Bondage

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Bondage, the practice of using restraints such as ropes or leather to restrict movement, has evolved beyond its origins in kink spaces to become a distinct aesthetic. Previously a taboo subject, it has found expression within various subcultures, notably Goth, which was among the first non-kink communities to incorporate elements of this aesthetic. The appeal of bondage as an aesthetic lies in the craftsmanship of ropework and leather, and the visual representation of power dynamics. It explores the tension between constraint and freedom, challenging conventional notions of beauty. Bondage imagery appears in various aesthetic and subcultural expressions.

The aesthetic has developed alongside other aspects of BDSM, such as power exchange and sadomasochism, due to the shared connotations of these practices. This aesthetic is manifested in media, graphic design, and fashion.

Visuals[]

Intricate rope patterns against skin
Play of light and shadow
Symbols associated with dominance and submission
Contrast between skin and restraints
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:

Collars (dog collars, studded collars, O-ring collars, chains w/locks, etc.), sometimes with leashes
Wrist/ankle cuffs
Harnesses (usually either leather or rope/shibari)
Fishnets and lingerie
Clothes with belt straps
Studded belts
Torn fabrics
Corsets
Platform shoes and high heels
Combat boots
Piercings
Latex/PVC clothing
Spreader bars
Leather clothing
Chains/clothes with chains (usually silver)
Catsuits
Leather boots
Black and red clothing
Gags (ball gags, O-ring gags, etc.)

Media[]

Television[]

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)
Submission (2016)
Bonding (2019-present)
Submission (2016)
The Master (1984-1989)
Bonding (2019-2021)
The Deuce (2017-2019)

Film[]

Maîtresse (1976)
Cruising (1980)
The Duke of Burgundy (2014)
Dogs Don't Wear Pants (2019)
Sanctuary (2022)
Fifty Shades trilogy (2015-2018)
Secretary (2002)

Video Games[]

Hadaka Shitsuji'
Ladykiller in a Bind
Lia Escape
The Moral Sword of Asagi

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 Lehrer
"Earned It" by The Weeknd
"Love Me Like You Do" by Ellie Goulding
"Love Me Harder" by Ariana Grande & The Weeknd
"Justify My Love" by Madonna
"Crazy In Love" by Sofia Karlberg

Subgenres[]

Shibari[]

Shibari is a traditional Japanese style of rope bondage which has the most focus on aesthetic appeal as opposed to power dynamics, which tends to be the focus in western bondage. Shibari is also a much more complex skill than more basic types of bondage, which makes it a popular skill for tops/doms (dominants) in the BDSM community to possess.

Western Rope Bondage[]

Western bondage, as mentioned, traditionally focuses more on the power dynamic of the submissive being tied up and immobilized as opposed to focusing on the rope itself and the aesthetics of it. The classic style of western rope bondage, during the Pin-up era, focused on the 'Damsel in Distress' trope, where a conventionally attractive woman would be tied down to something such as a chair as a 'captive'. This is still the image most associated with the western style of rope bondage, although it has become more gender-neutral in modern times.