/Objets d'art

Traditionally, the attire and accessories that embrace the themes of force and coercion, have been achingly functional and often plain ugly. It’s unfortunate, because I think a lot of people’s ideas of what power and submission is about stem from some really aesthetically unpleasing images of it. Cheap vinyl, sturdy but all too practical handcuffs, and metal studs don’t evoke artfulness. They certainly don’t pay tribute to the beauty of surrender.

Irish leather designer Paul Seville, who has been commissioned by the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen, has been working on a boudoir collection for years. He creates collars, cuffs, corsets that make the art of restraint a visual pleasure. A lover used to tell me that it was the sight of a beautiful woman being held open, available to him that inspired his love of bondage. She, with her hands tied behind her back, breasts thrust forward in a position of wanting. With her legs spread wide, tied at the ankles in complete availability. These are tools to heighten the dynamics of power and surrender and they ought to be at least as beautiful as the experiences themselves.

These leather gauntlets are especially gorgeous, accentuating the curve of a woman’s arms. They can be worn as jewelry during the day or evening, with the not-so-subtle suggestion of other uses.  Against a naked body, they are simply stunning.