamanchi,
           Shinjuku-ku,
           Tokyo 160.
           Japan
           Tel: 03-3356-9267

           They are open from noon till 10 every day.

                                          From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)

                            ====================

5. FETISH FASHION IN COMICS, LITERATURE AND ON MOVIES AND TV.

           High heels are pretty common in many movies and TV-shows, and
     particular german, english and italian TV-shows often feature the
     female presenters wearing 3" or 4" heels.
           Some TV-series and movies have characters wearing various
     fetish-related items as well, both in the regular cast and on the
     special guest stars. Music videos often have some form of fetish wear
     included in the visual attraction, in particular the bands from the
     techno scene use fetish fashion *very* often in their videos and stage
     shows.


5.1  About fetish fashion
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     Dianne Brill:     "Boobs, Boys and High Heels"
                       Published by the Penguin Group, Viking Penguin which
                       is a division of Penguin Books USA Inc. New York: 375
                       Hudson Street, New York 10014, U.S.A.
                       London: Penguin Books Ltd, 27 Wrights Lane, London W8
                       5TZ, England.

                                    From: Cecilia M Tan <ctan@world.std.com>

                       In Europe published by:

                             Vermillion (imprint of Ebury Press)
                             Random House UK Ltd.
                             20 Vauxhall Bridge Road
                             London SW1V2SA
                             ISBN: 0-09-177387-3

                         From: besten@faculty.chem.ruu.nl (Remco den Besten)

     Susan J. Kaplan:  "The sexual perversions of women" (title translated
                       from german).
                       The german publisher is HEINE Verlag.

                           From: Evelyne Pichler <pichler@edvvie.edvg.co.at>


5.2  Containing or using fetish fashion elements
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
           A list of TV-show/series or movies or shows with particular
     memorable scenes featuring some form of fetish wear, or persons having
     used some form of fetish wear.
           Some of these entries were taken from the alt.sex.fetish.feet
     FAQ, written by Mark Amann.

     A Fish Called Wanda:    Movie. During the whole movie Jamie Lee Curtis
                             is wearing knee-high patent-leather boots with
                             4" heels. Contains one scene with her 'brother'
                             breathing in and blowing up her boots before 
                             making love to her.

                           From: Hayo Schreijer <P.H.Schreijer@pobox.ruu.nl>

     Angel (I-II-III):       Movies. Both the main character (in Angel III
                             played by Mitzi Kapture, also starring in "Silk
                             Stalkings") and several of the others wear 4"
                             heels several times during the movie. PVC
                             clothing is also seen in many street scenes.

     Babs, Lil:              Swedish singer. Usually wear 4" or 5" heels
                             when on stage.

     BatMan II:              Movie. We see Michelle Pfeiffer playing Cat-
                             Woman wearing a full latex catsuit (!) and
                             boots with 4-5" heels throughout most of the
                             movie.

                                                 From: an59752@anon.penet.fi

     Dallas:                 TV-series. Both Pamela Ewing (Victoria Princi-
                             pal) and Lucy Ewing (Charlene Tilton) often
                             wore 3" or 4" heels.

     Demone, Gitane:         Singer. On the dance cd-single, "Heavenly Mel-
                             ancholy" she's lying on what looks like a latex
                             sheet, dressed in a full-length latex catsuit,
                             with gloves and heels. "Lullabies for a Trou-
                             bled World" she sports what looks like a PVC
                             jacket and thigh-high boots.

                                      From: an70925@anon.penet.fi (twist id)

     Dickinson, Angela:      Actress. Often wear high heels in most movies
                             and TV-series she's been in.

     Eleniak, Erika:         Actress. She wore a black spandex body suit and
                             4" heels in the movie "Under Siege".

     En Vogue:               Band. "Free Your Mind". Music video where the
                             four girls of En Vogue appear in nice black
                             shiny high heeled boots. Two of them have thigh
                             high boots, one has about knee high boots and
                             one has ankle "high" shoes. They wear also
                             spandex suspenders, miniskirts, and stretch
                             pants.

