What is Fetishism? What is a Fetish?

Opinions abound as to the definition of fetish in this modern era. A common notion is that a fetish is simply associated to sexual practices, when a specific object is used or desired for sexual gratification.

But the word fetish originates from the Portuguese fetiçio for charm, sorcery, spell, derived from the Latin facticius 'artificial, man made', which comes from facere 'to make, to do'. In the 15th century, as Portuguese colonialists arrived in the west coast of Africa, they encountered natives with objects such as charms and talismans, objects they believed to possess magical powers, power of witchcraft and sorcery. These objects became known as fetishes, holding unchristian powers and therefore, regarded as unholy by the christian 'invaders'.

Soon after, a fetish was known as an object with an addictive or irrational high fascination for it. Many modern definitions talk of fetish for hats, handbags or shoe fetish, not necessarily linked to any sexual practice, but simply a high and unusual obsession for specific objects.

It is, however, at the end of the 19th century that French psychologist, Alfred Binet, coined the term 'sexual or erotic fetishism' to describe people who had a sexual interest or attachment to an object, such as an item of clothing. Krafft-Ebing, Austro-German psychiatrist, who popularised the terms sadism and masochism, late 19th century, also used the word fetish to describe an abnormal association to an object for sexual satisfaction.

What is a fetish, in modern day definition?

Today, a fetish is more widely known as something we associate with sexual gratification, a specific object, a practice, a ritual or other forms of desire that enhance our sexual experience.

The word fetish still carries a negative connotation in our modern day society, defining it as a 'form of sexual desire in which gratification is linked, to an abnormal degree, to a particular object, item of clothing, part of the body'. (1)  By describing it as 'abnormal', a fetish remains an obscure practice and something that should be kept secret from those who do not belong to that world.

As exhibitors at Erotica, we have, on numerous occasions, witnessed many visitors turning away from the fetish village refusing to have a chat, claiming that 'that stuff is not for me, thanks'. But understanding what the fetish world is about could take away the fallacy, and misconception, of this lifestyle choice.

Being 'kinky' might be considered in society as a healthy way of exploring one's sexual life, by introducing some spice into it, but having a fetish remains an obscure practice, not as widely accepted and in some cases, a sign of immorality or psychological problems related to one's sexuality. This view of fetishists keeps them in the margin of society; and although some fetishes are regarded as milder than others, in their degree of weirdness, singularity or unusualness , we certainly learn not to divulge our participation or desire for fetishes within some circles.

Some claim that the close link between fetish and BDSM renders it all sadistic, and something that is practised by those who grow up with emotional and mental problems, as regards to their sexuality.

Fetish protocol requires, however, that a strictly code of conduct is respected at all times, by practising a 'sane, safe and consensual' rule, which demonstrates a high level of trust and responsibility among all those involved. So, the questions are: Do all those practising 'normal sex' adhere to such principle and standard? Is having a fetish so immoral, when true fetishists remain respectful of others' preferences, choices and inclinations?

If something turns you on, why not be free to practise it without being considered as a risk to society, on a mission to pervert vulnerable, unwilling people. Having and living a fetish is a personal affair, a personal choice that cannot be always explained and certainly not to be justified.


In our quest to provide adequate and extensive information in Fetish Map London, on the wide range of fetishes, we have explored clubs, munches and forums, among others. Extending from the well known fetishes such as body parts and body features to the more bizarre, the directory is vast.

