This Simona dress (£209.95) is one of the saucier styles you’ll find among the range of Libidex latex dresses on the label’s website
Although Libidex is synonymous with high quality, expertly-tailored catsuits, the label also offers a vast and stylish selection of dresses for all occasions. And given that we’re well into the summer season now, a Libidex latex dress might well be the coolest option in every sense of the word!
Whether your preference is for an essential ‘LBD’ (Little Black Dress) or a more elaborate ensemble, there is something for everyone in the dresses, gowns and robes collections from Libidex. We’ve selected 21 styles for this article and there are many more on the Libidex website. For all the dresses illustrated here, there are links in the photo captions that go straight to each garment’s dedicated page on the Libidex website.
Basic ‘Little Black Dress’ styles available include, l-r: Matrix (£174.95); Cherry Pie (£154-95); Tequila (£209.95); and Gina (£144.95)
If you are after practical but timeless designs for your everyday essentials, check out Libidex latex dresses such as the Princess, Matrix, Tequila, Cherry Pie, Gina and the Goddess styles. These particular ‘LBD’ styles range in price from as little as £144.95 up to £209.95, and in most cases there are at least a couple more variants in each ‘style family’ that don’t cost much more than the basic items we’re showing above.
For a sophisticated look, check out Libidex’s Dior-inspired ReBelle dress, left (£299.95 – corset extra) and Iris Gown (£219.95)
But if the occasion calls for something a bit more sophisticated, fret not, as Libidex also offers some very fancy numbers like the 1950's Dior New Look-inspired ReBelle dress (£299.95). This style has a beautiful filigree laser-cut ‘lace’ edging to the cuffs and plunging neckline, and a flowing full circle skirt. Or how about the super vampy Iris Gown (£219.95) with its distinctive 1960s collar piece that screams fetish glamour?!
Fans of boudoir chic will love these gowns, l-r: Gemma (274.95); Lucretia (£219-95, shown in trans and black); and Nigella (£254.95)
If it’s boudoir chic that you’re after, then the Lucretia, Nigella or Gemma Gowns (price range £219.95–£274.95) could well fit the bill. Meanwhile there are plenty more styles to keep you busy in the bedroom, with saucy Libidex numbers like the Burlesque Suspender Dress and Charlize, Penny, Simona and Tara dresses (price range £144.95–£209.95) to name but a few.
Perfect dresses for private play, l-r: Charlize (£209.95); Tara (£149.95); Burlesque Suspender Dress (£144.95); Penny (£164.95)
Those after a distinguished look with more than a hint of Edwardian dominance about it could find themselves in wardrobe heaven with the Lucie, Delta, Vamp and Silhouette dresses (price range £249.95-£309.95).
Fancy the Edwardian governess look? Styles include, l-r: Lucie (£309.95); Vamp (£299.95); Silhouette (£274.95); Delta (£249.95)
But Libidex latex dresses don’t just cater for those with traditional feminine shapes. The label is one of the few that also offers some female-style dresses in male sizes. These are specially designed with the crossdresser community in mind, but are suitable for anyone preferring a male fit. If you like the sound of that, check the Male Princess, Male Decadence and Male Suspender dresses or the Missy Maid outfit (price range £154.95-£504.95).
So what are you waiting for? Get yourself empowered and get into one of these Libidex latex dresses this summer!
Below: Libidex also offers male-fit dresses, l-r: Male Princess (£199.95); Male Suspender (£154.95); Missy Maid Outfit (£504.95)
Romanie Smith models Latex Peplum Bustier by Catalyst Latex, probably the best known UK name for chlorinated latex fashions. Catalyst also provides a chlorination-by-post service for your own garments (photo: Doll House Photography)
The enthusiastic embrace by celebrities of hot new Paris-based latex fashion brand Avellano, as reported in recent Libidex Blog stories, has reignited interest in the sometimes controversial practice of chlorinating latex.
