Erik von Gutenberg recommends Capitol Punishment:

Please join us for Washington, DC’s Ultimate Underground Fetish Ball & Alternative Dance Night. Scheduled Sunday, October 11^th over Columbus Day Weekend in the beautiful & spacious Ultra Bar (911 F St. NW DC).  Doors open at 9pm. Advance tickets $15 or $20 at the door.  

Hosted by Model Nicotine & Xris Smack.

Bringing together some of the scene’s very best DJ’s, models, fashion, live entertainment, & nationally recognized talent, all accented w/ a well equipped play-space & a sense of absolute possibility in one of the city’s very best clubs, THIS is a night you won’t want to miss!  Last year was an incredible affair of opulence, elegance, & sheer extravagance. This year has shaped up to be even better than before…

Featuring:

Stage Performances by

Angela Ryan (http://www.angelaryan.com/) & Idelsy (http://www.loveanddeathproject.com/).

Fetish Fashion Show by

Collective Chaos (www.modelmayhem.com/827624) & DawnaMatrix (http://www.dawnmostow.com/).

Featuring Models Nicotine, Esmeray, Kerri Taylor, Jessica, TimeBomb, Lili Lipstick, Anna Evans, Cassandra Luna, Nori Zay, & others.

Musical Performance by Impulse Control (www.myspace.com/impulsecontroldc).

Featuring DJ’s Xris Smack (Stimulate, Smack! N.Y.), Dirty-B (Alchemy, Tronik), London Shadows (FetishCon, DC 80′s Night), Mindcage (Exposure), Mighty Mike Saga (Drac’s Ball, Treffen), & Nightshade (Tampa).

Visuals by VJ Exeris & The Smack Video Lab.   Photography by Larry Bradby & others…

Go Go by Keyska, Sasha Nyx, Eerie Twilight, Deana Danger, & Akuma.

Play Space & Vending provided by Dream~X~Streams. Vac Bed & Latex by SLYX.

      Dungeon co-hosted by Dream~X~Streams & DC Dominatrixes.        

Featuring Mistresses Tyler, Dolphy, Ember, Crimson, Elura, & more!

Dress Code: Fashionable Fetish, Leather, Latex, PVC, Corsetry, Patriotic Kink, Perverted Politician, Black Tie, Lusty Liberty or Sexy Sam. Out for an evening of elegance one should dress to impress!   

So please join us for a night of endless possibilities & let your fantasies run wild…

See The Metro Underground for more information http://www.TheMetroUnderground.com/6.html  -or-  http://capitolpunishment.net/ for advance tickets.

VIP After-Party follows the main show:  Held at a private mansion just minutes from the main venue, after the grand event draws to a close, the official after-party then carries an even deeper sense of unbridled possibility well into the night. Indeed, as a VIP of the private party you’ll be free to let your fantasies run wild as you actively explore your every desire in the elegance of “The Castle” & its on-site play-space.  Hosted by British Lucky Paul & Richard A.D. of The Metro Underground.

Promotional assistance provided by The Metro Underground (http://www.themetrounderground.com/): providing a gateway to the entire spectrum of the alternative, adult, & underground scene for DC, Baltimore, & the Mid-Atlantic Region.

You can also join us on Fet-Life: http://Fetlife.com/Groups/4756

And LiveJournal: http://MetroUndergrnd.LiveJournal.com/

Erik von Gutenberg shows some sexy secrets of famous Libra kitten. Also from Fetish Superstar Dita von Teese.

Libra women can be an enticing mix of sexy, beautiful and talented. That’s because Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty. Many modern-day Aphrodites are artists who push the boundaries of sexuality in print and film. To discover the source of their mystique, let’s take a look at the charts of Libra bombshells Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Dita Von Teese.

Brigitte Bardot
Without a doubt, Bardot was influential in widening the sphere of sexuality in film. She has a lush sensual nature that lights up dozens of films made mainly in the ’50s and ’60s. Her pouty, carefree sexuality was scandalous to some, and mesmerizing to others. (Remember, it was quite daring just to show one’s midriff in a movie during the 1950s.) Bardot’s sex goddess status drew many devoted admirers, including four men who were to become her husbands over the years. Currently, she is an outspoken animal activist who lives in France.

The French sex kitten, as she was called, was born on September 28, 1934 in Paris. She has Sun, Mercury and Jupiter in Libra, giving her a talent for the arts. She began modeling for magazine covers quite young, at the age of 15. About three years later, she debuted in the comedy film Crazy for Love.

As for her onscreen allure, that’s the gift of Neptune conjunct Venus in Virgo. Neptune rules film and fantasy, and Venus rules beauty. Virgo is a sensual Earth sign. All of these enhanced Bardot’s onscreen presence. Additionally, Moon in Gemini lends her a flirtatious side, while Mars in Leo heightens her charisma and talent for drama.

On the challenging side, Pluto afflictions point to a willful, combative streak. Bardot has gotten into legal trouble for speaking out against Muslim immigration in France. She was convicted five times for “inciting racial hatred.” Pluto also drives her to speak out against animal cruelty, a mission she embraced after she gave up her acting career in the 1970s. So whether it’s through art or advocacy, Bardot is living her Libra destiny.

Catherine Zeta-Jones
Born on September 25, 1969, this Welsh beauty has starred in such films as The Mask of Zorro, Traffic and Chicago, for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She is married to actor Michael Douglas, a Libra who shares her birth date.

Like Bardot, Zeta-Jones has Sun, Mercury and Jupiter in Libra and Venus in Virgo. The Libra placements enhance her creativity and beauty, while Venus in Virgo heightens her sensuality and gives her a discriminating eye for art. Additionally, multiple Uranus conjunctions give Zeta-Jones a sparkling charisma. She’s also highly independent, original and strong-willed.

However, such a strong Uranus can make it difficult to achieve a balanced life. Usually that’s a no-brainer for Libra, the sign of balance, but Uranus can prompt extreme ideas and behavior and make it difficult to settle down. Fortunately, Zeta-Jones has multiple Earth influences that help her stay grounded.

Zeta-Jones may share Bardot’s glamorous image, but there’s one undeniable difference between the two women: image. Zeta-Jones’s onscreen sexuality isn’t the pouty kind. Rather, she’s the sword-wielding heroic type (think Mask of Zorro). A Grand-Earth Trine involving Venus in Virgo, Mars in Capricorn and Saturn in Taurus heightens her strength – onscreen and off. It also gives her a no-nonsense nature and a head for business. Additionally, she may have Moon in Aries (depending on her time of birth), which would intensify her headstrong nature. She may be a Libra bombshell, but never forget she has a brain – and a good one, at that.

Dita Von Teese
Known as the Queen of Burlesque, Von Teese is a burlesque performer and fetish model. Pushing the sexual envelope must be a talent for Libra bombshells – after all, she once performed at a benefit for the New York Academy of Art wearing nothing but $5 million in diamonds. Any Libra just loves finery, after all.

Born on September 28, 1972 (the same day of the year as Bardot), Von Teese has Sun conjunct Pluto in Libra, and Mercury conjunct Uranus in Libra. Typical of her sign, she’s artistically talented. She has a background in fashion design, and loves all things retro. What’s atypical about her is the Uranus and Pluto influences. She has Zeta-Jones’s Uranus originality, but with a dose of strange. The Pluto influence is all about sex. It gives Von Teese a powerful charisma, and a fondness for the dark side of things. But not too dark – she’s a fresh-faced naughty girl, a la Betty Page. Even better, Pluto also rules fetishes, so this Libra lady has certainly found the right niche for her artistic talents.

Like Bardot, Von Teese has Moon in flirty Gemini. But it’s her Venus in Leo that gives her a touch of drama. She started out at 18 as a striptease performer, but got bored with the uninspired routines. Since then, she has been instrumental in the revival of burlesque. Venus in Leo makes her a leader in her field, while Mars in Virgo gives her a talent for detail.

Her love life may be another story, however. Uranus and Pluto are notoriously willful influences that can crucify relationships. Plus, Pluto likes to be in control. And the men! Uranus says she likes outcasts, while Pluto suggests she likes bad boys. She was married to heavy-metal rocker Marilyn Manson for a year – and it’s worth noting that he cobbled his name together from sex symbol Marilyn Monroe and 1960s cult-leader Charles Manson. Enough said?

Still, Libras love to be in love, so with enough heart (mixed with a little common sense), she may find her shining knight – wearing a retro suit of armor, of course.

Libra bombshells can be beautiful and brainy, creative and talented. Whatever their gifts, they are the Venus-ruled artisans of the zodiac, and the world is a much more lovely place because of them!

Source: http://www.californiapsychics.com/articles/Features/2689/Libra_Bombshells.aspx

Erik von Gutenberg after the lingerie show in Las Vegas last week has a closer look at lingerie. Lingerie as outerwear is one of the major trends at fetish events since a long time and now it is back in mainstream.

The last time we saw a shift towards lingerie as outerwear was the 1980s, and while I exude a general disdain for that decade I can’t help but admit that certain fashion elements which emerged from it do have a place in this decade and the next. And so it is that we see various pieces of underwear return to the fore as outwear to feature amongst 2009 and 2010 fashion trends. And in many ways this may become one of the ubiquitous fashion trends; one that is transseasonal, and one that emerges as we pay fresh attention to tights and stockings as a feature piece, and not just an accessory, courtesy of the ripped stockings trend.

But what elements exactly? And how do women play to the racy element without going so far as to look cheap?

Of all the looks to emerge around underwear as outerwear, exposed stay-ups and suspenders are inarguably the most risque and the most difficult to pull off. But that hasn’t stopped the most daring of women trying, and I’ve already spotted it on the streets, in street style blogs, and on the celebrities such as Mischa Barton (see more updates on who has worn it below).

