We wanted to dedicate this week’s fashion column to a hobby that has grown in popularity on the Lawrence campus. Bondage Domination and Sado-Masochism (BDSM) has been around for a long time, but has become quite trendy since the introduction of the popular “CSI: Miami” and “CSI: Las Vegas” television series.ZK: So I thought we could begin by going around and discussing how we got into the BDSM subculture.
PB: Well, my girlfriend and I met at a Halloween party and since then we have always been into role-playing. Lately that hasn’t been enough though, and so we bought our first outfits a month ago. Our relationship has never been better.
JEP: My parents were really into it, and because of them, I’ve always had an avid interest.
ZK: All right. Well, let’s start off with ladies’ fashion.
PB: Well, my girlfriend and I still like to experiment with costumes. Now we just stick to variations of the devil, and try to incorporate the trident in new, fun, inventive ways.
JEP: Speaking of women’s costumes, nothing catches my attention more than a nun who is willing to tie me down. Freudian or not, it works in a way that a schoolgirl’s uniform can’t.
ZK: I just want to say that Leather teddies will never, ever go out of style. That coupled with some fishnet pantyhose makes my guy go wild.
PB: Leather is just such a versatile material. Classy but risky, old but new. It’s forever.
JEP: There’s nothing better than the power you get from realizing that an animal (or a few) lived miserable lives, suffering heavily, and probably had brutal deaths just so you could make a fashion statement. It’s just a feeling of pure power.
ZK: Yeah, I know what you mean. It reminds me of the time I stuck a bunch of needles in my partner’s scrotum.
WM: I remember that night! What a rush!
JEP: So do you guys prefer to gag the submissive’s mouth?
ZK: Nah, I always like to hear my partner scream.
PB: I like to, because I like the muffled screams. Anything to add to the mystique.
JEP: I agree with PB — blindfolds also help.
ZK: Let’s talk about whip size. InTouch Magazine has announced that this is the year of long whips: 6-8 feet.
PB: I don’t know. I’ve got a pretty deep emotional bond with my first five-foot whip.
JEP: Yeah I like those ones. I like to keep my distance as an intimidation factor. I also like using masks for the same reason.
ZK: But then you can’t see those faces of pure helplessness, anguish and despair.
PB: But it adds to the mystique!
ZK: Well, whatever floats your boat, I guess. That is what BDSM is all about: the individualistic expression of inner longings.
Well, that’s going to wrap it up for us. Any last thoughts? Predictions about future fashions?
PB: Capes are full of potential. Total Mystique.
JEP: Fake blood that tastes like jelly.
ZK. Ok, well that’s it for us. I want to thank everyone on the panel for helping out. If you have any questions about BDSM, specifically what to wear, feel free to stop any of us at Downer or email lawrentian@lawrence.edu. Just remember, seek medical attention if it doesn’t stop bleeding after five minutes!