                                                 From: an59752@anon.penet.fi

     Full House:             In one rather early episode we see a backing
                             singer in Jesse's band wearing 5" heels while
                             rehearsing in the Tanner family living room.

     Groove Kissing:         Dance band. In the video to the song "Rhythm of
                             Saliva" they use lots of fetish fashion - both
                             PVC and latex outfits and other avantgarde
                             fashions.

     Hagen, Nina:            Singer. She almost always wear 5" or 6" heels
                             in her videos, stage shows or appearances in
                             talkshows. On the front cover of her latest
                             album ("Revolution Ballroom") she's tied up in
                             a chair wearing red pumps with 6" heels and a
                             black PVC catsuit.

     Henry, Pauline:         Singer. On the cover of both her album "Pau-
                             line" and all the singles taken from it, she
                             wears a black full-body suit in latex or leath-
                             er with black 4" heeled boots to match. The
                             booklet contains a bigger fold-out picture of
                             her in the same outfit as on the cover. Has
                             anyone seen any of the videos? - Does she wear
                             this outfit in them as well?

     Jesus Jones:            Band. In the music video "Devil You Know" there
                             are quite many shots of various persons wearing
                             some sort of leather/rubber clothes. And one
                             girl for sure wears thigh high boots.

                                                 From: an59752@anon.penet.fi

     Last Action Hero:       Movie. In the imaginary movie world, almost all
                             women wear very sexy PVC or spandex outfits and
                             high heels. [I want to live there!]

     O'Conner, Sinead:       Singer. Wore shoes with 5" heels on the cover
                             of one of her albums.

     Once Bitten:            Movie. With Lauren Hutton as a sexy vampire. A
                             long shot of her high heels and black stockings
                             at a school dance.

                               From: mamann@Nimitz.mcs.kent.edu (Mark Amann)

     Betty Page:             The queen of fetish-wear in my opinion. She's
                             an hot item in Holland at this moment. Several
                             of her 50'ties movies of Irving Klaw are sold
                             here and lot's of girls having that particular
                             hair-look. Not to forget the high-heeled
                             patent-leather shoes with the 'baby-doll' noses
                             that are sold here with somewhat lower heels 
                             unfortunatly.

                           From: Hayo Schreijer <P.H.Schreijer@pobox.ruu.nl>

     Parton, Dolly:          Singer. Always wears 4"-5" heels and a tight-
                             laced corset on stage, in her videos and her
                             movie appearances.

     Pretty Woman:           Movie. Actress Julia Roberts wears knee/thigh
                             high black shiny high heeled boots for 45 mins.

                                                 From: an59752@anon.penet.fi

     Rally Round the
     Flag, Boys:             A very pre-Dynasty Joan Collins seduces a baby-
                             faced Paul Newman with her feet in high-heel
                             sandals.

                               From: mamann@Nimitz.mcs.kent.edu (Mark Amann)

     Right Said Fred:        Band. In the video for "I'm Too Sexy", at the
                             very end are a few shots of a lady dressed in a
                             PVC cat suit (even had a tail).

                                               From: Kris <halen@nevada.edu>

     Robin S:                Singer. In the video for "Give Me Love" numer-
                             ous persons wear PVC and rubber outfits.

     Robo Jocks:             Science Fiction movie from 1989 with Gary Gra-
                             ham and Anne-Marie Johnson (from the series "In
                             the Heat of the Night". Some of the soldiers
                             wear VERY tight suits that look like PVC in
                             this movie, INCLUDING Anne-Marie...

                                           From: Tina H. <terjeh@ifi.uio.no>

     Rozalla:                Singer. She wore red PVC pants and 3" heels in
                             the video to her song "Are You Ready To Fly?"

     Scandal In a
     Small Town:             Raquel Welch plays a cocktail waitress. During
                             the opening credits she is painting her nails,
                             putting on stockings and slipping in and out of
                             high heels. She wears tight clothes and heels
                             throughout the movie.