Though difficult to pull off, thanks to a come-back of patterned-stockings and tights women have a huge array of options. Take, for instance, Agent Provocateur’s snake stay-ups whose snake-motif will distract from the fact that these are indeed stay-ups.

One thing I would say in this area: avoid wearing stockings as outwear. Yes, Sienna Miller got away with it at the New York after-party of Factory Girl. But there are two points to make here: the first is that it already looks dated, the second is that she is Sienna Miller. And it’s the second point that allowed her to get away with it.

First emerging on the catwalks in Spring/Summer 2008, lingerie-inspired garments have their basis in corsetry. Back then bodices and boning gave way to free-flowing pieces that took, and continue to take, their inspiration from delicately feminine lingerie. styles.

Slips and camisoles may just well be the best use of lingerie as outwear as their intricate detailing and light fabrics often make their quality on par with dresses one might find on the high-street. This does have the detraction of making them only suitable for the Spring/Summer seasons however.

If you’re looking to try slips and camisoles as outwear look to pair it with other fashion trends, such as the sheer fashion trend. But remember it’s a feminine look, so one that is harder to pair with heavier elements (but not impossible; it’s not too hard to envisage a slip paired off against heavier, shin length boots). If you’re looking to take inspiration from the catwalks pair the look with bold accessories, leather belts and chunky heels.

As I wrote in the introduction, lingerie and underwear is trans-seasonal and will work in both Autumn(Fall)/Winter and Spring/Summer seasons; naturally individual elements and colours will lend themselves to either/or seasons but there are no strict rules here.

Authored by Daniel P Dykes.

Traditionalist and futurist are two of the labels applied to Daniel, but he’s in on the joke. When it comes to fashion he’s a futurist, keeping a look out for new trends and designers, and using Fashionising.com as a driving force for change in the fashion world. He’s a traditionalist with most everything else, but that’s the Brit in him.

Source: http://www.fashionising.com/trends/b–Lingerie-as-Outerwear-Womens-Fashion-Trend-968.html#stayups

Erik von Gutenberg recommends the weekly toy review with Mistress Darkniis. She knows the toys as no other and we are proud to have her on the blog reviewing toys & accessories!

A smile quickly came to my lips when I opened the carrying case and saw this inside! The Double Electro Pinwheel.

A little imagination can go a long way with the pinwheels… There are a lot of very sensitive areas on the body where they can be used. Surprise your blindfolded bottom by running these up and down an arm, a leg, their back, etc. CBT is much more lovely with the assistance of the pinwheel!

MEO carries a lot of lovely powerboxes and accesories if electrosex is what you want to do today! Are YOU hardcore enough?

Erik von Gutenberg looks at the clothing trends 2009 for fetish clothing. With the summer in its final stage, here what we experienced. The 2010 outlook will be coming soon! Fetish has arrived at the main fashion platforms around the world! Good news! Lingerie, male and female clothing lines, shoes and accessories are gearing up for a hot winter with lots of fetish elements! Enjoy!

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.

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.

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.

Authored by Tania Braukamper.

There aren’t too many alpha-females out there and, though she might deny it, Tania Braukamper certainly exudes their qualities. A keen eye, a focused approach, and a wardrobe spanning three rooms have made her one of the savviest of dressers. But it’s not all couture for Tania, earning her fashionista credentials she’ll frequently be seen on the town in a one-off, vintage dress and a pair of Gucci heels.

She says: Vintage will never go out of style
We say: Does that include vintage 80s?

Source: http://www.fashionising.com/trends/b–Bondage-Fetish-Clothing-Trend-SpringSummer-2009-1350.html

Erik von Gutenberg is happy and proud to announce that Fetish DJ Superstar and NYC resident Xris SMack is coming to San Francisco for the VON GUTENBERG Fetish Ball for NAUGHTY Christmas on Dec 5, 2009.

Xris SMack is one of the most well known fetish DJ’s and rocks the crowds from Florida to NYC, from LA to Atlanta and from Montreal to Chicago.

More on Xris SMack you can find here: www.smack-fetish.com , he is running the craziest and most inspiring Multimedia Play parties in NYC.  It’s NYC’s longest running event and he also will be setting the trends in the future.

We will enjoy a naughty Christmas with a special pervy Santa from local fetish favorites KinkySalon and performance by RUBBERDOLL, as well as Anastasia Pierce and Athena Fatale, Mistress of Mayhem.

We will celebrate the beginning of the holiday season in San Francisco with great performances and great music- DJ Xris SMack from New York City, and KINGFISH from the much-loved local Burlesque spectacular Hubba Hubba Revue will be the MC!

Additionally we will have DJ Netic from local DNA lounge and DJ Shatter from Bondage a GoGo and LIVE MODEL CASTING with Charles Gatewood for the websites and blog

VON GUTENBERG FETISH BALL

Marquis America in association with Mister S and Madame S present the VON GUTENBERG FETISH BALL in San Francisco, Dec 5 at the supperclub

www.vongutenbergfetishball.com
December 5, 2009 doors at 9pm
San Francisco, at Supper Club, 657 Harrison Street, SF  in the SOMA district

Stryker Vawn, the XXX fetish tag-team from Austin, Texas, will perform for an intimate crowd at the VIP Dungeon Show, Saturday Sept. 26. The leather clad Stryker and perpetually topless Vawn, took a break from whipping and prodding each other on stage to bare it all to CL.

-How would you describe a Stryker Vawn performance?

2 parts burlesque, finely chopped

1 part Vaudeville, peeled and pressed

6 parts perversion, stewed in sex butter

3 parts fantasy, drizzled with honey

1 part fury, ground coarsely

Mix contents vigorously in your mind until creamy thick.

-Do relatives know about your alter egos?

YES. When we first started, there was always a family member in the audience. They think we are weird but accept us for doing what we enjoy.

-What are your day jobs?

Stryker is a steel fabricator and the foreman for a genuine Texas good ol’ Boy company.

Vawn started a bachelor party service in 1998, so she’s naked and performing most of the time.

-What would fans be most surprised to learn about your act?

That the show they just witnessed is the “G” rated version.

-Have your performances ever landed you in legal trouble?

We modify each show according to each city, and we are banned from the club district in Austin. We have G rated and XXX versions to choose from.

-Considering how often Vawn is nude, has there been any requests for Stryker to bare it all?

Absolutely, but he likes his leather on. We are currently working on a video project where that request will be fulfilled.

-What is the most pornographic thing y’all have done on stage?

We have done everything, AAAALLLL the WWWAAAYYY!

-Are there any limits to what y’all will or won’t do on stage?

No intentional skin tearing, intentional burns, or intentional bruises, but we throw down, like a dirty wrestling match.

-What’s the strangest reaction you’ve gotten to your act?

Positive: A girl jumped on stage, ripped her clothes off, and begged for us to take her… We did.

Negative: At a Halloween show in Texas, two audience members vomited from shock.

-Have you ever considered performing at a strip club?

We used to perform in strip bars all the time. We love it. We miss it

-Do you create music to fit the act, or do you stage an act to fit your music?

The music is written with the show concept in mind, then tweaked to fit the performance, or vice versa.

-Your wardrobe would make any fetishist drool. Do y’all design your own outfits?

We design some and send it to a very talented Latex Nemesis to complete the design. We also purchase from Libidex, Rubber55, and Fetish Factory.

-How does one break into fetish performance?

Vawn: I knew at 17 I wanted to be on stage, naked, playing games.

Stryker: He makes his own leather wear and was asked to create a fashion show. The runway was so boring that he took his designs and created a fetish show. The owners asked him to return the next week with a different show. That continued for six straight years.

-What do you say to those who call your act immoral or disgusting?

Vawn: Those people are my favorite chew toys

Stryker: Don’t care. Fuck ‘em.

-What would success look like for Stryker Vawn?

A permanent Vegas show with an unlimited budget, lights, sound, and some illusions mixed in with the fetish act… oh, and as many show girls as needed, unlimited champagne—this is all fantasy of course. As far as our future plans, we have videos coming up. Vawn is working on a naughty project, coming out within the next year, and we are building content for a members’ website as we speak.

Source: http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/dailyloaf/2009/09/21/fetish-duo-stryker-vawn-does-ybor-pics-nsfw/

Erik von Gutenberg recommends the FOLSOM Street Fair, Sunday, September 27, San Francisco!

It’s no secret that San Francisco likes to wear its fetishes on its sleeve (and on its streets) but the Folsom Street Fair is an especially wild affair and the culminating day of SF’s Leather Pride Week. As San Francisco’s annual BDSM and leather subculture event, the fair is California’s third largest spectator event and the most prominent leather fair in the world. Covering over 13 city blocks, the Folsom Street Fair welcomes attendees from every community to don their finest leather/rubber/fetish attire and experience one of the wildest days in the city.

Now in its 26th year, the Folsom Street Fair presents over 250 erotic exhibitors and vendors, live entertainment, two live stages with 16 musical acts, food and drink, a dance area, a “Venus’ Playground,” for women, and more.

The Folsom Street fair will be held in San Francisco’s South of Market district on Folsom Street between 7th and 12th Streets, running from 11:00am-6:00pm. The festival is open to the public and free of charge. Proceeds and donations to the event will go to local charities.

Source: http://www.sfstation.com/folsom-street-fair-2009-e693221

Erik von Gutenberg recommends the weekly toy review with Mistress Darkniis. She knows the toys as no other and we are proud to have her on the blog reviewing toys & accessories!