Fetishes encompass, but are not limited to:

    •    Body parts, body features: feet, hair, hands, body size, obesity, size of breasts, size of penis, body fluid, body smell - smell of material such as leather
    •    Things people wear: shoes, uniforms, stockings, hats, piercings
    •    The feel of material: leather, latex, satin, silk
    •    Dressing up in other things: furry animal costumes, plushies
    •    Playing animals: pony play, pet play
    •    Balloon fetish, body inflation
    •    Feeders: feeding partners to reach a body size that is pleasing. The whole ritual of choosing food, preparing food, and feeding is important.
    •    Sploshing - Messy fun: food smudged all over the body.
    •    Latex, leather masks
    •    Tattoos
    •    Rubber dolls
    •    Fangs
    •    Infantilism
    •    Medical play
    •    Bondage
    •    Strap-ons
    •    Cross-dressing

If your fetish is not on the list, leave your comment, or let us know which fetish you would like more information on. In the few coming weeks, I shall be writing articles on particular fetishes, so come back to read them. For more information on the fetish lifestyle, and where to find all you need: www.fetishmap.co.uk for your map.

Eva Lamour

(1) Oxford Dictionary

Photography by James Drury

PONY PLAY IN BRUSSELS

MEDICAL PLAY - BLOOD FETISH

FOOT FETISH

WHIP, STOCKINGS AND SHOES FETISH

BONDAGE - ZENTAI at
Club Rub Annual Rubber Awards

LATEX - INFLATED LATEX at
Club Rub Annual Rubber Awards

UNIFORM LATEX FETISH
at Club Rub Annual Rubber Awards

LATEX FETISH - from BREATHLESS
at Club Rub Annual Rubber Awards

Reuben Kaye talks fetish with Fetish Map London

The international cabaret performer, Reuben Kaye, talks about the many sides of Fetish Map London. From specialised shops to clubs and services, the leading map of all things fetish and kinky provides all the information you need.

Listen to Reuben talk about it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJDDXj0oHJc

Eva Lamour

Fetish Words Definitions - 17 essential Fetish - BDSM related words for newcomers

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

OSLO FETISH WEEKEND - May 2015

Who, in their right mind, is going to turn down an invitation to review the Oslo Fetish Weekend? My passion for travelling and cultural, and counter-cultural, exploration intertwined with a fetish party, was the perfect excuse for a weekend in Norway. Besides, I wanted to witness, first-hand, this land of 'happiness and serenity' and its people, adding the contrast of BDSM and fetish ambiance.

Oslo Fetish Weekend celebrated their first event this year, after months of careful preparation by producer Regina, who planned a whole array of entertainment for all taste and inclinations. Friday 8th May inaugurated the festivities with a free gathering, meeting and greeting all participants wishing to have a sneak preview. '50 Shades of Grey, done the right way', lead by Midori, launched the lineup of workshops available during the weekend. But the surprise of the weekend, for me, was the fetish fashion procession around the city. I wonder how many fetish fashion shows have used the streets of London as their catwalk?

The panoply of seminars, and classes, offered something for each tendency: Domestic discipline, kink advice, kinky speed dating practice, and not forgetting rope bondage, a favourite at all fetish festivals across the world.

Red Room Ball at Château Neuf

As for us, we were curious about the Red Room Ball, on Saturday night. Parties are perfect to meet the fetish community, when everybody is relaxed and buzzing, eager to socialise. The atmosphere tells the best story, worth a thousand words.

Château Neuf hosted this first Fetish party. A small venue offering a bar area, a lounge and a stage room, big enough to accommodate all visitors eager to watch the performances of the night. However, the size of this location didn't feel claustrophobic because, as we experienced early on in the city, the small population of Oslo reflected the size of the crowd this evening.

A small gathering compared to the London or Berlin Fetish Festival, but it is usual for first events to welcome fewer international participants. We have no doubt that in future years, this once-upon-a-time-small-event will become a must-experience fetish scene in Europe.

Fewer people doesn't imply less fun, and these kinksters were very eager to have the best time ever. The friendliness we encountered was above expectation. The crowd was by far the warmest I have encountered in fetish parties, big or small. After a few minutes absorbing the ambiance, we were approached by a charming couple who spoke about the fetish scene in Norway, and how delighted everyone was to finally welcome this event in their city.