Avellano appears to be using a type of chlorination to create the ‘textured’ latex option it calls Snakeskin. This would make good sense for a latex brand whose target audience is not fetishists but fashionistas — a group particularly likely to appreciate the convenience chlorinated latex provides, as it’s smooth and slippery, does not stick to skin and requires no lube or talc to aid dressing.
Among latex devotees, you’ll find love and loathing of chlorinated latex in equal measure. This article aims to review the treatment’s main pros and cons, with those whose curiosity about it has been only recently aroused particularly in mind.
Chlorination is a chemical process involving treatment of latex with a chlorine solution. The treatment is generally applied to whole finished garments since latex is difficult or impossible to glue after chlorination.
Avellano Snakeskin Dress, seemingly using chlorination for a muted sheen and leather-like texture (model: Ushka; image: Avellano)
The process both toughens and slightly thickens the latex, making it more resistant to accidental damage and potentially extending the garment’s life whether being worn or in storage. It also reduces the natural protein in latex that causes allergic reaction in some people, making it good choice for rubber lovers with a latex allergy who don’t want to stop wearing it.
People who like to enjoy their latex fetish in public point out that its silky finish makes it easy to team with woven fabrics, whether as a visible fashion look (eg a fluffy top with latex leggings) or secretly under normal clothes. And if you like to wear your latex in bed, chlorinated latex won’t snag on the bedclothes!
In some situations, though, the extreme slipperiness of chlorinated latex can be a downside — literally. Certain garments that would normally be self-supporting, such as latex stockings, can, if chlorinated, easily slip down!
Given the difficulty of gluing it, repairing chlorinated latex is often claimed to be impossible. A more nuanced view is that thicker chlorinated latex can be repaired, if you have the patience to first grind down the surfaces of the rubber sufficiently to expose the untreated, still-bondable layers beneath.
Tamar Roxx models bubblegum pink Catalyst Latex Vest Dress. Catalyst latex garments come already chlorinated (photo: Joan Ilejay)
There are a couple of other issues around chlorination that may concern you. First, chlorinating lighter latex colours carries a risk of discolouration that can’t be remedied. Second, chlorination does (initially at least) remove the familiar fragrance of untreated latex. So if the olfactory aspect of rubber is very important to your enjoyment, bear this in mind. Views differ on just how drastic this effect is: some sources claim your chlorinated latex will forever smell like a swimming pool; others say the chlorine/industrial smell fades with time, but the natural rubber fragrance may never fully return.
If you fancy trying some chlorinated latex, there are various options depending on where you live. You can buy an outfit from a latex label that supplies all its garments already chlorinated — such as Catalyst Latex in the UK. Or you can buy from a designer who offers chlorination as an option (for which there may be an additional fee).
You can send your own untreated latex garment (whether a longtime favourite piece or a brand-new item you’ve just bought from Libidex, for example!) to one of the companies that offer a chlorination service. In the UK, Catalyst again offers this service, as do Latex Essence (which also does repairs and alterations) and Klenfixkestrel (a chlorination specialist).
Latex chlorination services are also available in continental Europe, the United States, Canada and Australia among other locations. It makes sense to use a service in your own country when possible. Remember: Google is your friend.
Wondering whether to have your Libidex latex lingerie chlorinated? This article reviews the main pros and cons of the process
All chlorination services specify the physical condition of garments you may send for treatment. Usually they want any used latex thoroughly cleaned by you, and garments you send to be undamaged and free of metal elements.
These days there are plenty of latex clothing labels that appear to offer chlorinated garments either as standard or as an option. But surprisingly, some that devote space on their websites to discussing the pros and cons of chlorination are not as clear as they could be about what they themselves offer. It might seem obvious to them that they are offering chlorinated clothes, but a prominent statement confirming it would still be preferable!
There’s quite a lot of chlorination info out there if you want to investigate further. Much of it has evidently come from the same source material, which may well be the very detailed page you can find (in English) on the Simon O website. Incidentally, this highly regarded Austrian brand recently introduced SSC — Single Side Chlorinated latex — which combines untreated shiny latex outside with silky, gliding chlorinated latex inside.