California Exotic Novelties – White Stork

California Exotic Novelties – the folks that supply Adam and Eve boutiques with all kinds of exotic toys, bring you the White Stork.

All my friend could utter when he took it out of the box was “wow – it looks like some kind of alien lightsaber or something!”

For the “princess” – this vibrator is a beauty to behold. With the combination of the clear and purple colors it is feminine and quite pretty. It slices, it dices, it does your drycleaning!

The White Stork features Magical tiered fluttering stork with 8 speeds of vibration and 3 functions and 3 rows of non-jamming, reversible, rotating pleasure beads. So the beads turn in two different directions, the end of the shaft moves back and forth and you have a bullet to stimulate the clitoris.

The clear part of this wand is made of soft clear silicone gel; so water-based lube only!

My tester’s only peeve with this one was that you have to be “relaxed” or the motors on the wand slow right down… Other than that she thoroughly enjoyed exploring all of the settings and functions.

This would be a very easy machine to insert in your submissive and leave her squirming for a long, long time!

The incomparable Lady J and I are taking the rest of September to recharge the batteries. We are heading out this evening to Toronto’s long-running Fetish Masquerade in celebration, however: It is our dear friend Mistress Katina’s birthday, and we simply could not say “no” to our closest friend Ms. Marina Black for insisting that we help the lovely Katina usher in a new chapter into the wonderful tapestry that is her life. They are both amazing women and we would encourage everyone to pay them proper respects and admirations should you happen to cross their paths.

Tonight also marks the Grand Opening of Fetish Masquerade’s new location in Toronto, and by all “sneak peeks” provided to Your Humble Narrator and Only True Friend, the venue, atmosphere and ambience is truly just that: “Grand”. Lady J and I, while exhausted beyond any measure of quantifiable belief, are really looking forward to just spending a relaxing evening with those that we truly love, admire, respect and cherish this evening. We are both hoping that we’ll have the chance to see Mistress Patricia Marsh this evening as well – we both miss her company and her sage guidance, and short of a fleeting moment spent in joyous watchfulness in Montréal a couple of weekends ago, we’ve not had much of a chance to share time with her, either. Mistress Patricia, you’ve been an inspiration and a good friend to us both: we’d really love to see you tonight if you happen to be venturing out …

This Fall, Lady J and I are both looking forward to a new slate of exceptional events. First and foremost on that list is, of course, Northbound Leather’s Tribe - the latest iteration of the largest Fetish/SM single-evening venue event in the world. George and Anna, the owners of Northbound Leather, have yet to fail to deliver a first class and top-tier event to the fetish affectionistas across this lovely globe – and we expect October 24th, 2009, to be no exception. There are several events in Canada and the United States to choose from, naturally, when considering traveling to and spending hard-earned cash at any number of fair-to-great events: but Northbound Leather’s annual shindig continues to be the standard by which every other large-scale gathering of fetish folk is duly judged.

Here is a Report Card of the major events that Lady J and I attended in person, Marquis America was instrumental in bringing you or at least had sponsorship concerns in, or even just ones where we got more than just a “tad” bit of feedback about:

Marquis America Fetish Ball – San Francisco, California – July

Grade: A-

By all accounts, the inaugural Fetish Ball was a huge success. Our own Erik Von Gutenberg and the lovely Lady Suzanne Forbes did an amazing job organizing and pulling together an amazing event. This is quite hard to do in a town that has been literally saturated in years past with exceptional Fetish and SM-related events, but the Home Office Marquis American twosome pulled it off. The only reason this is an “A-” rather than an “A” is there were some folks that pointed out that the venue (The Supper Club) in San Francisco turned out to be a smidgen too small to accommodate the amount of people that wished to attend. This, as they say, is a “good problem” to have and bodes well for the future of the Fetish Ball going into a promising future. Well done, Erik and Suzanne: Lady J and I promise to try as hard as we can to join you both next year for Fetish Ball 2010 in the city that I love so very, very much!

Fetish Con – Tampa Bay, Florida – August

Grade: A-

We have heard nothing but good things about the annual “Sizzlin’ Hot” Fetish gathering in central Florida this year. A few of our friends managed to make the trek to Tampa Bay in August (despite the heat), and came back with glowing reports. Everything from the parties to the iconic model participation was, from all accounts, first class and exceptional. The ever-present threat of dangerous weather in Florida did not manage to interrupt the party atmosphere of those in attendance – and Erik Von Gutenberg himself seemed to report back that it was an “incredible time” (if you haven’t had a chance to see his interview with Fetish Supermodel Jean Bardot on YouTube yet, it’s worth a look!). The only downside reported back to Yours Truly was the inordinate amount of “street clothed” participants wandering around and snapping unauthorized photos of some of the revelry – a common problem that faces each and every large-scale Fetish event. Apart from the lack of provided transportation (another common “problem theme”) and the gawkiness of hotel staff at the host hotel, though, everyone I spoke with that attended Fetish Con 2009 all had the same enthusiastic response: “We can’t wait for next year!”

Church Street Fetish Fair – Toronto, Ontario – August

Grade: B+

The day was long and the day was super-hot – even for August in Canada’s largest city. It made for an uncomfortable time for some of the street performers, vendors and volunteers. Apart from the heat, however, the Fetish Fair on Church Street this year was a very good event and, considering it was one of (if not the only) large scale event that didn’t charge an admission price, it was certainly well worth the visit to Toronto’s Rainbow Village. It was somewhat disappointing that the organizers somehow didn’t have the foresight to provide printed literature in the way of performance and show schedules, and some of the vendors did complain that the decibel level around where they were stationed (in an attempt to market their wares) sometimes reached eardrum breaking proportions. But the crowds were enthusiastic and the participants, from volunteers on down the line to performers and vendors alike all reported that they had an enjoyable day. What started as a small “craft fair” idea held in a small park-like setting has grown into one of the summer’s most eagerly anticipated events in Canada – and this year’s edition certainly didn’t disappoint. Perhaps for the 2010 event, the organizers may wish to pay a little more attention to having proper schedules for the myriad of events happening all day long. On the whole, however, the Church Street Fetish Fair is a fantastic and fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Toronto – and you certainly should have no complaints about the price.

Torture Garden - Toronto, Ontario – August

Grade: A

Simply superb! There was no better event in Toronto – and I daresay on the East Coast – than Torture Garden Toronto. The event organizer, Random Craig, is an up-and coming-star promoter – and not only in Toronto. More established, large-scale Fetish event promoters (outside of Northbound Leather, who make an art of event organizing, in my opinion) should pay heed and perhaps learn a thing or two about catering to the desires and demands of their audience: and simply no-one does it better than Random Craig. Torture Garden was an ambitious gamble: the Montréal Fetish Weekend was to take place the following week, and Craig certainly had valid concerns about whether or not the event would be well attended. He needn’t have worried: scores of people showed up in some of the classiest, clever and exceptional Fetish wardrobes this writer has ever laid eyes on – and not a single soul Lady J and I spoke to had a negative thing to say about the event. Yes, it was really that good. The thing that separates Random Craig’s events – and especially Torture Garden – is that he actually listens to the wants and needs of those that attend his parties rather than plan everything around the glorification of his own ego. Simply put, people love attending his events because he works so very hard to try and make an enjoyable atmosphere for everyone that will be attending.

Case in point: One of the few complaints that Craig had heard about his massively-popular Subspace events in Toronto was that the “play area” was hard to access and far too small to be of any real use for the amount of people that wished to utilize it. He listened: the Dungeon area for Torture Garden Toronto was out of the way from the rest of the revellers, easily accessible – and just fun. In order to accommodate those that wished to use the large pieces of equipment, Craig and his staff took on the laborious task of hauling crosses, benches and posts up not one, but two sets of ridiculously old stairs and into an appropriately large enough room to house each and every piece. It goes without saying that not every event organizer would be caught dead struggling with large Dungeon equipment pieces (and working for hours on end getting his own hands dirty) – just in an effort to make sure his paying audience was happy. His efforts paid off, and clearly showed: Torture Garden Toronto is assuredly going to be a “can’t miss” event on every one’s calenders on the East Coast for years to come. It truly was just that good.

Montréal Fetish Weekend - Montréal, Quebec - September

Grade: D-

I hate to end this missive on a somewhat down note – but it really can’t be avoided. I have few very nice things to say about the Montréal Fetish Weekend. Drawing from the chorus of complaints I have heard since our return from the event in early September, it actually sounds like Lady J and I had a better time than a good portion of those who also made the journey to that beautiful, amazing French Canadian bastion that is the fantastic city of  Montréal. That is about where the superlatives end, however.

After five years of “maturing”, the event organizers, all two of them, should be ashamed of themselves.

One of the biggest complaints about the Montréal Fetish Weekend in years past has been that it’s really been a very expensive sojourn to a very wonderful city – for the abject benefit of a very select few people with egos that continuously need to be assuaged and massaged. While the posturing that has been reported in years past was somewhat less in evidence this year, overall the event was really nothing more than three packed-to-the rafters nightclub events that had but one purpose: turning a profit. Some of the usual Fetish icons were there, of course (we saw Jean Bardot in attendance on Friday evening, for instance). The first evening was held at a club location that was so inept and inadequately prepared to host such a large contingent of people – and the “event staff” seemed to have no issues with allowing a large throng of “street clothed” folk in without much of a second glance. This was to become a major source of contention for “veteran” Fetish Weekend party goers throughout the weekend. The lack of proper and adequately provided transportation (or available information about transportation) was also seen to be a major failing, and some of the “stage shows” presented were laughable at best and purely and simply obnoxious and objectionable at worst.