                               From: mamann@Nimitz.mcs.kent.edu (Mark Amann)

     Single White Female:    Movie. Very good shots of the high heels of
                             Jennifer Jason Leigh and Bridgette Fonda.

                               From: mamann@Nimitz.mcs.kent.edu (Mark Amann)

     Steele:                 Singer. Wore a tight laced corset, a name col-
                             lar with a D-ring and high heeled boots in some
                             scenes of the video to Felix' "It Will Make Me
                             Crazy". In other scenes she wore a full body
                             catsuit of black PVC.

     Straight Talk           Movie. Nice shots of Dolly Parton's feet in
                             high heels.

                               From: mamann@Nimitz.mcs.kent.edu (Mark Amann)

     Turner, Tina:           Singer. She wore 5" heels in the video to the
                             song "What's Love Got To Do With It?", and
                             often wears similar on stage.

     2 Unlimited:            Dutch techno/dance band. Features fetish wear
                             in latex, lycra or PVC in most of their many
                             hit videos.

     Under Siege:            Movie. Erika Eleniak wears a black spandex body
                             suit and 4" high heels.

     Wilde, Kim:             Singer. Wore a skintight outfit and 6" heels on
                             the cover of her maxi-single "The Second Time"


5.3  Fetish videos or films
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     Hidden Obsessions:

           Director:         Andrew Blake
           Distributor:      Ultimate
           Year:             1992
           Actresses:        Janine Lindemulder, P.J. Sparx, Deidre Holland,
                             and others
           Actors:           -
           Fetish:           Latex/leather/PVC garments, thigh-high boots

     Unveiled:

           Director:         V. Nye
           Distributor:      VCA
           Year:             1986
           Actresses:        Krista Lane, Erica Boyer, Patti Petite, Alex
                             Greco, Nikki Knights
           Actors:           Mike Horner, Jake Scott, Jason Riley, Billy Dee
           Fetish:           Thigh-high boots, few leather garments 

     Freaks of Leather:

           Director:         ?
           Distributor:      ?
           Year:             ?
           Actresses:        Wendy Whoppers, Lisa Lipps
           Actors:           -
           Fetish:           Leather/PVC outfits, thigh-high boots

                            ====================

6. THE GUIDES.

6.1  Product Guide.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     Not written yet. Your input would be most appreciated!


6.2  Magazine Guide.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
     Magazines about fetish fashion.

     <<O>>  Fashion, Fetish & Fantasies
     ----------------------------------

           107 pages, Full color, English language. Fetish designs,
           stories, artwork, readers own input, interviews and much more.
           80-90% female fashions.

           Editor:           Peter W. Czernich

           Published by:     TECHCOM Verlags- und Vertriebs GmbH
                             Kronprinzenstr. 30
                             D-42655 Solingen
                             Germany
                             Tel: (+49) 0212/56626
                             Fax: (+49) 0212/549094

           Distributors:     UK/Ireland:       UNA DEVA
                                               P.O. Box 1426
                                               Shepton Mallet
                                               Somerset, BA4 6HH
                                               England

                             North America:    DREAM DRESSER, Inc.
                                               1042 Wisconsin Av. N.W.
                                               Washington D.C., 20007
                                               U.S.A.
                                               Tel: 202 625 0373

                             Japan:            TOKYO BOEKI SHOKAI LTD.
                                               5-7 Shinjuku 1-chome
                                               Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
                                               Japan
                                               Att: Mr. Matsumoto

                             Switzerland:      FANCY BOUTIQUE
                                               Haltinger Str. 59
                                               CH-4057 Basel
                                               Switzerland
                                               Att: Mr. Burgisser

                             Benelux:          SCALA B.V.
                                               Contactweg 28
                                               1017 Amsterdam
                                               Holland
                                               Tel: 020 828 900

                             Italy:            CYBERCORE
                                               Via Lame 57/G
                                               I-40122 Bologna
                                               Italy

           Pricing:          DM 30 / $20 / #10 / FF 120 / hfl 35 / Lire
                             28000 / Yen 4000 / oS 280 / dkr 150

           Latest issue:     No. 21 (February 1994). Next (no. 22) expected
                             in April 1994. Contains on pp.58-64 the story
                             "Shapeshifter" by our own Bill Lemieux
                             <blemieux@nyx.cs.du.edu> which actually won the
                             1st price for best story! - Way to go, Bill!