The Simon O chlorination info page is unmatched for its thoroughness — including all the chemistry behind the process (if you need to know it). It also provides a complete DIY section if you want to attempt chlorination at home. But be warned: the process involves working with hazardous chemicals, and a very strict safety regime must be observed. So unless you’re really confident that it’s within your competence, we suggest you play safe and use a professional service.
Below: Austrian brand Simon O has a high level of chlorination expertise — including a DIY guide — which it shares on its website
Dita Von Teese in one of the early Peter W Czernich shots featured in his imminent photo-book, which is crowdfunding now
For many of us, Dita Von Teese is the greatest fetish success story of modern times. She’s the ultimate proof that someone who started out as a model and performer in the world of corsets, latex, burlesque and bondage could become a mainstream fashion icon, red carpet celebrity and star of one of the most successful live reviews in history!
While Dita has many fans who have followed her since her early fetish days, the majority of her followers today may be only dimly aware of her ‘exotic’ beginnings. But to the rescue comes Peter W Czernich, founder of Germany’s legendary fetish magazine Marquis and one of the first photographers to shoot with Dita.
Between 1996 and 2004, Peter and Dita shot around 3,000 photos and 20 hours of video together. During that period, Dita featured regularly in — and on the cover of — Marquis, as well as starring in four Marquis videos.
Young Dita sports a red and black latex ensemble in a spread from Peter W Czernich’s forthcoming book of their early shoots
Now, Peter has assembled a fantastic selection of those early Dita images into a new homage to his famous pal and collaborator — a photo-book entitled Dita Von Teese – The Early Shootings. The book will be self-published this July through crowdfunding on Kickstarter, and at time of publication of this article, there’s a week still left to pledge support for the project and secure yourself a copy at pre-publication price.
As usual with Kickstarter, there is a range of pledge levels that come with increasingly desirable rewards for fans and collectors. And whatever you pledge, the money is only collected if the Kickstarter campaign reaches the target set for publishing to proceed. At time of writing, €13,800 (apx £11,815) had already been pledged towards the target of €14,950 (apx £12,800) so the chances of the target not being reached in the final week seem extremely remote!
Dita Von Teese channels 1950s style for this spread, in polka-dot latex that could serve as lingerie or swimwear (Peter W Czernich)
The minimum Basic pledge just to secure a copy of the book is €60 (apx £52) which will save you money on the subsequent €69.95 retail price. There are three more Basic pledge levels up to €100 (apx £86). Above these there are three Fan-level pledges between €150/£129 and €500/£428, all of which include the book signed by Dita with the optional addition of three A4 art prints, or the book in a luxurious slip case plus six A4 art prints and the Dita four-DVD box set.
At the true ‘I’m a super-fan and money is no object’ end of things are two one-off reward packages. The Ultra Fan, at €900/£770, offers the book (signed by Dita) in luxurious slip case, plus six fine art prints and the DVD box set along with some special Dita-related one-off goodies from Peter’s personal archive.
Young Dita’s 1950s elegance is also evident in this Czernich spread contrasting latex as pastel loungewear with a B&W cocktail look
Finally at €1,000/£856 is the original black corset worn by Dita Von Teese for the cover shoot of the book Fetish Goddess (included). The corset, in patent leather with abundant seams and boning, was made by Bizarre Design’s Jeroen van der Klis. It is size XS and the original shape except that the cups were taken out for ‘alternative styling’.
More information, including full details of all the rewards and pledge levels, can be found on the Kickstarter campaign site via the link below.
kickstarter.com/projects/peterwczernich/dita-von-teese-the-early-shootings
Below: cover art (right) of Dita Von Teese - The Early Shootings, shown with one of the book’s spreads (photos: Peter W Czernich)
Sailor Bolero: £104.96 (was £139.95). Get the sea captain look in our Grand Summer Sale with this latex bolero including traditional captain epaulettes and trims. SHOP NOW!