Yes, the Fetish Weekend – as expected – had a huge number of amazing costumes, fetish assemblages and uniforms to feast your eyes upon. This, however, simply isn’t enough of a reason to make the investment in attending all of the weekend’s events. There was very little that was “new” and “exciting” about this year’s efforts and a tremendous number of things that just seemed to be a poor rehash of previously-attempted activities. The amount of politics and hostility that seems to surround the event itself from the local professional community (!) was alarming, and certainly would tend to indicate why there is a competing “Fetish Weekend” event in Montréal being held in October that features almost all of the businesses and personalities within Le Belle Ville that noticeably stayed away from September’s annual, more “established” event. Of any event this summer, the Montréal Fetish Weekend was the one gathering I was personally looking so very forward to attending the most – and it was the one gathering that clearly disappointed. I wouldn’t accept another press junket to attend this event – nor would I certainly pay for an over-priced VIP Pass to attend this event  – anytime in the near future. If there is a next time, we’ll pay for the nights and events we want to see – and undoubtedly save a lot of money in the process.

As good as the previous events listed above honestly and truly were, the Montréal Fetish Weekend was clearly and just as truly that bad. I duly hope the organizing committee, both of them, learn from this year’s shortcomings – or at least take a lesson or two in “good event management” and “catering to your public rather than your own ego” from both Random Craig and Northbound Leather.

May the falling leaves bring us an amazing Autumn season of good friends, good times and greater prosperity!

Kardynyl SynysTyr

Erik von Gutenberg recommends HELL! the best monthly fetish party in Los Angeles. September 23, 2009 at the IVAR nightclub again. 6356 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028.

In the main chamber Industrial, EBM, future pop and noize! gogo bats staright from LA’s BATCAVE. bdsm and fetish performances by Charleyt B, Master D, Master Eragon, Mistress Melissa, Mistress Nicolette, Sir Nik, Paindancer, The Pope, The Professor, Meister Schmerz, SIN F!ST3D, Sir Skipdog, Goddess Soma, and the ladies of the dominion.

 

Local news from SF:

The SF fetish community is abuzz with the news that Wicked Grounds, the city’s first coffee shop and gallery catering specifically to kinksters, opened on September 16th!
http://www.wickedgrounds.com/WG/Home.html

For any business, it’s location, location, location, and at 289 8th St. just off Folsom, Wicked Grounds is at the perfect center of SF kink businesses. Fetish wear giants Stormy Leather/Stockroom, Mr. S and Madame S, and Leather Etc. are all within a block. Alt-porn giant kink.com is just a short walk away at 14th and Mission, as is the beloved community dungeon and playspace SF Citadel at Mission and 9th. A corset fancier visiting Dark Garden might even stroll over from Hayes Valley without breaking a sweat, and settle in for Ritual Coffee or Red Blossom tea.  The cafe features locally produced vegan baked goods and sandwiches as well as milkshakes and waffles. Kinksters gearing up for a night of play at Citadel can now be seen powering up on snacks and playing boardgames, while admiring the artwork on the pale cream walls. The first Wicked Grounds art show is of photographs by celebrity bondage artist Lochai; the next show is by yours truly, Suzanne Forbes.

LA correspondant Elisa Jaeger reports on the Labyrinth of Jareth, a high-fantasy masquerade party held every summmer in Hollywood. While not specifically a fetish event, there are many attendees who cross over from the fetish scene, and there is always a sizable contingent of folks rocking a dark fetish fairy look. This year also featured a special steampunk theme for the Friday night ball! photos by Violet Schrage of VioletPhotography- http://www.violetphotography.com/

Summer 2009

Surely if fairies and elves dance anywhere, it is on enchanted midsummer nights like this. The 12th Annual Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball on July 10 and 11th 2009 was indeed dreamy, sumptuous and magical. The Fae were out in full force, spreading their wings on the dance floor and partying with creatures of all sorts well into the night.

Produced by Sypher Studios, this event brings together amazing fantasy artists, special effects crew and costumers, resulting in a magical mix of mythology and fantasy. Stellar performances by Desert Sin, Drop Black Sky, Sylphirance, Stellamara, Stilt Circus and more entertained all of the wee and not so wee fairies, dragons, wizards, mermaids, elves, and magical creatures who came through the doors.

Special guest DJ Xian from Malediction Society fame added her own unique mix to the 80’s, ballroom, trip-hop, Celtic and electro eclectic playlist. And a new feature for this year: The Goblin Clockworks special “Steampunk” theme for Friday night’s event. The roaming performance group, Wandering Marionettes, also added to the supernatural ambiance of the event.

The creativity, craftsmanship and sheer imagination that went into all of the performances, sets and costumes is indescribable, as “LoJ” (the nick-name given to the event by repeat attendees) becomes larger and more extravagant each year. LoJ is the culmination of months of costume-making for most, where they can finally don the incredibly detailed fantasy garb, sharing and showing off to each other. And among the whispers heard upon exiting the event: “I wonder what I should be next year…”

Erik von Gutenberg recommends the art gallery exhibition BOUND INSIGHT in NYC.  ENJOY! smiles

Erik von Gutenberg recommends the weekly toy review with Mistress Darkniis. She knows the toys as no other and we are proud to have her on the blog reviewing toys & accessories!

Quiet in the house please!

The Mother of Sinvention has just the item to make it a relaxing Sunday!

From our lovely lady we have two versions of quiet time in the dungeon; the ball gag and the penis gag.

I am going to enjoy my peacefully quiet Sunday morning thanks to my Canadian friend at Church of Sinvention.

Erik von Gutenberg recommends the interview with Ancilla Tilia and her interview with her favorite dress, it is all about blue and blue and blue…

Gorgeous Dutch Playmate and international Model, Ancilla Tilia, looks stunning in her shiny latex Aviator uniform for this sexy interview, discussing why it’s a favorite outfit and just how …

Erik von Gutenberg announces the winner from the photo shoot during the last MARQUIS FETISH BALL July 18 in San Francsico!

Marissa won with 3.99 points average with the highest score!

Thanks to all participants and all were fabulous and all went in front of the camera and showed beauty and inspiration! It was such a fabulous night and that only due to you participating at the photo shoot, dancing, chatting, playing and much more!

Marissa, thank you and please mail us at press@marquisamerica.com

The next fetish Ball will come and will happen on December 5 at the same venue in San Francisco for naughty Christmas! Come to dress to Impress again! San Francisco the center of the fetish world and alternative  lifestyle, which you will be able to witness as well during the FOLSOM STREET FAIR coming up this September.

Fetish Greetings to all and especially Marissa and see you all again December 5 at the supperclub at 9pm in San Francisco with Rubberdoll and many more Fetish Vixens.

www.vongutenbergfetishball.com

Erik von Gutenberg recommends the GIRLS IN RUBBER at the hard rock hotel in Las Vegas on Halloween.

Las Vegas’ only Fetish Dance Companyos the featured show at this year’s Fetish & Fantasy Ball on October 31, at the Hard Rock Hotel, in Las Vegas.

http://www.halloweenball.com/index2.html

World-renowned bondage artist Lew Rubens alerts us to this special event in San Francisco, CA!

BDSM Musical to Premiere in San Francisco

Sacred Pain: The Heroine’s Journey

 Performing arts group Sacred Pain will present their first show, “Sacred Pain: The Heroine’s Journey,” September 12, 2009. The play is an “edgy blend of musical theater and avant garde performance art–a mixed media performance of authentic BDSM content.” The adults-only performance features SF Bay Area performers and musicians including the colorful and talented accordionist, Duckmandu, and rigging by world-renowned bondage expert Lew Rubens. The cast includes popular performers and models Jen Shae, Maya Paradox, Sasha Lexing, Eden Fairsea, Jay Smith and others. The producer and writer, Jack Killough, is a former producer and member of the notorious San Francisco theater group the Cockettes. Killough said, “We believe this is a first-of-a-kind performance that could only be conceived and presented in San Francisco; we’d probably be arrested for it anywhere else.”

 The Heroine’s Journey is a two act musical, part drama and part parody, and presents the “Damsels in Distress” story as its own “Heroes’ Journey” as characterized by Joseph Campbell in his influential book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Future titles include “Sacred Pain: Beauty Punished” and “Sacred Pain: A Romance in Rope.” “Our performances will feature live music and storylines that inform spiritual and philosophical archetypes in straight faced parody of universal themes such as the damsel in distress and the action/adventure genre. In addition to great entertainment we hope to educate the public on the much misunderstood subject of BDSM,” says executive producer and lead singer, Maya Paradox.

 The performance will be presented at Mama Calizo’s Voice Factory, next to the Center for Sex and Culture, 1519 Mission, San Francisco, September 12^th, 9:00 PM. Tickets are available online from Brown Paper Tickets, https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/78007. One night only!

For more information, contact DLH Productions, 510-334-2464 or sacredpain@comcast.net.

Here’s something really exciting in fetish art news: the second annual Art Undressed erotic art exposition on 1446 E. Washington Blvd. in Los Angeles, the cornerstone of the LA International Erotic Art Weekend!

http://www.artundressed.net/

It sounds like LA is the place to be this weekend if you’re interested in erotic art!
Opening Thursday, September 10th at 6 PM and continuing to Saturday September 12th at 2 AM, the three day event features award winning erotic art, live music, fashion shows, a body painting at competition, and other live entertainment. On Saturday, the last day of the exposition, there will be a costume party, themed The Good, The Bad, and The Kinky, where attendees are asked to show their true selves with no reservation while representing the entire spectrum from innocent to down right deviant. A mere $15 gets you access to the world’s best erotic art from all ages including paintings, sculptures, photographs and more.