           Quality rating:   Very good.

           Negatives:        The bad binding method in the most recent is-
                             sues (glue) makes the magazine fall apart after
                             only a few readings, reducing it to a collec-
                             tion of loose pages.

     Skin Two (UK):
     --------------

           132 pages, Full color, English language. Very art-like photogra-
           phy, lots of ads and useful addresses, lots of fetish related
           background including interviews with relevant people.

           Editor:           Tim Woodward

           Published by:     Tim Woodward Publishing
                             BCM Box 2071
                             London WC1N 3XX
                             England.
                             Tel: 081 968 0234
                             Fax: 081 960 8404

           Distributors:     Australia:  Studio Strak
                                         Box 4838
                                         GPO Melbourne 3001
                                         Australia.
                                         Tel: 03 809 2632

                             Holland:    DeMask
                                         Zeedijk 64
                                         1012 BA Amsterdam
                                         Holland.
                                         Tel: 205 603

                             Japan:      Azzlo
                                         B1, 16-24 Arakicho
                                         Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo
                                         Japan.
                                         Tel: 03 356 9267

           Pricing:          #10 (pounds). Add for p&p #1 (UK), #2 (EC) or
                             #5 elsewhere (airmail).

           Latest Issue:     Number 14.

           Quality rating:   Very good.

           Negatives:        Publishing is (currently) very irregular, mak-
                             ing it hard to wait for the next issue.

     Skin Two - Deutsche Ausgabe:
     ----------------------------

           Not released anymore. This magazine was a german language
           predecessor to <<O>> and back issues might be available from the
           same publisher or distributors as <<O>> (see this). Only issue 1
           to 7 was ever released before the name and language was changed,
           and issue 8 became <<O>> no. 1.

     Atomage International:
     ----------------------

           I'm not familiar with this - Review needed!

     Pussy Cat, the essential magazine:
     ----------------------------------

           Hayo Schreijer writes: 

           64 pages, 8 pounds, format like 'SHINY'.

           The magazine is mostly into Female Domination, but the ladies
           are wearing lots of pervy clothes. In my issue #8 is something
           on 'St. Michael's Emporium', erotic rubber and a beautiful
           red-headed rubber-mistress.

           Published by:     Black Box Productions Ltd.
                             52 Bermondsey Street, London Bridge
                             London SE1 3UD, England

           Quality-rating:   I don't think it's worth 8 pounds, but I got it
                             on a sale for 3 pounds (that's good).

     Boot Lovers Digest:
     -------------------

           Hayo Schreijer writes:

           48 pages, $9.00, issue #3 RARE!

           Very nice magazine, completly filled with ladies on thight-high
           boots. In this issue 'Mistress Stephanie Locke' shows her col-
           lection of boots (hundreds of them!) and more. Also in issue #3
           a list of Shoe/Boot-sellers over the world. I like this kind of
           magazines very much: just sticking to one fetish at a time and
           my favorite. According to the local-salesman these issues are
           very rare. I've got issue 2 and 3, can't find issue 1. I don't
           know if there are more...

           Publisher:        Stricly Speaking Pub. Co., <no address>

           Quality Rating:   Very nice.

     Bizarre O:
     ----------

           Published by:           Bizarre Spartacus,
                                   13331 Garden Grove Blvd., Suite G,
                                   Garden Grove, CA 92645
                                   USA

           Master Art Director:    Mistress Cyntia.

