The ambiance dimmed and the spotlights came alive. Seconds later, the aerial acrobats flashed up the labia majora of the birth canal – inverted and poised in the foreground of the clitoral apex: the mother giving birth to the fashion that was unleashed on Saturday night. Such was just the beginning of the boundary stretching Rapture, Northbound Leather’s 15th Annual Fall Fetish Ball. Produced by Carolyn Kelly, it showcased the rapturous manifestations of Marty Rotman using an apocalyptic atmosphere that bent time, space and the afterlife to its ecstatic will. Here’s a breakdown of the three breathtaking collections born October 22, 2011.
The show began with its roots planted firmly in the future, with form fitting neoprene and leather suits that would be perfectly at home with the likes of Mad Max, albeit a bit more tailored. Next came the loose fitting styles: cowled collars and kimono dresses that draped around the models in a deceptively comfortable way. One had to take a moment to remember it was leather, not the fabric of well-worn clothes fluttering in the wind. The last main collection had brassy browns and gold accents, main colours of the Steampunk-inspired set. Our personal favourite, the brown was a unique and nostalgic contrast to the ubiquitous black that is the mainstay of modern leather fashions.
There were also a few entertaining smaller collections, such as the sporty bears wrestling until the referee blew his whistle and charged the mischievous imps, present for most of the set, off stage. Finishing with a breath taking display of anguish — the live crucifixion — the spotlights created a halo around his head from the view of the background LCD screens.
Besides the leather paradise unveiled that day – and the pure pleasure of viewing everyone else’s personal interpretation of rapture – the event featured two floors containing 30+ dungeons to explore. But they weren’t just for your viewing pleasure: barring overtly penetrative acts, participants were encouraged to embrace the voyeuristic setting and show it off or try it out, depending on your experience and taste.
We can’t wait til the next show.
Thank you Northbound for the amazing photographs