Yes, we know we haven’t had a major sale in a while. But as of Thursday June 8 we’re making up for that! Because almost our entire website range — including our latest Wild & Wicked and Flirty & Frisky collections — is now on offer at 25% off!
That means a great opportunity to get your hands on a big choice of not just our classic garments but also our sizzling new designs — like the Kendal Skirt, Roberta Catsuit, Tiffany Nurse Dress, Tessa Cycle Shorts, Lyla Body Harness, Kendra Leotard and more — at Grand Summer Sale prices!
Tornado Harness Top (Short Sleeves): £108.71 (was £144.95). This round-collar zipper top has a simple chest harness in a contrasting colour on the front and back. SHOP NOW!
And if you fancy something more elaborate, you’ll also find bargain prices on items like the impressive Inflatable Sarcophagus, Inflatable Sleepsack, Poseidon Bodybag, Male Extreme Catsuit and similar styles.
In all, we have more than 2,000 styles for you to choose from in our Grand Summer Sale. Most items are available in a generous range of sizes from 2XS to 6XL, and many also come in a choice of Petite, Regular and Tall lengths. So you have the best possible chance of finding a great fit in whatever style you’re looking for — without needing to go down the expensive bespoke route.
Kendall Skirt: £59.96 (was £79.95). With its three bands of latex, you can choose the colour combo that most perfectly reflects your mood. SHOP NOW!
Please note that during the sale period and afterwards while sale orders are being produced, our Rapid Service will not be available. But be assured: Rapid Service will return once we’ve completed all Grand Summer Sale orders!
Currently production takes six to eight weeks up to the point of despatch. We always endeavour to make all orders as soon as possible — and the sooner you order, the quicker we can make it for you!
Please remember to allow for delivery time on top of production time. Outside the UK, the courier postage option is usually quicker than Royal Mail.
Turn Up Shorts: £108.71 (were £144.95). In the summer months and beyond, these offer the perfect balance between comfortable jeans and cool knee length shorts. SHOP NOW!
Latex in May: Eva Herzigova, probably most famous of the numerous models/actresses sporting latex at May’s Cannes Films Festival, wearing Avellano, the latex designer of choice at this year’s event. (On Instagram: Eva Herzigova; Avellano)
The month just gone was an unusually fertile one for spotting celebrities out and about in our favourite fabric, with the Cannes Film Festival in particular boosting the head-count of models, stars and fashionistas deciding to wear latex in May.
Unsurprisingly perhaps, the majority of those papped in latex during the 12-day festival on the French Riviera had chosen to wear designs by Paris-based Avellano, the hottest new name in celeb-friendly latex fashion since Paris Fashion Week (featured by us in March here).
Among the diverse disciples of Avellano, perhaps the most recognisable face was that of Czech model/actress Eva Herzigova (above) wearing Avellano’s black halter-neck latex gown. And wow — hard to believe she’s 50 now!
It’s also good to be able to report that London latex designer Atsuko Kudo, a longtime favourite with the Hollywood set, was also chosen by some Cannes attendees. But for the celebrity hive mind, driven as it is by never-ending FOMO, there was only one brand that really mattered this year.
Kim Petras (far left) and Nikki Minaj (in Vex latex) in the shiny video for their single ‘Alone’, which was premiered on May 2
(Watch ‘Alone’ on YouTube; Vex Clothing on Instagram)
MAY 02: Cannes might have been May’s main event, but significant appearances of latex in May began well before the Film Festival started, with the première of the music video for Alone, the new single by Kim Petras and Nicki Minaj.
The striking latex outfits worn by Nikki were provided by Vex Clothing, one of America’s major players in the celebrity-dressing stakes. Kim opted for shiny wetlook this time although she has also favoured Vex latex in the past.