           Pricing:                $8.95 (for issue #3)

           The magazine is focussed on erotic fantasies and fetish (sic).
           It's complete (letters, drawings, lots of pictures in B/W and
           color and video and book-reviews, agenda with fetish-parties). 
           Although it's from the USA the magazine is mostly oriented on
           the scene in Europe. In number 3 par example an article on
           'Steve English's (Demask) Bewitched Party' in Amsterdam, article
           on fetish fashion by Chanel and Gianni Versace and on Eric
           Kroll, a fetish photographer. An:Path: planet!isdnlin.mtsu.edu!darwin.sura.net!howland.reston.ans.net!EU.net!dkuug!usenet
From: FAQ Maintainer <pg@login.dknet.dk>
Newsgroups: alt.sex.fetish.fashion,alt.answers,news.answers
Subject: alt.sex.fetish.fashion FAQ (2/5): Background, guides & reviews
Summary: This FAQ serve both as a general introduction to the world of
Keywords: fetish, fashion, latex, rubber, PVC, leather, high heels...
Message-ID: <2vhttn$i7d@news.dknet.dk>
Date: Thu, 7 Jul 1994 01:00:00 GMT
Expires: Fri, 22 Jul 1994 01:00:00 GMT
Reply-To: pg@login.dknet.dk (The FAQ Maintainer)
Followup-To: alt.sex.fetish.fashion
Organization: DKnet
Lines: 1732
Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.Edu
NNTP-Posting-Host:     Pricing:          6 pounds.

           Quality rating:   Okay (I'm not into female domination, so...)

     Dressing For Pleasure:
     ----------------------

           Same as Shiny.

     The Rubberist:
     --------------

           I'm not familiar with this - Review needed!


6.3  Shop guide - Reviews
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

           This section contains a few reviews of some of the many fetish
     shops listed in the big supplier lists. They are not the absolute
     truth but the personal opinion of the reporter. Perhaps the visit
     reviewed occured on a bad day for the shop - or a good one. Use this
     information only as a... guide. ;-)

     Dream Dresser:    Reviewed spring 1994 by Ms. Margo <margo@netcom.com>

                 I had called before I came down to see if they had any
           garter belts in a 38" waist for one of submissives, I had been
           told that they had one in reversible black and red. When I got
           there I spoke with Jackie. She was very polite and helpful
           without being pushy or in my face. I noticed that the store had
           started to stock a lot more "racy lingerie" and less fetish wear
           since the last time I was in there a year ago. But it still is a
           very nice and very comfortable store. It's very well lit, well
           organized, not sleazy, and you won't feel like some sicko going
           in or coming out. One couple and a bunch of unaccompanied men
           floated in and out during the time that I was there. There was
           one gentleman there trying on a red satin maid's outfit ($156.00
           US) with matching red crinoline ($59.00 US). I suggested that
           green was more his color, but he ended up buying the red one.
           Jackie told me that they sold quite a few of them. (Colors
           available in the store vary, and it's only available in pink
           from the catalog.)

                 They didn't have the reversible satin garter belt in black
           and red in size 38, but they did have it in black and pink
           (which I doubted that he would like). It was very well made.
           Heavyweight stitched satin with elastic only at the hook in the
           back. There were 8 adjustable garters, no lace or other edging.
           The cost was $47.00 US. It was an item that wasn't in their
           catalog. They had a black satin garter belt with black lace trim
           in an extra-large, but I doubted that it would fit him. I asked
           if they would be getting more of the red and black ones in, but
           these were all they had. There were matching bras to the revers-
           ible garter belts as well. (Go visit soon if you would like
           one.) I poked through the racks of lingerie, and although I
           found their range of sizes to be wide and range of styles to be
           good, I didn't find much that I was interested in giving as a
           gift. 