 

“Me stand and have to wait in a lineup? Moi? In all my fabulousness, and with this amazing smile? Fuck that!” ~ Fetish Model TheRichard, vocalizing his displeasure with having to wait in a line at an undisclosed event.

So another Montréal Fetish Weekend has come and gone. In a nutshell, there are two very distinct and strikingly different points of view to consider when attempting to author a summation of the long weekend’s festivities:

• If you identify, agree with or endorse the above quotation uttered from the lips of the “fabulous” TheRichard, then there’s a good chance that you had a fantastic time and were completely oblivious to some of the more disconcerting aspects of the Weekend that transpired, or;
• If you completely find the statement self-serving, arrogant, pretentious, and more than just a little assumptive and obnoxious, there’s a great chance that you’re all too aware of some of the disconcerting aspects of the Weekend that transpired – but you still probably had at least a pretty decent time during at least one of the weekend’s “main events”.

The truth, very simply put, is that there were some wonderful things about the Montréal Fetish Weekend. There were some memorable moments and some eye-boggling displays of Fetish Finery that would put any large-scale fetish event, anywhere in the world, to complete shame. The main functions for the weekend (two at Le Medley, a large and extremely accommodating and appropriate venue for such a large festival event; and one at Le Club Cleopatra, a smaller and purely inadequate space entirely too cramped and decrepit to host large crowds of finely attired Fetish folk) could all be described as “above average club nights”, for certain. The elaborate costumes and the extensive rubber, leather and PVC ensembles alone virtually guaranteed at least some memorable moments in each event attendee’s long-term memory.

Equally true, though, and in total objectivity and fairness, there were some aspects of the Montréal Fetish Weekend – after having five years of experience to rely upon – should have been better planned and executed. There were also several questionable incidents and “performances” that (to both an experienced purist and a relative newcomer alike) could best be described as “avoidable” and “inappropriate” at best – and downright offensive at worst.

What I noticed above all, however, was a clear division in opinions regarding the overall quality of the Montréal weekend. I spoke with several people during several different points in time and over all three main days of the event, and gathered a number of valuable opinions. Lady J, as ever always, was an extremely popular personality at the Weekend’s events and respects were given and paid to her by a large contingent of adoring acolytes. When casually asking any of these fine folks their thoughts about the weekend, there just didn’t seem to be lot of room for vague interpretation, or any “middle ground”. Some of the lovely event goers we spoke to were clearly having a fantastic time and raved that they couldn’t believe how much damned fun they were having. To a person, the opinions expressed by that group of people were all first-time event attendees: meaning none of them had ever attended a Montréal Fetish Weekend before. Conversely, those who had been celebrating the grandeur of the Fetish Weekend at least once before during the event’s five-year existence all had loud complaints.

In essence, those that had never experienced the event before understandably were having a grand time and were probably more than just a little over-excited and overwhelmed by the sheer delightful explosion of fetish livery on display in the downtown streets of Montréal (and especially Rue de Saint Catherine). At the same time, those who could be considered event “veterans”, when asked, were quite vociferous in their opinions – and some even red-faced outraged – over what appeared to nothing more than a recycled version of the exact same event that began five years ago with very little true change.

While there is definitely something to be said for the old adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, it is also true that at least an infusion of some fresh new (but appropriate) ideas would undoubtedly been more than welcomed by some of these fetish folks who have made the trek to downtown Montréal every Labour Day Weekend for the past five years.

What follows is a detailed account of what was good, bad and just downright ugly about the 2009 Montréal Fetish Weekend:

The Good:

The air at the host hotel, the Hotel Gouverneur, was electric from the moment Lady J and I first pulled up to the front door. Coincidentally, we were greeted by the fabulous and alluring Mistress Katina (one of Toronto’s best-known professional Dominas and a truly enticing and engaging spirit) before we even exited the car (affectionately named “Betty”, as in “Good Old Reliable Betty Boop”). In her usual effusive, engaging and completely affectionate way, Mistress Katina gave us both a warm reception – greatly appreciated after the five-hour drive to Montréal – and positively informed us that she “expected, as usual, to have a great time.” While Lady J excused herself and went inside to attend to the matters of checking in, I was introduced to some other members of Mistress Katina’s immediate circle of friends – some incredible people who would play an enormous role in helping me laugh and relax with their amazing humour, wit and charm well into the wee hours of the Saturday night to come. After saying our “a bientots” to Mistress Katina and her gaggle of gorgeous friends, I joined Lady J in a fairly lengthy line-up of fetish folks checking into the hotel – and all in good spirits and excitedly looking forward to the weekend ahead. As mentioned, it was an electric start to the event and we were both looking forward to seeing more at Friday Night’s opening party at Le Club Cleopatra. The evening got even better as Lady J’s incredible Handmaiden, the incomparable Angelically Depraved and her adoring husband, the over-the-top handsome Skull Bill (both making an exhausting 13 hour drive from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to be with us for the weekend) arrived to share the room (and the next several days) in anticipated revelry. After a quick bite to eat, our foursome got dressed: Lady J chose to wear a collection of leather goodness consisting of a long, butter-soft leather skirt, an absolutely perfect over-the-bust leather corset procured earlier in the year from Northbound Leather, shoulder length leather gloves paired with very tall platform gothic buckle boots, and topped off with a custom-made chain and leather neck piece. Angelically Depraved was adorned in a custom-designed chain and leather halter and skirt that to describe as “just a little revealing” would be one of the classic understatements of the entire weekend. Skull Bill and I … well, we’re men. Our choice of attire was considerably more toned down and far less interesting, but I must say of the two of us, Skull Bill truly looked far, far better than I in his trappings throughout the weekend. Friday evening was truly no exception. After taking a few photos, we headed down the street and into the night … and unfortunately, that’s all I can report that was “good” about Friday night.

Saturday Night, though … was exceptional. The Latextacy Ball was, in absolute fairness, worth the drive to Montréal and the price of the ticket, alone, for all those who dove deep into their pockets. The fashion show – a continuous display of latex excellence from some incredibly talented designers. The performers were rock solid. One performance in particular stands tall in my collective memory: a man dressed in one of the most amazing “circus like” costumes I’ve ever had the pleasure to see picked up a seven foot tall metal pyramid – and promptly started spinning it about his body. When the pyramid lit up in a neon buffet of delicious color, the crowd exploded. It was one of the highlights of the entire weekend for me, that performance. Directly after the pyramid spinning came a trio of spinners who held their own for the appreciative crowd, spinning batons, umbrellas and “Neon Poi” to the delight of the gathered throng. The outfits, of course, were mostly exemplary. Our entourage had an amazing time on Saturday Night, and the host, Eric Paradis, is to be commended and lauded to the highest degree for putting on one of the best Fetish displays and parties I believe this hemisphere has seen in a long, long time.

The Victorian Ball on Sunday evening was billed as a “play party”: but sadly there was just too much going on in Le Medley for anyone to really take advantage of the outstanding stations assembled by Porte Rouge (a dungeon equipment manufacturer from Toronto). I will discuss the travesty that was the “stage show” at the “Ugly” phase of this review and exactly why I felt this particular party simply destroyed all the good feeling built up from such an exceptional Saturday night. What I can say about the Sunday event, though, is that if it was possible to out-do the fetish wear in assemblage that night, Sunday certainly was second in quality to the overall weekend’s events. We had a good time, essentially - despite what you are going to read later on in this review under the “Ugly” section - and it was a fitting send-off for the long drive home the following day.

The Bad:

We were told Le Club Cleopatra, on Friday night, was only “two blocks” and “a five minute walk, tops” away from the hotel. Wrong! It was actually at least five blocks away and a good 20 minute hike away from the corner of St. Hubert and St. Catherine Streets where the hotel is located (and with the ladies in skyscraper heels, this was no mean feat). I had a moment of trepidation when the event staff at first couldn’t locate the pass that had been left for me at the front door – and one of the girls twittered excitedly in French about how terrible I personally looked in Lycra pants (yes honey, I do speak and understand French to a fairly comprehensive degree). The girls managed to find my pass, however, and we entered the venue and prepared for a night’s worth of extreme fetish fun. It wasn’t. The venue was ridiculously over-crowded to the point where our foursome ended up near the washrooms against a far back wall just in order to get a place to stand with a bit of breathing room – but in fairness we did get to see the remains of what appeared to be a pretty decent stage performance (described in an earlier “Live Blog from Montréal”). I must admit, gentle reader, I was not comfortable in that crushing crowd of people – a good portion of which did not show up in any kind of “fetish” attire at all. There was a dismaying number of blue jeans and T-Shirts in the assemblage – a fact we were further loudly informed about (back at the hotel later in the evening) by a very upset attendee from Pennsylvania who questioned the reasoning and validity for shelling out (up to) $175.00 for an event VIP pass to attend a fetish event that advertised itself with a “strict dress code enforcement policy” when that quite obviously wasn’t the case. In fact, all through the weekend, I was astonished (and more than just a little perturbed myself) at the amount of people walking into the events dressed in obvious “street clothes” – yes, even at a Victorian Ball a modern business suit is still a modern business suit even though you might be wearing a cheap dime store plastic mask, people – who had Montréal Fetish Weekend VIP passes draped around their necks. To my way of thinking, if you purchase a VIP ticket for a large fetish event that would tend to indicate you are expected to participate accordingly: the very least some of these people could have done was purchased a pair of leather pants and a fishnet or sheer top. Regardless of whether they had purchased a pass or not, the people who came to this event and made absolutely no effort to “dress appropriately” should have been refused entrance by the event staff at the front door.