Real Housewives star Erika Jayne in Venus & Violet latex, left. Right, Katy Perry in Vex latex as The Incredibles’ Elastigirl
(On Instagram: Erika Jayne; Katy Perry; Venus & Violet Latex; Vex Clothing)
MAY 10: Erika Jayne, star of reality show Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, popped up on Instagram in a shocking-pink corset dress with contrast cream bib detail complete with collar and tie, from LA-based mother-and-daughter design team Venus & Violet.
MAY 14: Not to be outdone for televisual latex, well-known rubber-lover and American Idol judge Katy Perry turned up on the show in a full latex outfit by Vex Clothing. To mark the show’s Disney-themed night, Katy appeared as Elastigirl from The Incredibles.
Cindy Bruna (left) and Isabeli Fontana were among the models helping to make Avellano the latex designer of choice at Cannes
(On Instagram: Cindy Bruna; Isabeli Fontana; Avellano)
MAY 16-27: the 2023 Cannes Film Festival provided a fantastic opportunity for some people who might or might not normally be seen in latex to give it a go while on the French Riviera.
Among those who are no stranger to latex was French model Cindy Bruna who wore Avellano’s black latex Shoulder Dress at the festival. In November last year, she’d looked equally stunning in a floor-length pink latex gown and matching opera gloves by the same designer.
If you prefer your latex with a bit less sheen and a bit more texture, Brazillian model Isabeli Fontana was the living proof that it’s just as sexy. Isabeli wore Avellano’s high-necked backless Straight Snake dress, so called as it features the designer’s ‘Snakeskin’ (chlorinated latex).
Girls about Cannes, left: Mia Regan in Avellano’s Snakeskin Chrome dress. Right: Natasha Poonawalla flies the flag for Atsuko Kudo
(On Instagram: Mia Regan; Natasha Poonawalla; Avellano; Atsuko Kudo)
Fashionista Mia Regan (aka Romeo Beckham’s girlfriend) used Cannes as the opportunity to swap her more usual style for a body-hugging Avellano chlorinated latex Slip Dress in Snakeskin Chrome, which she wore with matching stiletto-heeled silver boots.
Meanwhile, Indian businesswoman and fashion enthusiast Natasha Poonawalla reminded us that Atsuko Kudo is still a latex force to be reckoned with. Natasha, 40, carried off AK’s Joy Belle sleeveless latex gown and opera gloves with the grace and poise of a professional model.
Left: French model Ophélie Guillermand in Avellano Backless dress. Right: Indian actress/singer Shruti Haasan wears Atsuko Kudo
(On Instagram: Ophélie Guillermand; Shruti Haasan; Avellano; Atsuko Kudo)
French model Ophélie Guillermand daringly bucked the Cannes trend for black latex while not diverging from the trend for Avellano. At Cannes, she wore the designer’s turtleneck Backless Dress in Nightshade Blue latex.
Last but not least among our Cannes offerings of latex, Indian actress and singer Shruti Haasan chose black latex by Atsuko Kudo. Her elegant outfit comprised Kudo’s Puff Sleeve blouse with Kitty collar, teamed with Alejandra midi-length flared skirt.
In this yellow Atsuko Kudo latex ensemble, Britain’s Got Talent presenter Amanda Holden both wowed and confused tabloid pundits
(On Instagram: Amanda Holden; Atsuko Kudo)
MAY 29: Back in the UK, Britain’s Got Talent presenter Amanda Holden could hardly have failed to wow the show’s judges, television viewers and the breathless pundits of Britain’s tabloid media with the canary-yellow Atsuko Kudo ensemble she wore for the most recent BGT.
Years of perving over women in latex still doesn’t guarantee that those hacks will recognise rubber when they see it. And even when they do correctly identify it, chances are they’ll miss obvious detail.
After all, how good does your eyesight need to be to see that for our final example of latex in May, Amanda was wearing a corset-top over a skirt, and not a dress? Are the suspender straps not the teeniest clue? For aficionados, it’s Kudo’s Paris Cup Bustier over her Ariel Skirt with Train. Some people really should’ve gone to Specasavers!
