Fashions in leather vinyl-patent & latex

[Chicago? : s.n., circa 1965]. Octavo, illustrated self-wrappers, pp. 14, illustrated in black and white, light central crease. A rare early American vinyl and latex catalogue with a variety of products designed for fetishist sexplay. Includes latex bikinis, bloomers, custom made ladies dress suits, exercise suits, panties, gloves, aprons, raincapes, slacks, bras, boots, and other latexwear. The publisher is anonymous and the catalogue was probably distributed through sex shops and similar, however the mention of sales tax in Illinois suggests the publisher was located in that state, probably Chicago.

Discovering diversity during the sexual revolution.

The origins of Latex fetishism, or rubber fetishism, are traditionally attributed to the invention of the Mackintosh raincoat in 1824. Originally a purely functional piece of waterproof outerwear, the raincoat like all garments evolves as a fashion object, and the unique materials and sensual nature of the latex produce an erotic effect on fetishists, for a variety of reasons, not all of which entirely understood. Latex fetishism in the modern era can see its emergence in the invention of the catsuit in the 1950s by British designer John Sutcliffe, transitioning to the mainstream in the 1960s with The Avengers, with the show’s sexy heroine Emma Peel clad in latex.

Latexwear is often subversive, and makes reference to marginalised social groups such as bikers, prostitutes, and slaves, and appropriates motifs of power from the military, and dungeon master to challenge traditional notions of authority and control. Latex was explored by Vivienne Westwood and other designers in the early 1970s, celebrated by the punk movement in the late 70s, club kids in the 80s, and continues to be a material widely enjoyed by both mainstream fashionistas and fetishists alike. This rare catalogue from the time of the sexual revolution celebrates the acceptance of sexual diversity and individual liberation. Unlike contemporary latex fetish catalogues like AtomAge which featured the more extreme forms of kink on their covers (gas masks etc.), this anonymous catalogue promotes the use wearing of latex as part of one’s daily routine.

Rare, no copies located on WorldCat.