There are event attendees who spend thousands of dollars – not to mention those who pour hundreds of work hours into custom-hand crafted creations of their own – into looking their best for an event of this nature and to allow the “jeans and T-Shirt” contingent as much access within the sanctuary of the party itself is, pure and simple, an infuriating insult. This should be a lesson to all event organizers: if you charge premium prices for VIP passes to a fetish event, you should stick hard and fast to the “enforced dress code policy”. It’s the masses that do take the time to dress and look amazing that have their photos taken and promote your events, time after time, on websites and in printed magazines. It’s they that you need to cater to and listen when they express concerns of this nature. If you need to refund the full price for five or six people that were refused entrance to your party even though they didn’t obey the very conditions outlined (i.e., strict fetish wear enforcement) when purchasing the VIP pass, then so be it. It doesn’t make sense to alienate 100 people who paid full price and followed the “dress code” enthusiastically for the sake of pocketing a few hundred extra bucks from those who have no intention of dressing appropriately – let alone who have any clue about what the word “community” happens to mean.

We attended a number of the seminars given on Saturday afternoon. The first one, as described in an earlier “live blog” post, was outstanding. I would take any number of classes from Dunter, the presenter, anytime. He was an excellent teacher and the class he gave was first class. The beautiful, articulate and truly amazing Contessa Alura followed and gamely tried to present a breath play workshop – but she admittedly had some troubles with a “no show” from her intended demonstration partner (kudos to the girl known as Cat for stepping in to help at the absolute last minute), the constant interference from two of the gallery members who thought they knew more than she did (they didn’t), and the simple fact she didn’t have enough time to present a topic of such gravity in the window of opportunity afforded her. I thought she was an excellent presenter, though – and has great potential to be one of the top educators and facilitators in Canada. I hope this experience doesn’t deter her from wanting to do more instructional workshops: the Lady handled the adversity with amazing class, elegance and true professionalism. The last seminar I (somewhat) attended was given by a man whom I thought was a little too into himself to pay appropriate attention to the safety of his volunteer subject – and his “scene” ended up going somewhat horribly wrong at the start. By all accounts, he spoke about himself too much; didn’t really care to show the entire room what exactly it was he was doing; and delivered in the end a somewhat “satisfactory” demonstration on rope bondage. Lady J, in fairness however, did say that she learned a couple of new things from him – which is saying something – so perhaps with some practise and a little more attention to proper teaching techniques and the safety of his volunteer, this man could be, as well, an exceptional presenter.

The only eye-rolling event of Saturday night was a “rock star show” on stage, while an extremely intriguing suspended hoop aerial performer was giving the performance of her life twenty feet above the crowd. I wonder if the guitar players were even aware that hardly anyone in  that crowd was paying any attention to them – and devoting all their attentions on the aerial display? There was barely a ripple when they finished their performance and quietly left the stage – but there was thunderous applause a few moments later when the performer was finished her acrobatics. The guitar players were, of course, known to the crowd – and I will spare them any embarrasment from mentioning who they were. I heard a number of people mumbling something to the effect that “it’s the same schlock and schtick every single year – when are they going to realize no-one wants it?”

These were the only “bad” things I can say about Saturday, though. All in all it was really a good day – and night.

The Ugly:

I had scheduled an interview with Eric Paradis, one of the two (!) event organizers of the Montréal Fetish Weekend (Note: there is a mountain of politics involved in the Montréal community and our foursome got earful after earful about it as we ventured from store to store on buying missions across the downtown core of the city. It is too lengthy to get into a dissertation about here: but suffice to say the notable absence of several past professional models and related businesses could hardly have come as a surprise considering the amount of contempt I personally bore witness to, at several retail locations, for the event itself) for Friday evening. Unfortunately, he choose not to have that discussion with me at that time – and he was far too busy the rest of the weekend to speak with me. I do not fault him for this – but there are some questions that I would dearly love to have answered in regards to the events that transpired at the Victorian Ball on Sunday evening.

Without pulling any punches, there was one “performance” that bordered on the obscene – and one that was outright disgusting, inappropriate, questionable and sent completely the wrong message to newcomers and established fetish and SM folk alike.

There was some kind of weird SM-related demonstration going on-stage, in which I believe was supposed to entice the crowd to start engaging in various bondage and SM-related play at the stations – but the crowd was far too interested in continuing to dance than they were in actually utilizing the equipment. Most of it went unused, by my observations, until quite, quite late into the evening when the crowds had thinned considerably. I will refrain from commenting on the “demonstrations” themselves – except to say they were absolutely pathetic. The central demonstration, given by someone whom should have known better, was just simply laughable in its presentation.

The “obscene” scene, in my opinion (and I am sure there are several who actually thought the performance was inventive and outstanding) involved one of the male models, an over-sized phallus, and about seventy-two gallons of spurting liquid. You can use your imagination, I am sure. The best part of that performance, to be sure, was the end of it – when the event organizer himself somehow had the responsibility of having to clean and mop that stage of that mess. I felt badly for him: it had to be somewhat humiliating having to be seen with a mop cleaning up the remains of a “gargantuan simulated body fluid bath”. The start of that particular performance showed great promise: the same male model used a modified electric violin to give his two female model counterparts a hot shower of glowing sparks (obviously some kind of hidden grinder in the violin interacting with the metal bow he was using). Aside from my wonderment at whether the latex clothing they were all wearing survived the flying spark show intact, it was a fantastic start to the performance set. If they had of ended the performance right there, it would have been viewed as a triumph. Unfortunately, the giant dong and “fluids” came next and … well … it just cheapened and destroyed the overall effect of their entire efforts.

The “performance” that I personally felt was offensive and completely unnecessary involved two male models (I will not mention their names, it isn’t fair to them as they were only doing as probably instructed) wandering into the crowd to “abduct” two girls in school girl uniforms, and carry them back, kicking and thrashing, over their shoulders and back onto the stage – where a simulated “rape scene” took place. Of course, the “school girls” somehow got the upper hand and their “revenge” by “overpowering” the male models, pseudo-taping them back to back - and proceeding to kick, stomp, punch, face-slap, bite and generally heap utter abuse on their former “tormentors”. Now I am not a prude by any means and we all have “dark places” in the recesses of our minds in which such deviant thoughts do inhabit – but a fetish event is not the place to be showcasing a message that “rape” and “retribution”, no matter how staged, is remotely appropriate. A man in Toronto was recently crucified and completely ostracized from the general community in a very, very public way for compromising someone in a seemingly non-consensual way: does such a scene, then, displayed in front of hundreds of people, qualify as “okay” and “appropriate” simply because it was done under the auspices of a large sanctioned event? Not only, in my opinion, does this kind of performance send exactly the wrong message about what sadomasochism is supposed to be all about (safe, sane and consensual), but it only serves to further reinforce the stereotype that SM … is violence. It isn’t: it’s another way to love amongst those that practice the art with those they respect, adore and cherish. The performance was in extreme poor taste and, quite frankly, showed exactly just how little regard and understanding there still exists towards SM – the very root of those that love their varied and valued fetishes and SM-related adornments. The event organizer really should be ashamed for allowing such garbage to infest and putrefy what otherwise would have been described as a “pretty decent affair.” After five years of party planning experience, he should have known better.

I had my own issues and challenges to deal with during my stay in Montréal: I freely admit Lady J, Angelically Depraved and Skull Bill deserve a gold medal each for having to put up with my building frustration and indignation about what I felt was a substandard over-all event. The highlight was so very high – Saturday night’s party was exceptional and worth the price of the ticket alone. But the low points, as described above, certainly made me feel quite glad to be home. I also completely realize I am not going to win a lot of new friends with this review – but I also cannot in good conscience give a glowing and false opinion about an event I felt was completely inferior to any of the events that preceeded it this summer. Northbound Leather’s Pride event was enormous fun … Subspace and Torture Garden were both absolutely perfect and far, far superior to the Montréal Fetish Weekend each on its own … and the Church Street Fetish Fair was a great day with fantastic people under very trying, hot conditions.

I just wish the Montréal Fetish Weekend had of lived up to its advance promise and not been only a single evening of exceptional fun. I truly hope the organizers learn from the mistakes of the past years, collectively (and I am told there have been several), and present a far more “Community minded effort” for the global fetish community as a whole, rather than massage the egos of a select few who seem to believe anything and everything they touch will instantly turn into fetish gold.

Yes, dozens of people had a great time, to be sure. It must be said that my three companions, I believe, certainly have their own opinions about what was fabulous and what wasn’t in Montréal this past weekend. Dozens more – and I spoke personally with several of them and on the record - did not and probably won’t be coming back, mainly commenting on all of the issues I have touched on above. I think that alone is a shame – and I can only hope the organizers learn not to rest on past laurels, and learn that “pushing the envelope” does not always equate into “instant acceptance and success”. Au revoir, Montréal, et écoutez-bien.

(Photos: The images displayed are in no way related to the accompanying text – they are presented in somewhat chronological order only. No attempt has been made to associate any of the models or attendees with any inference related to the express opinions of the author. Any assumption of such association would be incorrect.)

Erik von Gutenberg recommends the weekly toy review with Mistress Darkniis. She knows the toys as no other and we are proud to have her on the blog reviewing toys & accessories!

Cold Steel has a very nasty whip-like solution called a ‘Sjambok’.

In Africa, the Sjambok (Sham-Bawk) is a cattle prod, a whip, a riding crop and a means of self-protection. Unlike most western style whips, the Sjambok is not plaited from thin leather thongs. Instead, it is carved whole out of very thick Hippopotamus hide. Its considerable reach, lightning speed and devastating impact have built it quite a reputation as a sure defense against deadly snakes. Since the Sjambok is swung like a rod or stick and not cracked like a conventional western style whip, the weight, speed and flexibility of the Sjambok’s lash does all the work and little skill is required to wield it effectively.

