For those on the outside, kink and fetish culture is likely to be defined by its trademark aesthetics: leather corsets, fishnet stockings, burly men in latex masks. To be fair, if you spend any time scrolling kink parties’ Instagrams, this image will be reinforced. Sweaty, scantily-clad bodies can be found writhing on infinite dancefloors, flash-saturated photos capturing their energy and sensuality – and yes, as per party dress codes, their fetishwear, too.
But – surprise! – there’s way more to kink than collars, harnesses, and a perceived sexual free-for-all. Just out of shot in these photos is the thumping, ear-splitting techno, the intimate conversations between new-found friends, and, of course, the rigorous protocols designed to keep partygoers safe. In fact, in many ways there’s never been a better time to be a kinkster –