                 I looked for some things for myself. They had some fetishy
           boots and shoes on display - predominantly in red, black, and
           white patent - but they were very expensive. The 7" heel ballet
           shoes in red and black patent were $350.00 US. They had a pair
           of 5" heel thigh-high black leather boots that I had seen in
           their catalog, but the quality of the leather was not quite what
           I would have expected for the price of $390.00 US. I checked
           through the rack of leather skirts. I found a leather version of
           Stormy Leather's famous spanking skirt, which had elastic in the
           back instead of the buckled straps, but was still quite attrac-
           tive. However, they only had it in a large and an extra-large.
           (I'm 5'2" (156 cm), a US size 8 - definitely small.). Jackie
           found a laced back leather skirt ($110.00 US), and PVC copy of
           the Stormy spanking skirt ($149.00 US) for me to try on. The
           laced back skirt was a good design, fit well, but didn't really
           thrill me. The PVC was O.K. quality, but PVC in general doesn't
           do much for me. There was a lot bigger selection of PVC (which
           they also call stretch patent) than there was of leather or
           latex. The dressing rooms are fair sized, located well in the
           back of the store down a short hallway, had large mirrors, but
           could *really* benefit from having something to sit down on.
           Fetish fashions are not always the easiest to get into and out
           of. Paper panties are provided for trying on items. I checked
           out a leather halter top that I had seen in their catalog. It
           has unusual sickle shaped clasps in the front. I expected these
           to be metal, but they were metallic hard plastic. I was a little
           disappointed; if the clasps had been metal I would have bought
           the halter. The leather clothing selection was small. The de-
           signs were nice, but I would like to see them use a better grade
           of leather. The selection of latex was very good and I was quite
           taken with several of the latex mini-dresses with zippered
           fronts that either buckled over the zipper, or locked over the
           zipper, and latex dresses with fabric linings, but I didn't want
           to drop $200.00-$350.00 US on a whim. The latex was available in
           a variety of colors - with black and red predominating - and
           several pieces were in natural transparent latex. They had a
           pair of pants in black latex with transparent latex over the
           hipbones and over the butt. These were called "Peek-A-Bum"
           pants. There was a matching halter top with a large transparent
           latex circle in the middle of the chest.

                 They have a small amount of bondage gear available. It was
           average quality and mostly standard designs with a few really
           interesting items thrown in. I particularly liked the men's
           pouch with the footlocker lock on the front, which when opened
           would leave a hole big enough for a medium sized penis. There
           were chest halters and a few average-low average quality whips. 
           They have a wall of collars over the cash register, and some are
           quite attractive. The case in front has some small items such as
           cock rings, dildoes, tit clamps, and ball weights. There is also
           a standard selection of dildoes and other adult toys on the side
           wall in the back.

                 It was the first time that I got to see their chain mail
           in person. The links are very fine, about the diameter of the
           stick on a Q-Tip, and flowed like silk. It was well worth the
           price of $175.00 US for the bra/halter. I also got to see the
           steel breastplate that is featured on the cover of their current
           catalog ($450.00 US - covers one breast, $550.00 US - covers
           both). I was very surprised by how light in weight it was. I
           expected it to be much heavier and cumbersome.

                 I ended up having Jackie find me a pair of latex panties,
           ($45.00 US), which had just come in a shipment. She didn't mind
           letting me check each pair and pick the ones I liked best. 
           These ended up being my only purchase, although I had been
           hoping to find something more.

           OVERALL: Dream Dresser

           Service:          Great, relaxed, not pushy
           Atmosphere:       Excellent
           PVC:              Big selection, average prices
           Leather:          Small selection, high-ish prices for quality
           Latex:            Small, but very good selection, prices on par
                             with quality.
           Shoes:            Small, but nice selection, high prices
           Bondage Gear:     Small selection, but might be worth a look
           Lingerie:         Big selection, average prices
           Extras:           Stockings, cards, adult toys, nipple and clit
                             jewelry, spandex dresses, feather boas, TV
                             wear.

           Store:
                 Dream Dresser
                 1042 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
                 (Georgetown)
                 Washington, DC  200007
                 U.S.A.

                 Phone: (202) 625.0373
                 Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 AM-8 PM

           Catalog:
                 Dream Dresser
                 Post Office Box 16158
                 Beverly Hills, California  90209-2158
                 U.S.A.

