Latex clothing has made a spectacular ascent from the fringes of alternative fashion to be declared as the material du jour of bold, contemporary style. Loved for its gleaming, wet-look finish and its skin-tight embrace, latex captivates and encourages both wearers and spectators. From haute couture catwalks to street style with a liberal sprinkling of every other trend-setting milieu besides, latex has carved out more than a niche for itself in the past few years. So what is it that makes our relationship with latex clothing so compelling, and just what does it do for our experience of fashion and self-expression?
Glamour & Futurism: An aesthetic of second skins The primary attraction of latex clothing is the way it looks. As a substance latex behaves as a 'second skin', and few other materials so effectively conform to the body. Latex looks like a second, sexy skin, it is tight where you are tight and loose where you have curves. Creating form and silhouettes is the bread and butter of fashion, so on a strictly technical level this is why (or the most basic explanation of why) latex clothing makes such a strong fashion statement. Furthermore, the glossy, impermeable shine of latex is strongly associated with futurism, and suggests that the wearer is enacting some sort of fantasy, be it as a superhero, a sci-fi Goddess, or a debauched rubber fetishist.
Expression of Freedom and Selfhood: Latex clothing is not for the faint-hearted. Wearing them also requires a certain level of fearlessness and self-expression. Even just the decision to wear latex is more of an affirmation. To some, wearing latex can be seen as a rebellious act; a statement to buck the trend and go against the grain. And to others, it is the ultimate symbol of individualism. For those of us who love the attention, it is the best way to stand out from the crowd; with our personal style being as distinct as the next. The confidence latex garments impart is infectious. It empowers and emboldens people to go beyond the limits of their personal style.
The Cultural Impact of Latex Clothing: From Underground To Main Street One of the reasons latex clothing have become such a hot commodity in the fashion industry is that they have an enriching cultural context that definitely sets them apart. Long regarded with a mystical aura of perversion in media, latex clothing have more often than not been closely associated with other subcultures. However, the tide has slowly been turning. From being reviled in the shadows of underground clubs and as frothy fetish wear; these seemingly silicone impregnated pieces of clothing have all of a sudden come into the limelight. The way latex clothing is now viewed by people the world over is the result of many factors. Sensational news reports, music videos, Hollywood movies and a few fashion designeres made latex fashion a greater reality. These seminal events have slowly but surely stripped latex of its underground image. Now it is being recognized as a svelte, sophisticated material in a different dimension.
Technological and Artistic Innovation: Today's latex fashion market is driven by a variety of factors, not the least of which are the technological advances in textile manufacturing and the artistic innovations that these technologies enable. Latex is no exception; modern designers are constantly pushing themselves to find innovative ways to adapt latex to everyday fashion. Blends are being developed with greater breathe-ability and comfort in the hopes of capturing the unique aesthetic of traditional latex that has captured the hearts and minds of designers and fashionistas for generations. The introduction of latex into popular fashion and culture has also created an entirely new fashion aesthetic in and of itself, with new textures, new patterns, and above all, new colors filling the imagination of creative minds everywhere.
Sensory Experience: Wearing latex is not simply a visual experience. for many, the tactile feel of latex as it lays against the skin is unique and difficult to replicate. It is the soft and warm embrace of a second skin, the soft rustle of fabric, the delightful sensation as the material clings to your every curve. Whether trying latex for the first time or if you're a seasoned latex aficionado, the high-touch experience of latex will only add another layer to the emotional and physical link to the clothing. This relationship between garment and wearer makes wearing latex more than the donning of a garment but an experience all its own.
More Than Clothing There are many reasons why we love latex clothing. We love it for its aesthetics. It is sensual, form fitting, and speaks to self-confidence and individuality. We love it because it provokes a response on social and cultural levels. And, we love it because it allows for innovation in the world of fashion design. Furthermore, it is a true example of an alternative in a world in which the word alternative means less and less. Latex forces us to re-think conventional fashion. It encourages us to talk, to bare our bodies, and our deeper selves in the process. As it continues to evolve and become a part of the mainstream wardrobe, latex will continue to inspire and to captivate young people looking for fashion that is more than window dressing.