Reason for Warning: This article has a heavy focus on topics of sexuality, especially that of a shocking and even violent nature. If this sort of content has the potential to be triggering to you, please turn back from this page and go to a different page..
Bondage, once considered a taboo subject, has long evolved beyond kink spaces and has become it’s own aesthetic that also intersects with various subcultures such as Goth, which was one of the first non kink communities to utilize the kink aesthetic. Its appeal lies in the delicate craftmanship related to ropework and leather as well as the exploration of power dynamics found in BDSM relationships, such as DDlg, Sissification, Pet Play, and more. Beyond its surface appeal, bondage as an aesthetic does focus on the tension between constraint and freedom, challenging conventional notions of beauty. Bondage imagery can be seen in many aesthetics such as Morute, Trailer Park Princess, E-Girl, Goth, and more.
The bondage community developed a shared aesthetic with other aspects of BDSM such as power exchange and sadomasochism, due to the connotations of their practice and the aesthetic history of notable figures. This aesthetic is expressed in media depicting S&M relationships, graphic design for the community, and in fashion.
Visuals[]
- Intricate rope patterns against skin
- Play of light and shadow
- Symbols associated with dominance and submission
- Contrast between skin and restraints
- Implied tension and anticipation
- Poses associated with vulnerability or strength
Fashion[]
Bondage fashion is heavily linked to the practices within the community. Previously mentioned materials; leather, rope, latex, and PVC are often utilized in the fashion as well as the addition of chains and restrictive accessories (ex. chokers).
Common fashion elements include:
- o-ring chokers
- wrist cuffs
- leather harnesses
- fishnet wear
- clothes with belt straps
- studded belts
- torn fabrics
- corsets
- platform shoes
- combat boots
- piercings
Media[]
TV Shows[]
- American Horror Story: NYC (2022)
- "The L Word" (2004-2009, 2019)
- "True Blood" (2008-2014)
- "American Horror Story: Asylum" (2012-2013)
- "Masters of Sex" (2013-2016)
- "The Girlfriend Experience" (2016-present)
- "The Story of O" (1992)
- "Bonding" (2019)
- "Submission" (2016)
- "Bonding" (2019 -present)
- "The Secretary" (2002-2003)
- "Submission" (2016)
- "The Master" (1984-1989)
- "Secretary" (2002)
- "Bonding" (2019-2021)
- "The Deuce" (2017-2019)
Movies[]
- Maîtresse (1976)
- Cruising (1980)
- The Duke of Burgundy (2014)
- Dogs Don't Wear Pants (2019)
- Sanctuary (2022)
Music[]
Songs[]
- "Freak" by Doja Cat
- "Adrenalize" by In This Moment
- "Alligator Food" by Nerda Johnson
- "Baby Let's Play Rough" by Unknown Hinson
- "Closer" by Nine Inch Nails
- "Control" by Puddle Of Mudd
- "Erotica" by Madonna
- "Flesh" by Simon Curtis
- "I'm a Slave 4 U" by Britney Spears
- "For Your Entertainment" by Adam Lambert
- "Not Myself Tonight" by Christina Aguilera
- "S&M" by Rihanna
- "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics
- "Teeth" by Lady Gaga
- "Venus in Furs" by The Velvet Underground
- "The Masochism Tango" by Tom LehrerMovies
Games[]
- Hadaka Shitsuji
- Ladykiller in a Bind
- Lia Escape
- The Moral Sword of Asagi
Subgenres[]
Shibari[]
TBA
Resources[]
External links to help get a better understanding of this aesthetic.
Pinterest Boards[]
- BDSM aesthetic by Ask the dust
- BDSM Aesthetic by Ginger Cookie (He/They/Xe/Hir)
- BDSM aesthetic by Storm Saffier
- BDSm Aesthetic by Ringodavu ( ^ - ^)