           (Don't ask me why the store is on one side of the country and
           the catalog address is on the other side - I don't know why.)

           Phone Orders: (202)625-0377
           Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 AM-8 PM
           Fax Orders: (202)625-2761
           Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

           Note: Some prices are from memory and are subject to the fail-
           ings of that system. I verified those prices that I could with
           their current catalog.


     The Pleasure Place:     Reviewed spring 1994 by Ms. Margo
                             <margo@netcom.com>

                 The Pleasure Place used to be part of The Pleasure Chest
           chain, but the two Washington stores - the other is in Dupont
           Circle - broke off on their own. The stores themselves haven't
           changed, despite the change of name. The Georgetown store is the
           sort of place that one might go to buy a gag gift or bachelor
           party tidbit. The front of the store has a selection of lubes
           that is fairly good along with the "novelty "items, such as
           "pussy in a can" and wind-up jumping penises.  Even though the
           store has a lot of that sort of stuff, they manage not to be
           overtly sleazy. The sales help is pleasant, but every time I'm
           in there I get the feeling that they really don't know their
           stock very well. Next to the gag gifts is a selection of adult
           toys, with the standard packaged dildoes, vibrators, and butt
           plugs, along with blow-up dolls. In a case near the front door
           is a very small selection of piercing jewelry. I was surprised
           that some of it was in unlabeled bags - no maker indicated. This
           certainly isn't where I would go to buy body jewelry, but it
           might do in a pinch.

                 There is a low glass display case that has silk underwear
           for men and women, as well as some of their sequined items. The
           wall behind the cash register has their T-shirts. Most have a
           gay theme, but they had a nice one with silk-screened nipple
           clamps on it, which I ended up buying for one of my submissives.
           The counter near the cash register is scattered with condoms of
           various types along with condom cases, condom jewelry, and
           condom key rings.

                 The racks on the wall opposite the cash register have a
           small selection of lingerie, which leaned heavily to spandex. I
           did find some Catherine Coatney clear vinyl items, though. The
           prices were well in line with what I would have paid through
           catalogs. The size selection was small. Prices seemed to be in
           line with the quality. A clothing rack in the middle of the
           store has lingerie on one side, T-shirts on the other. The
           lingerie was mostly of the lace, tulle, and net variety. There
           is a large selection of greeting cards and postcards in the back
           of the store. I bought a number of really nice black and white
           cards with fetishy themes to send to friends. The very back wall
           has an assortment of blow-up dolls and sex-related party items.

                 The display case that reaches from the cash register to
           the back of the store has an assortment of items in it. There
           are a few stacks of T-shirts, some cock rings, nipple clamps,
           collars, and small leather restraints, some videos, but most
           notably there are books. I saw The SM Safety Manual, Leather-
           folk, Coming to Power, and a few other good titles all in one
           glance. Again, the accent is gay, but many are very applicable
           to straight play as well. I was happily surprised to find that
           they carried such quality titles.

                 In the very back of the store is a small area that is
           closed off with a chain. This is where the serious fetish wear
           is kept. I took a quick glance and immediately saw something
           that caught my eye. In the middle of one of the racks full of
           black latex and black leather were three leather bras. One was
           white, one was bright yellow, and one was blue. The best thing
           though, was that hanging down from one of the bras, a tag with
           the French flag could be clearly seen. This was no ordinary
           leather - this was Pierre Balmain!  Couture leather. I didn't
           think that they were being imported into the US anymore, so
           these must have been hanging around somewhere for a while.

                 You need to ask someone to unlock the chain, but the (very
           attractive) lesbian woman at the register was happy to open it
           up for me without making me wait. She hung around a bit in the
           back room with me until she was reasonably sure that I wasn't
           going to steal anything. The bra was a long-line blue leather
           bra. Everything on the bra, including the straps, was leather.
           The price was $110.00 - a little steep for the item. I have been
           assembling a blue-leather outfit, and this might be just the
           thing. It was a size 34, so it may or may not have fit. I asked
           to try it on and the saleswoman showed me to a dressing room in
           the back of the store, next to the back room.

