Genevieve Gaelyn has a history with hot high fashion. At San Francisco's Stormy Leather, she crafted constricting corsets and skin-tight slacks. After moving to Manhattan, she worked for The Baroness as a skilled latex production manager, implementing new tools and procedures. Since she began her own design studio, she has made astounding strides, especially when it's come to moving from kink to couture. While most latex designers remain somewhat pigeonholed in the fetish realm, Gaelyn has strolled from the stage of The Black & Blue Ball to the catwalks of Seventh on Sixth's enormous tents.
In 1999 she was joined by Atom Cianfarani, whose history was in fine woodworking. The combination of Gaelyn's exuberant fashion sense and Cianfarani's careful attention to construction details results in well-made, wearable garments with an elegant flare. The team has presented their past three seasons' collections in the tents. In September, she debuted her spring 2004 collection in an evening show sandwiched alongside Raika D. and Tommy Hilfiger.
But it isn't just the designers who have come a long way as they've distanced themselves from fetish. The clothes, while still the answer to a latex fetishist's dream, have evolved far beyond the standard SM uniform. Where rubber enthusiasts prefer a tight fit and high gloss, Gaelyn and Cianfarani takes advantage of latex's matte finish, giving the garments a slightly sueded appearance. And with an ultra-thin weight of latex, they achieve a far lighter, flowing, more fluid look.
Rather than your basic black and red, their colors range from a sherberty peach to electric turquoise, dusty rose to sunny forsythia yellow. Handkerchief hemlines flounce at knee level. Cottons and organzas flirt with the latex. Tiny garter belt accents and corset-like open-back lacing are subtle nods backward to the S&M aesthetic. And regardless of the ultimate demographic goal, there's nothing sexier than a thin film of latex clinging to a curvaceous shape!
The designers also utilize recycled bicycle tires juxtaposed with ivory gauze or petal pink tulle. In some instances, an entire skirt will be stitched of nothing but tires. In others, the strips of rubber are used to anchor or accent a piece. Their use of all this rubber, as opposed to leather, is a reflection of their anti-fur, anti-leather and pro-recycling stances, pushing their garments from fashion statement to political statement. Their fall 2003 Collection, Creative Couture with a Cause, was sponsored by PETA. Alignments with other natural, organic and cruelty-free companies have presented themselves, contributing to the pair's reputation as eco-friendly fashionistas.
From the pages of Italian Vogue to the posteriors of MTV rock stars, Gaelyn and Cianfarani continue to transform utilitarian latex into elegant couture. Their balance of fashion and passion, sincerity and sensuality, make for a powerfully inspirational vision.
Keep up with Gaelyn and Cianfarani at www.gaelyn.com. |
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