I have attended endless fetish parties in London, where people tend to gather and socialise with their own group. Newcomers stand or stroll around the place on their own, and if they're extroverted they will try to start a conversation with other groups. But not many party-goers ever seem interested to communicate with people they don't know, unless they have a reason.  Norwegians are totally different. Their culture is about inclusion. Of course, generalising any cultural trait is incorrect, but this is what I experienced the whole weekend, either first-hand or while observing interactions in bars, restaurants, gatherings and sometimes in public transport.

In London, the best way to mingle in fetish parties is by infiltrating the smoking area, whether you smoke or not. Introduce yourself, join in some chats, and people are usually happy to talk to you. But in Oslo, if you are a newcomer, you are more likely to be approached by the regulars who want everybody to feel included. Impressive!

A mixture of sensuality, fetishism and voyeurism

The first performance of the night flew from Paris. L'Erosticratie, an 'artistic and political project' defying the meaning of sexual love in society, performs the art of eroticism on stage in all its forms and values. In this scene, the protagonist directed the play. Wearing a long white dress, and a ghostly face, she was living her erotic dream. Her remote control, or zapper, gave her full control of the other two characters on stage, leaving them at her mercy. A submissive nun, on a leash, who seemed to be in a trance, was led by her Master. Erotic play, the French way, was a mixture of sensuality, fetishism and voyeurism, as the protagonist gets turned on by the erotic play. An original and captivating tableau that won the whole crowd, and gave an outstanding ovation, asking for more…!

Not forgetting the compère tonight, Floyd Erik Vawter, the flamboyant goth artist, owned the stage with his theatrical parade and interactions. He was grand, witty with plenty of authority, as he reminded the crowd about the rules for the night, all in English.

I speak many languages, and English is my third language, but I am still amazed, when I travel to some of these festivals, to witness how English becomes the main, if not the only, language on stage. The whole festival used English as if it were their first language. So, for those brits worried about feeling isolated, do not fear, it will be all right on the night!

Bringing variety to the evening, Kiki Cherie, international burlesque performer from Sweden, delighted the spectators with her magnificent  bawdy routine. Teasing and charming the crowd, she entertained with grace and sensuality, earning her place in this festival celebrating all things erotic, kinky and perverted.

A fashion statement

As in all fetish parties, making a fashion statement is, for most, a major component of the night. Latex, leather or anything that tells the world 'I am into BDSM' or 'This is me living my fetish' is the norm at all festivals and parties. I was delighted to spot Regina, the organiser and hostess of this event, wearing a similar outfit to mine: Both modelling a creation by Libidex, one of the most successful latex fashion designers in London.

However, I was rather taken aback by the weirdest costume of the night: The biggest latex 'angry baby' full head mask I have ever come across. Rather freaky but not unexpected from the country that showcases the sculptures of Gustav Vigeland and his angry baby, probably the most photographed baby sculpture in the world. Why? Not sure, but if in Oslo, a must-see for all visitors.

If interested in this latex full head mask, the owner shared with us that it came from the USA, at a rather high cost, and had taken about three weeks. But, if you are looking for some original ideas, why not give it a go?

Fetish tourism

So, would we go back? Certainly! And I would encourage all fetishists and kinksters of the world to support Oslo Fetish Weekend next year.

We promote fetish tourism in all its forms, because cultural differences are best experienced through a community that defies all frontiers, and goes beyond language and national habits. Let's embrace the counterculture we belong to, and enjoy the fetish milieu, wherever that may be.

For more information on the event, visit: www.oslofetishweekend.com

Make sure you keep up to date with all the events we promote or purchase the map for more information, by visiting our website, or be part of our Facebook community: www.fetishmap.co.uk


Eva Lamour

Part of the Oslo Fetish Weekend Crew

FETISH MAP LONDON, Issue 8 - OUT NOW...!

