At a recent gathering of fashion elite, mention of sex caused one Editor to promptly dismiss herself and leave… they say it’s the quiet ones.

Whilst sex and style may not always go hand in hand, at Coco de Mer’s ‘Tie Me Tighter’ corset lovers’ event in Covent Garden last month, they became somewhat closer together. Coco’s very own celebrity corsetiere, Kunza, could be found fitting, lacing and dishing out expert advice to a host of onlookers.

At first glance, the boutique resembled an old fashioned sweet shop, although the witty ‘Eat Me’ lollies, and other interestingly shaped pieces of confectionary, were just the beginning.

Using the symbol of the rare Coco de Mer seed, which bears an uncanny resemblance to the female form, the companys’ philosophy to ‘celebrate all that is erotic, sensual and beautiful’, encouraging a warm and witty take on human prudishness, was openly evident, and the Coco ethos had pulled in a variety of customers from all walks of life.

The only predictable guests at this party were the 16 year old boys peering in from the street, who thought Christmas had come early when the burlesque began. However, rather than being crude and corny, the showgirls were elegant, extravagant and displayed their lavishly layered costumes like true works of art.

The collection of decadent lingerie included pieces from some of the World’s most luxurious designers. Glamour from Dietrich, contemporary from Chantal Thomass, and something revealing from Andres Sarda; all tastes, desires and fantasies were satisfied. Netherlands visionaries Marlies Dekkers’ Best in Show collection encompassed undies complete with buckles and straps, which had more than a few jumping into their saddles. And Ilya’s decadent Fleet Leather Cone Bra allowed the most proper of women to embrace her inner Madonna.

A provocative showcase of boundary-breaking erotic artwork also exhibited a deeper side to Coco de Mer than feather ticklers and spanking paddles. ‘Be Free’ featured a range of edgy and thought-provoking limited edition prints from London’s very own celebrity stylist and designer, Johnny Blue Eyes.

In addition, the in-house Apothecary hosted a veritable feast of scent and massage oils perfected for the art of seduction, including ‘Molecule’; an addictive pheromone based perfume favoured by Kate Moss and Dita von Teese, which has become an unconventional, yet stylish phenomenon.

So if you feel you’ve reached a stage in your life where you know all there is to know about sex, then think again. Coco de Mer will definitely open your mind, as well as your eyes.
With chiffon featuring more on the catwalks than ever right now, it’s time to embrace an element of fashion most of us have never considered, and add a hint of naughtiness. This shop of erotic delights is not for the shy or feint-hearted, although the curious are definitely more than welcome…
A slice of erotic luxury can be found at Coco de Mer stores located in Covent Garden and Brompton Cross, or at www.coco-de-mer.com