                 The dressing room was large, with a mirrored wall and a
           stool to sit on. However, it was part of a pair of dressing
           rooms, one of which was being used to hold extra boxes, bags,
           and general junk. It felt a bit like changing in a warehouse. I
           was really hoping that the bra wouldn't fit so that I could say,
           "Awww. Can't get it."  But of course, it fit perfectly. I looked
           at it in the mirror for quite some time - which caused the
           saleswoman to poke her head in to check that I wasn't stealing
           shopping bags - and finally I decided that it was just the wrong
           color. The rest of my blue leather outfit is bright jewel blue,
           and this bra was a dusky cornflower blue. Since the saleswoman
           was busy with someone else, I hung it back up in the back room
           and looked through the rest of the items. There was a small
           amount of latex available, and a large amount of XTC leather
           lingerie. There were some chest harnesses, some hoods, and a few
           whips. There was basically enough items in the back room to fill
           an average household closet. Not a lot, but certainly much more
           than your average adult shop. I didn't spend as long looking as
           I would have liked, since I did have a plane to catch.

                 My purchases at The Pleasure Place were a dozen cards and
           a T-shirt. This isn't the best fetish wear shop in the world,
           but it is a "standard" among adult stores, and has the advantage
           of being open late in the evening. You may not find anything
           wonderful here, but you will find good quality items at fairly
           reasonable prices. The store in Dupont Circle is more gay ori-
           ented, and has a larger selection of leather goods - at least it
           did the last time I was there 5 years ago.

           OVERALL: The Pleasure Place

           Service:          Pleasant, but observant.
           Atmosphere:       Dark and slightly tawdry, but not sleazy, more
                             gay oriented.
           PVC:              A few scattered pieces.
           Leather:          The basics, prices are average.
           Latex:            Small selection, average prices.
           Shoes:            None.
           Bondage Gear:     Standard items, prices in line with most
                             "adult" shops.
           Lingerie:         Moderate selection, mixed bag on quality. Aver-
                             age prices.
           Extras:           Stockings, cards, adult toys, piercing jewelry,
                             condoms, key rings, lubricants, videos, books,
                             gag gifts.

           Georgetown Store:
                 The Pleasure Place
                 1063 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
                 (Georgetown)
                 Washington, DC  200007
                 U.S.A.

                 Phone: (202) 333-8570
                 Hours: Monday-Tuesday 10 AM-10 PM
                        Wednesday-Friday 10 AM-10 PM
                        Sunday Noon-7 PM

           Dupont Circle Store:
                 The Pleasure Place
                 1710 Connecticut Avenue, NW
                 Washington, DC  200009
                 U.S.A.
 
                 Phone: (202) 483-3297
                 Hours: Monday-Tuesday 10 AM-10 PM
                        Wednesday-Friday 10 AM-10 PM
                        Sunday Noon-7 PM

           Note: Some prices are from memory and are subject to the fail-
           ings of that system.


     Regalia:    Reviewed by Kris Davidson <halen@nevada.edu>

                 They had very little latex, mostly PVC, leather, lycra and
           lingerie. The people, however, were horrible. I walked in around
           18:40 (they close at 19:00). I looked over the few items of
           latex they had and decided to try something on. By this time it
           was 18:45, still plenty of time. After asking I was told "we
           close at 7. And besides we really don't have a place for men to
           try things on." To which I replied, "how about I come back
           tomorrow. What time do you open?" Response: "Well...we don't
           have any place for men to try anything on."

                 Needless to say, I then left the establishment. First, the
           clothes I was looking at were unisex. Second, since when does a
           dressing room care wht gender you are? Third, is the New York
           economy, or more precisely this stores sales, doing that well
           that they can just turn away a potential several hundred dollar
           sale?

           Address and phone numbers to be found in the supplier list.

                            ====================

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