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

EROTICA 2013 - Tobacco Dock, London - Review from a fetish and burlesque point of view...!

www.fetishmap.co.uk

After its absence from the London erotic scene in 2012, Erotica came back this year at Tobacco Dock, with a blend of kinky and raunchy adventure.

A different location didn't discourage the public or the exhibitors from participating. Tobacco Dock, situated in South East London, right next to Tower Bridge, provided a most unusual venue for the show.
A labyrinth of vaulted glassed areas serving as exhibition space and shops, on two floors, was packed with erotic enthusiasts as well as newcomers, who seemed eager to discover the world of Erotica.

As long standing advocates of quality fetish, Fetish Map London has had a place at Erotica for many years. However, this year saw a greater fetish presence than before. Maybe this is a sign that Erotica is crossing a new frontier, providing more different adventure into the kinky world.

Our stall was tucked into a corner in one of the rooms of the venue, and although we had great surroundings, some of the shy visitors appeared too timid to approach us. Seeing Fetish Map, big and bold, was enough for some to do a U turn. This only tells me that minds still need to be more opened to the endless  opportunities and adventure the erotic world has to offer; they need to stretch their horizon further in their quest for thrills and titillation. But those were a very few. For the majority, their wide eyed faces was proof that they were very happy to have found a new source of kinky inspiration.

"A map of all things fetish and burlesque in London? Wow, what a great idea!"
"Thanks for doing this, I hope you continue for a long time, this is amazing!"
"How long have you been going? I wish I had known about you before today, but I'm glad I've found you now!"

These are a minuscule amount of responses to the Maps from the visitors, and extremely satisfying to hear.

The fetish milieu seems to be gaining more ground at Erotica and this has to be encouraged. Not that we want to convert everybody, but the public needs to know that fetish is so much more than BDSM. Visitors should have access to the whole range of the kinky world, in order to experiment and understand what else could turn them on.

With London Alternative Market (LAM) organising some of the shows, the crowd was exposed to a whole new world. From fetish fashion shows to 'pony girls and boys' and bondage workshops, I do recognise that fetish is not for everybody. But the problem is that the majority of people have a mistaken view of what fetish is. As in all fields, fetish has various levels, from foot fetish, bedroom bondage and play, latex fashion, to the more hardcore sado-masochism, this world has something for everybody.
Exploring new avenues, new thrills is part of any couple's sexual life, or so it should be. We merely want them to open their mind slowly, softly, to the multitude of possibilities away from the ever monotonous high street sex shops.

We like to think that many timid visitors went away knowing that it is safe to experiment further, in the safety of their own homes, and that our Maps open the door to new places, new stimulation, and new excitement.

But fetish isn't our only pursuit or the only guide we publish. The Burlesque Map London is our other product, so we were delighted to see a major representation of this world at Erotica. To me, the main attraction was Ophelia Bitz, a famous name in burlesque, whose kinky, and somewhat risqué register shows true creativity while remaining in the realm of burlesque. Her unique style as compère adds saucy, bawdy cabaret flavour to the bland and uniform style some performers can showcase.

Other great acts on stage at Erotica came from Marnie Scarlet, a fetish latex, wonderfully original performer, Missy Macabre with her freak show and fire act, and Karis Wilde, the amazingly bendy hula hoop performer.

In conclusion, Erotica 2013 seemed to be a success among most visitors and exhibitors, who enjoyed the new venue. While others missed the feel of a big hall, the open plan venue where all is exposed overtly, and everything can be found without having to look for it.
We all know that it is impossible to please everybody, so let's give Tobacco Dock a chance, and be happy that a new venue can be explored without losing the feel of the message.

Erotica 2013 is over, let's look forward to what the next one will bring us.



Eva Lamour

TAKE A LOOK AT THE MAP - www.fetishmap.co.uk

Photography by James Drury

Fetish Map London & Burlesque Map London stand at Erotica 2013 - Tobacco Dock

Metamorph'Ose - Erotic shop in the heart of Paris...

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.