Source: Adult Industry News
By: Rich Moreland
A Kinky Playspace Draws a Crowd, by Rich Moreland, AINews columnist.
This year at Vegas’ AVN Expo a light touch of bondage showed up that was more than simply hawking the goods. Upstairs at the Joint, the theater that is the home of the awards show, playing with restraint was the theme. A BDSM exhibit dubbed “The Lair: An Interactive Kinky Playspace” hosted a variety of demonstrations and products.
Attendance was brisk and traffic was every bit equal to the floor below. The German Fetish Shop, the Black Room, was selling its wares and the owner, German-born Franz, described the interest level in his products as “excellent.”
People “can try out stuff,” he said of those who visit the area. The restroom nearby served as a changing room for anyone who needed it.
Franz talked about the advantage of being in Vegas.
“Novices come into town and come to us.” Franz said. “We’re selling a lot to tourists so they can play in their [hotel] room.” His warm joviality surely boosts sales. The once wary customers often come back for more, he added.
For example, Franz smiled broadly when he explained that his ben-WA balls are selling so fast keeping them in stock is not easy.
Maybe what happens in Vegas might sometimes go home with the visitor!
Asked if Fifty Shades of Grey has had an impact on business, Franz insisted the book has “woken up a lot of people.”
Apparently so, there was definite interest in the bondage equipment on display nearby. Across from the Black Room exhibit was a spanking bench where a male dominant worked over a submissive female model to the delight of passersby. She was helpful with a few nicely placed yelps.
Located at the entrance to the Lair was Los Angeles photographer and rigger, John Wilkes, who runs John Wilkes Photography. He used a rope bondage technique on model Kasey Storm’s upper body, securing her arms behind her with hands on elbows in a tie that is common in bondage suspension. In this case, the rope was passed through a ring on a portable tripod stand. Kasey bent over so that her rear faced John. He applied a flogger to her derriere creating sharp snaps that wowed the crowd. Within moments, another model Kiki Daire finished the work on Kasey at John’s invitation. Then she gave her model friend a kiss as a finishing touch.
An endearing display for bondage enthusiasts, John’s work served an educational purpose for those with little knowledge of this brand of sexual and artistic expression. Kiki, whose resume includes porn shoots, is currently a spokesperson for Biker Lube located in York, Pennsylvania. She pointed out that the flogger was a luxury model and is part of Biker Lube’s venture into the flogger market. The company manned a booth in the Artist Ballroom, one of three venues on the main level of the convention.
Incidentally, during the demonstration the tip of the flogger snapped sharply on Kasey’s bottom producing scattered nervous laughter among the spectators. Later as John was untying Kasey, an onlooker came up to her and asked if the ropes were uncomfortable.
Kasey smiled and shook her head with a definitive “no.” in fact veteran models have no difficulty with the ties, especially Shibari-oriented ones. It’s a form of performance art.
Satisfied, the spectator wandered off, perhaps considering that a little tie and a bit of flogging might be fun.