Today Hippo hide is pretty scarce and not commercially viable, so Cold Steel has produced a synthetic version of the classic Sjambok. Featuring a thick, beefy lash, injection molded from polypropylene and equipped with a soft comfortable Kraton handle designed to resemble braided leather, their synthetic Sjambok rivals the look and performance of even the most expensive originals.

This little meany comes in 42 and 54 inch lengths. As you can see from the photo it IS flexible. It is like weilding a stiff leather cane. It feels and marks like a cross between a whip and a cane. It will leave behind cane-like welts and will mark through clothing. It does not take much strength or force to weild a Sjambok – so do use common sense and caution!

If you are into knife play you need to go and visit the Cold Steel website. They also have a selection of DVD’s available for self defense techniques with many of the specialized products that they sell.

Exclusive Toy review for Erik von Gutenberg, thank you Mistress Darkniis!

We awoke early this morning with an excitement about what Saturday at the Montreal Fetish Weekend would have in store for us. Our foursome ventured out into the sunny Montreal day and spent some time taking in appreciation of the incredible Metro Subway System. I’d heard that the Montreal Metro was the only major subterranean public transportation system that actually ran on rubber tires rather than on rails – but it was still an astonishment (and a mechanical delight) to actually see the system in action.

We took the subway to Atwater Station – and proceeded into the confines of what was once one of the true cathedrals of ice hockey, the old Montreal Forum. The edifice has been converted into a movie theatre, shops and restaurants: but unlike the equally iconic Maple Leaf Gardens in my adopted hometown of Toronto, it still retains some of the grandeur and the history in its walls and even on its floor. The old ice surface that saw so many Stanley Cup victories has been “preserved” as a painted representation of where the playing surface once was, and the first upper level is filled with photos of championship ice hockey teams and other smaller memorabilia collections in a terrific homage to a nearly-forgotten sporting era. This reported couldn’t hold back a few tears when, upon exiting the building’s south side, coming to stand directly overtop of a giant “Hollywood Star” type memorial in the sidewalk directly in front of the South Entrance. The name on the star should be instantly recognized amongst sporting fans world-wide: Maurice Richard.

From the old Forum, it was off to the large Sex City store where we needed to purchase some latex attire for this coming evening’s Latextacy party. I must tell you, dear reader: you simply must make a side trip to that store should you happen to find yourself in Montreal. The collection of Polymorphe latex alone is worth the trip: you’ll just have to take my word on that. I’ve not seen a finer collection (except, of course, at Northbound Leather in Toronto) which showcases such an assortment of fine latex adornments.

After taking the time to do a bit more shopping, our entourage headed back to the host hotel to partake in the afternoon’s seminar and workshop offerings. Again, and in the spirit of fairness and objectiveness, I shall not get into a deep dissection or dissertation of the relative merits and/or failings of these seminars at this stage. But it must be said that the seminar given on Pressure Points and Control by an exceptional gentleman known as  Dunter was truly a pleasure and an absolute joy to be a participant in. It was one of the best “how to” seminars I’ve ever witnessed – and I wouldn’t hesitate to take in another class from this amazing man again.

Contessa Alura followed with an enthusiastic discussion about Breath Control. She really is an excellent speaker and I believe she is (or could be) an exceptional facilitator: but it must be said that given the scope and gravity of such a topic and only a single hour to attempt to cover every aspect of safety, technique and emergency response safeguards, she simply wasn’t able to present quite the seminar/workshop that I believe she would have wished to present to such a large contingent (the room was over-flowing with interested workshoppers). She simply wasn’t given enough time to be able to present everything she needed to: and it clearly showed. Not once did this amazing woman lose her composure, and she gamely tried to present as much material in so limited a time as she could – and she did an amazing job (especially considering the constant interference of at least two gallery members who verily insisted that their own voices be heard throughout her presentation). She handled the adversity with the class, dignity and professionalism that a true Lady and woman of Power would be expected to – and I’m looking forward to seeing more of her teachings in the future.

The final presentation I (sort of) attended was given by a rope bondage “expert” who goes by the name of Dov. I cannot give an objective review of this workshop: An incident happened which I felt was completely avoidable and resulted in an embarrassing pratfall for the young lady who volunteered to be his subject for his seminar (she had been bound with her hands behind her back and somewhat brusquely jerked off her feet – where her head met an ill-placed metal chair – after being told by the instructor that she could “trust him”). I didn’t feel comfortable staying for the remainder of the seminar and decided to withdraw at that point. In fairness, Lady J did stay for the remainder of the workshop and did have some positive feedback about the remainder – she felt that she learned a little bit more, at least, than she knew before coming into the workshop.

As mentioned, tonight is the Latextacy party – the main event of the Montreal Fetish Weekend. A report of the event will be forthcoming …

Kardynyl SynysTyr

The Montreal Fetish Weekend, an annual Labour Day weekend tradition in Canada’s second most populous city, kicked off Thursday evening with a Glam Lingerie Party in one of downtown Montreal’s popular clubs. By all accounts, it was a wonderful evening and a perfect start to a much-anticipated kink and fetish filled weekend.

Lady J and I missed last night’s event, and spent the majority of Friday first preparing to, and then finally traveling to, Montreal. We checked into the host hotel, the fabulous Gouveneur in the heart of Montreal’s vibrant downtown (right at the corner of infamous Rue Saint-Catherine and Rue St. Hubert. Right away, we were joined in the lobby by a bevy of excited Fetish Weekend guests who simply couldn’t wait for their weekends to commence. We exchanged pleasantries with good friends (it was a real lovely welcome to Montreal that the absolutely gorgeous Mistress Katina of Toronto gave us the moment we walked in the door – thank you for that, you spectacular woman and magnificent Domina!) and managed to join in a few lively conversations with some fine folks who made the trek from as far away as Dallas, Texas and Los Angeles, California.

Friday night’s events were a Fetish Film Festival and a Circus of Sin Meet and Greet Party at the fantastic Club Cleopatra a few short blocks from the host hotel. Due to the lateness of our arrival, Lady J and I could only attend the latter – and while a full review of the entire weekend’s revelry will be available later in the weekend, it must be said that the Circus of Sin certainly lived up to its advanced billing. The event hall was full of happy, excited fetish folk who eagerly engaged in “eating up” everything the host, Master Sin, offered up for the evening’s entertainment. From the eye-popping opening dance sequences to a well-choreographed and staged “liquid smoke cage scene” (you had to see it to believe it – a metal cage with a lovely gas-masked girl inside; the cage wrapped in plastic wrap; and summarily filled with a thick, hazy “smoke” as she breathed through her gas mask tube connected to an airway made in the plastic wrap – all in all, an amazing piece of performance art), everyone in attendance was having a great time and openly commenting at the marvelous collection of fetish wear ensembles put together by the various guests.

The party was still going in full swing – both inside the venue and outside it – by the time our little group departed. Lady J and I are joined this weekend by her adoring, lovely and committed Handmaiden – the incomparable Angelically Depraved - and her equally incomparable, handsome to a fault husband Skull Bill. Our foursome will be conferring on the rest of the weekend’s various events, from some of the seminars to the scheduled parties, all the way leading up the Grand Finale Sunday night, so that Your Humble Narrator can give you a somewhat up-to-date “live blog” of the Montreal Fetish Weekend should you not have been fortunate enough to attend it this year.

Thus far there are tremendous upsides and a few downsides (aren’t there always?), and our little dedicated group of Canadians will try to bring you as objective and complete a review of the weekend’s events, and in as “real time” as is permitted and possible.

Saturday, we’re scheduled to attend a few of the seminars at the host hotel, and then it’s off to the Main Ball, Latextacy, early in the evening. It promises to be an exceptional day …

Kardynyl SynysTyr

Erik von Gutenberg recommends Fetish Nation in Los Angles, one of the most premium fetish events happening in California.

LA’S BIGGEST MONTHLY FETISH-INDUSTRIAL DANCE CLUB
brought to you by the makers of HELL, Perversion, Batcave & many others
contained within hollywood’s most massive club venue:

Circus, 6655 santa monica blvd. (couple blocks east of highland), LA, CA 90038.

print either flyers above for REDUCED ENTRANCE FEE
and FREE PARKING BEFORE 11PM.
EARLY ARRIVAL VERY STRONGLY SUGGESTED.

next FN: saturday, september 12
featuring your favorite back-to-school theme:
naughty school girls vs. punitive catholic nuns

hosted by international fetish model: ANASTASIA PIERCE

DVD Release Party for ASPHYXIATING ARIEL
Julie Simone releases the 6th installment of her
AVN Nominated series Vicious Vixxxens “Asphyxiating Ariel”
starring Summer Cummings, Julie Simone, and Ariel X.  
DVD giveaways, trailer loops, party with the stars.
www.JulieSimone.com/Wholesale.html 

book release party for
MATT ‘THE LORD’ ZANE’S
Transcendental Satanism
Doctrines Of The Infernal Process
www.myspace.com/MattTheLordZane

art show by
JUSTICE HOWARD
once upon a tease series
www.Justice Howard.com

didactic tutorial by
Dark Phoenix
and his mischievous students

Ritual Blessing by the Los Angeles
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

confession booth and satanic consultations by
Stanton LaVey

perverted, mesmerizing trailer loops by
Severe Society Films and Slain Wayne

electro-industrial dance music in
3 massive areas manipulated by dj/bp’s:
Robo-DM, AeonFlux, Dem6nSeed (HELL, Batcave)
Asphyxiation (Xile)
Krisz Klink (Kontrol Faktory)
Bruce Perdew, Sally (Perversion)

Erik von Gutenberg recommends Ava Garter, she is just great and unique and world known burlesque star.She offers that class for women who need the 6 series class all in one evening. The stiletto camp at the foresight studio Silverlake in Los Angeles!

