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Afetish model is amodel who models fetish clothing or accessories that augment their body in afetish-like manner or in fetishistic situations. Fetish models do not necessarily work exclusively in that form of modeling.
Fetish models often wearfetish fashion, an extreme and provocative style of clothing designed to elicit a strong emotional reaction or sexual desire on the part of the observer. Such clothing ranges from exotic stylizedbathing suits tobody armor andsci-fi fantasy suits.
Bondage models appear in various forms ofbondage. Other fetish modeling may involvebody modification, appearing infetish photography or exoticglamour photography, or wearingsexual fantasy costumes that fulfil auniform fetish (e.g.French maid, nurse, etc.). As well as modelling for photography, fetish models also make public appearances at events such asBDSM fairs and parties.
Somepornographic actors andglamour models also work as fetish models.
Fetish modelling covers a wide range of fetishes, including those involvingbondage andshibari,latex and PVC,corsets,tattoos,body piercings,shoe fetishism,food fetishism andnyotaimori. Fetishes may also involve body parts, such asbreast fetishism,navel fetishism andfoot fetishism.
Fetish models are usually considered to work in a different category fromGothic fashion models oralternative models, whose work is generally far more niche-specific. Fetish modelling is usually considered to be a part of thesex industry due to the popular perception that it has a solely adult audience. However, in recent times, many aspects of the fetish fashion market have been incorporated and accepted into mainstream fashion, with fashion creators using exotic materials such as latex orsheer fabric instead of cotton or wool for their creations. Some fetish models only involve themselves in theaesthetic aspects of the work rather than involving themselves directly with sex and sexuality.
There have been several notable performers and producers of both the bondage and fetish area who have attained mainstream notability. The most recognized is the 1950s bondage model andpin-up girl,Bettie Page, who posed for photographerIrving Klaw for mail-order photographs and was subsequently featured inPlayboy.[1][2] She was the first famous bondage model.
In the 1960s, the popularBritish TV programThe Avengers included several fetish costume elements worn by its female lead performers. This began withHonor Blackman and includedDiana Rigg's leathercatsuits andleotards, as well asTara King's use ofthigh-length boots and leatherevening gloves.
Theneo-burlesque performerDita Von Teese started her career as a fetish model andstripper.[3] Other notable fetish models include the Russian-American performerMosh[4] and the Canadian photographic modelBianca Beauchamp.[5]
There are specializedfetish magazines that feature and promote fetish models, includingSkin Two,Secret, ItalianA Magazine (not to be confused with the now defunctA(sian) Magazine), andMarquis.
Fetish models may run personal adult pay websites and are featured on fetish adult pay sites.
There are also fetishfashion designers. Most of these designers employ fetish models for their clothing line. Fetish fashion shows are hosted several times a year, including Vex, The Baroness, Skintwo, and House of Harlot.
The SIGNY awards were awarded each year between 2000 and 2005 (except 2002) to the bondage models voted as the best of that year. The SIGNY award winners have been:
