Written by Tania Braukamper
The line between the office shoe and the fetish heel has become increasingly blurred; while the popularity of the ubiquitous Herve Leger bandage dress has simultaneously become widespread, meaning the super-short and super-tight is more commonplace than ever. The taboo, in many ways, is not so taboo anymore. Fashion has pushed the envelope and perusing the Spring/Summer 2009 runways, it's not hard to spot the bondage and fetish inspirations behind many of the clothes; making this yet another of 2009's fashion trends.
The bondage trend at Rodarte, Thakoon, Herve Leger, Narciso Rodriguez, and Givenchy.
More feminine than last year's cyber-punk trend, the 2009 bondage trend is sexy yet refined. Narciso Rodriguez, whose very Herve Leger-esque collection was inspired by "whips, chains and electrical tape", summed up the trend quite well as "taking something agressive and turning it into something peaceful... and creating beauty." Givenchy's Spring/Summer 2009 collection also took an unpredictable turn towards cutaway pieces in tight black leather, and Thakoon's criss-crossing black lines gave the impression of being taped and bound.
But what about off the catwalk? Singer Rihanna is the icon-du-jour for all things fetish, in particular her studded and spiked ensemble for the American Music Awards; while Victoria Beckham has taken the look from stage to street by way of her Christian Louboutin for Rodarte spiked heels. Expect to see more of this trend in 2009.
Bondage trend for Exit Magazine featuring Shannan Click
Street style: Louboutin Bandage Boots, Paris
Interview: fetish, leather, lingerie, nudity
Agent Provocateur Spring 2010; NYFW
Rihanna in the flesh and in Extreme Couture
Fetish & nudity in Numero: 'Best Friends'
Purple Fashion magazine issue 12: pictures
Lindsay Lohan: capes and exposed stay-ups
Abbey Lee Kershaw rocks leathers for Vogue Nippon
Carmen Kass fetish trend in Stern Magazine
Savant Spring/Summer 2009 collection
Romance meets fetish in Vogue Italia, June 2009
Katy Perry: fetish trend for Complex Magazine
Fetish trend in Pig Magazine, May 2009
Dominatrix: the fetish trend in L'Officiel Brazil
Fetish trend: Gisele Bundchen in Numero Tokyo July 2009
10 magazine does the fetish/bondage trend
Rihanna wears the fetish shoe trend with Rodarte
Rihanna: Cyberpunk Meets Fetish Trends
Victoria Beckham in Christian Louboutin for Rodarte
Rihanna's outfits, though daring, are not be the most practical examples of how to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe. Instead, look to mix in on-trend accessories like super high spike-studded heels or studded belts - these can give a fetish edge to pretty much any outfit.
For clothing, look for straps, exposed zips, chains, bandage and body con pieces, and leathers. The defining feature of the trend right now is that it should be feminine; avoid looking like a complete dominatrix by bringing in elements of softness and contrasting hard edges with delicate details.
Stay ahead of the fashion, hair and beauty trends in 2009 with Fashionising.com’s constantly updated Fashion Trends 2009 guide. You'll find out the latest on 2009 hair trends, women's Spring/Summer 2009 trends, and more!
Written: 29th December 2008 at 00.45