A few short years ago, a young fellow living in Toronto started hosting small-scale get-togethers (with a fetish theme, of course) at his modest home. It didn’t take very long – one event, actually – for that man to realize he was going to need a bigger space if he wanted to continue to try and host an event that would bring friends and other like-minded people together. So, this young man – who has never used a “scene” moniker and is known simply as “Craig” (or “Craiger”, to his friends) – on the advice of some close compatriots decided to take his house gatherings and make them a little larger in order to accomodate the demand he was getting from people wishing to attend one of his off-the-scale fun gatherings.

Thus was the first Subspace event created in Toronto – and that event has continued to be a major draw for both young and impressionable, and old and experienced, SM practitioners for quite some time.

But Craig soon found he was running into the same old problem: The demand and desire for attendance at the Subspace event was just getting too overwhelming. When asked what the solution was, Craig responded to his closest confidants in the only way he really could: “We need a bigger house.”

Without going into a major history of Subspace, suffice to say that the eventual result from the demand for more and more space – and larger attendance – led Craig to cross paths with Alan Pelling and David Wood, the original founders and facilitators who created London’s revolutionary Torture Garden club concept. While the “franchise” had been featured in several European cities from Paris to Moscow and has even made appearances in Tokyo and New York City over the years, Toronto had never really received any serious consideration as a possible host city for the iconic weekend-long event. That is until Craig managed to convince them that Toronto was indeed a perfect choice, and more than a suitable worldly cousin, as the location for the first Canadian iteration of the globe-trekking party machine that has become Torture Garden “International”.

So where do we start? Certainly there were superlatives – it goes without saying the costumes, the make-up, the accessories were beyond exemplary, of course and as one would expect at such a gathering – and as with every first-time large scale event, Torture Garden Toronto did indeed have its share of problems. So it would probably be best to speak a little about the downsides to the weekend, and in the spirit of keeping an eye on improvement for next year. So let’s see … the downsides … hmmm … give Your Humble Narrator a few moments to think and I’m sure I’ll come up with at least something of a downside to the weekend …

Truth be told, there really were very few negative things to be “picked on” about Torture Garden Toronto. In the spirit of objectivity, however, it should be said that perhaps the venue chosen (a rather old and somewhat decrepitly adorned relic known as The Opera House) for Saturday night’s main event wasn’t the absolute best possible location for such a staggering event. My life mate and loving partner in this life, the incomparable Lady J, didn’t find the venue quite as unwelcoming as I did: and I do have to stress my criticisms here are quite, quite miniscule. Apart from having completely inadequate bathroom facilities; two sets of stairs that would make most amusement park ”Wacky Shack” designers envious (there were more than just a few complaints from the high-heeled and booted party goers about those desperately-in-need-of-repair stairs, believe me); and perhaps maybe a tad too many people crammed into the confines of the old Opera House at the height of the festivities, there really wasn’t anything alarming or glowing wrong that could be pointed out – let alone harped upon. There was an enthusiastic, well-behaved, excited and delectable throng in attendance Saturday night – probably more than even the original Torture Garden founders could anticipate. And I’d heard whispers that Craig was a bit concerned about attendance? He really shouldn’t have worried. Toronto’s fetish community did very well in welcoming not only the event to Canada itself – but also being cordial and helpful to visiting internationals who made the jaunt into our lovely city to partake in the weekend’s festivities.

A point could be made about the abruptness and outright rude comportment of some of the Opera House staff: Craig’s Subspace parties are reknown for excellent staffers providing excellent service, and in the case of Torture Garden Toronto the “usual staff of suspects” were indeed present and were as amazingly friendly and helpful as they ever are. However, in fairness I don’t believe Craig had any control over the Opera House front of house staff or the beverage servers – and they were sometimes brutal. It doesn’t behoove venue staff well when they spend some time showing open contempt and whispering ridiculing remarks about certain guests (and their attire) as they walked through the doors or make snide remarks while pouring guest’s drinks. These incidents were not widespread, though: These were isolated incidents and, frankly, I’m quite sure similar “incidents” happen at nightclubs everywhere on each and every night and occasion. But I have to have something from a “downside” perspective to report on, don’t I?

Conversely, I could go on and on with enthusiastic endorsements of what went right at Torture Garden Toronto. I’ll limit my comments to a few brief highlights, though, for brevity’s sake.

For starters, allow me to say this: Lady J and I were absolutely destroyed and simply not really wanting to venture out into the night for Saturday’s main event. We had spent the better part of the week – and especially the previous two days – trying desperately to finish a move from my beloved little loft apartment into a much larger, more comfortable house-sized dwelling. Without divulging too much information, suffice to say that the move went horrifically wrong at some points – and while we managed to get everything actually done (I’m still trying to figure out how we did it, really), we certainly were in absolutely no shape (let alone positive mind frame) to attend a fetish party, no matter how unique and ground-breaking for Toronto it may have been (and eventually was). Regardless, I had a job to do, and having gotten somewhat closer to Craig in the previous month leading up to Torture Garden Toronto I felt I couldn’t let him down by not giving the event my fullest, professional attention and doing an objective reporting about his selfless and tireless efforts to unleash this somewhat uncertain new venture upon a hungry and fetish-famished, clamouring crowd of Southern Ontario kinky types.

So with heavy eyes and even heavier boot-clad feet, Lady J and I trudged down Queen Street and sidled as non-conspicuously as we could inside the doors of The Opera House and entered the mystifying confines of the Torture Garden. There is only a single thing I can say about that very moment, my friends: We knew the moment the we walked through the front doors that we were in the presence of something very special. There was an undeniable electricity in the air – very different from anything we’d ever experienced before in Toronto – and both Lady J and I were immediately re-energized. We spent the next several hours delighting in the fashion shows  and having our ears drink in voraciously the excellent selection of music (the stage was at a perfect height and visible to all, of course, being an old theatre). We marvelled at the well-designed (and even better maintained and monitored) playspace areas (coyly and brilliantly staged in what would have been the old balcony of the theatre and the old projection/lighting booth behind it) and we gaped in wonder and with excited whispers at the various exhibitions that enveloped the perimeter of the main party and dance floor (we both agreed that we simply must have one of those vacuum benches manufactured for our own lovely new Dungeon!). I wanted to spend some time in discussion with a talented body painter/artist who goes by the name Ark Angel, but she was so incredibly busy she barely had a chance to look up once and take her focus away from the frenzied pace of her amazing work. Her living masterpieces livened up the halls, doorways and vestibules of every corner of The Opera House throughout the evening and certainly provided a certain dramatic flair (and counterpoint to all the leather, latex and PVC for that matter).

While the somewhat expected presence of extreme body piercers, suspension artists and body modification aficiandos (which have become the trademark of any number of Torture Garden photo spreads in any number of fetish-related magazines throughout the years) was indeed sorely lacking, the sheer level of artistry displayed in the costumes and ensembles was certainly shades above the norm usually enjoyed and referred to as “eye candy” by the adoring Toronto fetish crowd. You simply couldn’t turn your head without your eyes being deliciously assaulted by the visage of some ethereal creature that you just couldn’t tear your gaze away from. In that respect, and despite the absence of the “over the top and extreme” practitioners, Torture Garden Toronto certainly compared favourably with, and holds up well when compared to, its European, Asian and American counterparts.

Yes, it is true that there were indeed other events other than the main event on Saturday night. There was a “Meet and Greet” on the Friday evening at the Reverb location (where the Subspace events are generally held every month) that featured an eye-popping performance by a rather risque human circus known as I Was Cured, who contributed an astonishing piercing and suspension display (by all accounts); and there was a closing event on Sunday evening in a much smaller, off the normally-beaten-track nightclub known as Club Neutral. Both of these events, while adequately attended and appreciated by those who came, simply paled in comparison to the grandeur that was the main gathering at The Opera House on Saturday night. Torture Garden Toronto was, quite emphatically, the best gathering of fetish folk – and the best outright party – this regional area has seen since last year’s Northbound Leather annual event (and we are quite certain this year’s Tribe by Northbound in October is going to be one amazing and unforgettable adventure as well). The North East region, and especially Southern Ontario, is becoming quite the in-demand hotbed of activity for fetish-minded folk looking to attend larger and more “upscale” events – and our area is quite fortunate to have mainstays such as Northbound Leather and their excellent array of events appropriately complimented by new, exciting ventures such as Torture Garden.

This coming weekend, the journey continues, as Lady J and I are off to report on the various happenings and events scheduled for the Montreal Fetish Weekend. If any of you dedicated fetish folk will be in Montreal September 4th to 6th, please do stop and say hello – and let us know your thoughts and feedback. It will be a perfect way to close out a truly tremendous summer of undeniable fetish fun. We’ll be celebrating the arrival of Autumn with a fantastic time in Canada’s own version of “The Eternal City”, the beautiful Ville de Montreal – why don’t the lot of you come and celebrate with us?

While you’re at it, why not plan ahead and reserve your spots for Torture Garden Toronto next year? If this initial effort is any kind of indication of the quality of good times to be had by all at future iterations, then next year’s event is certainly best described as a “can’t miss weekend” on your 2010 Summer calendars. I’m certainly more than impressed with this year’s offering …

Kardynyl SynysTyr

(Photos from Torture Garden Toronto will be available for view shortly and upon approval by the event organizers. Photos of Torture Garden courtesy of Torture Garden Toronto website.)