Latex Care How To

•January 9, 2012 • Leave a Comment

LATEX CARE

Latex rubber is a natural material that is, like you, constantly biodegrading.  However, if you follow these care guidelines, you can prolong the life and strength of your latex.

AVOID:

  • Oils, greases and solvents, they destroy latex.  Absolutely do not ever use vegetable or mineral oil, Crisco, Vaseline, hand creams and moisturizers, oil based lubes like Elbow Grease,  and leather goods (leather contains oils).
  • Exposure to fluctuating or extreme temperatures, and especially prolonged direct sunlight.
  • Copper, brass, and bronze, including loose change, can stain latex, especially the lighter colors.
  • Sharp objects, like fingernails and jewelry.
  • Fire, like candles, cigarettes, or other open flames. Latex is flammable!

 

WEARING IT:

Rule of thumb: Put it on like stockings, take it off like a condom.

When dressing use talcum powder or silicone lubricant (I recommend Pjur, also great for shining, and for sexytime).  Powder is easier when getting dressed alone, but makes a bit of a mess.

Never tug or pull the latex with your fingers.  If you must make an adjustment, pull very gently along seams or zippers as they are stronger, and use your flat palm along panels of latex to shift it into place.

POLISHING:
For a high shine I recommend silicone lube like Pjur or spray like Black Beauty, apply liberally and then rub in circles with hands or buff with a soft cloth, like an old t-shirt.  I caution against Armor All because it contains petroleum.
CLEANING :
Wash in lukewarm water with a small amount of unscented/uncolored soap or baby shampoo. Rinse well, inside and out  and hang to dry. Do not iron, dry-clean, or put latex garments into a washing machine or dryer.

STORING:
After washing and once completely dry, lightly powder with talcum powder, and keep it in a cool dark place. It is best not to fold latex because it will crease, unless you wear the item often. Store in a vented plastic bag, or an old cotton pillowcase or on clear plastic, padded or wooden hangers.  It is best not to store your latex saturated in silicone, as it can cause the latex to stick too much to itself.
REPAIR:
Holes, tears, zippers and seams can often be repaired for much less than the cost of a new garment.  Please contact KLAWTEX for Purple Passion to discuss repairing your latex, and bring this page for 10% off your repair! KLAWTEX also offers a full range of custom latex and alterations to fulfill your every latex dream!

KLAWTEX on Etsy!

•January 8, 2012 • Leave a Comment

Now KLAWTEX is available anytime, anywhere ONLINE.

www.etsy.com/shop/KLAWTEX

Check out my new etsy store now, and take home a KLAWTEX original.  And for the time being, use the code: First15  good for 15% off of your first KLAWTEX order on etsy!  Act fast!

 

 

KLAWTEX in Alexis Bittar Spring/Summer 2012 Lookbook!

•December 13, 2011 • Leave a Comment

This fall KLAWTEX was approached by Alexis Bittar to provide some classically feminine retro latex styles for their upcoming SS 2012 lookbook.  As many of you know, in addition to having unique and extremely well-crafted jewelry, Alexis Bittar’s lookbooks are known for being extremely cutting edge and inventively styled.

See for yourself:

Each image included above features KLAWTEX original designs.

The Translucent Two-Tone High Waist Panty and the Baby Pink High Waist Panty

Upcoming Latex Classes!

•December 3, 2011 • Leave a Comment

Hello All.

I have 2 new classes coming up at Purple Passion…well 3 if you include the one sold out in December!

First class is January 26:

Intermediate Latex Clothing Making: Miniskirts and Boxer Briefs (Max 6 people!!)

In this class we will each make either a sleek sexy miniskirt or a pair of shorts with room for a package! These items will be staples in your latex wardrobe, customized to fit you just right, with a zipper for easy dressing and strength. We begin by measuring, then you’ll learn how to alter a pattern to your shape, cut and piece latex with these sexy but demanding curves, reinforce your edges and then you’ll learn how to prepare and add zippers to your latex pattern. Class size is limited to 6 people, all materials are included– keep what you make!

 

and then a 101 Class for all skill levels, February 2nd

Latex Clothing Making: Booty Short Boot Camp (Max 10 people!!)

In this class we will focus on one basic latex staple: the booty short. With modifications for all bodies we will each customize a shorts pattern and create a pair of booty shorts for our latex wardrobes. Class size limited to 10, all materials included, keep what you make!

 

The latex classes have been so much fun and Ive seen several of my students wearing their garments around the city, and thanks to the strictly limited class size, we are able to focus hands on and really create a garment you’ll love to keep for ever!

Rubber Life by 3xL: book review

•November 2, 2011 • Leave a Comment

One thing is for certain about latex, once you get converted you definitely want to spread the good word. And why wouldn’t you? That way not only do you get to enjoy wearing it but you get to see others all dolled up in your favourite duds.

Spreading the latex gospel is exactly what 3XL does in his inspired book “Rubber Life” out this year (2011). The book is filled with many personal accounts, some incredible latex imagery (personal favourites are page 35 and page 77), and even provides thorough info on where to buy, how to measure for custom latex, latex care, inside looks into some of the best international fetish parties, cultivating an online presence, and of course the book’s main focus—how to find others with a love of latex.

There are many tips and tricks that even a consummate latex wearer may find helpful such as measuring instructions on 36-37, dressing tips including how to shave on 47, cleaning and storage on 52, how to discuss your fetish with current and prospective partners on 59-60, not to be creepy!  72, and honesty in your presentation 82-83

The book has an interesting approach, beginning with accepting yourself and coming out as a fetishist, that ensures it will dwell next to important lifestyle books such as “When Someone you love is Kinky” “SM101” and “Opening Up.” “Rubber Life” is peppered with images of his own journey to finding latex happiness and a gorgeous latex enthusiast wife. This peer-to-peer approach encourages you to understand your own kink and/or to accept the kinks of others you may not personally enjoy— and does so in a charming down-to-earth manner, while discussing many what about latex makes it so aesthetically and sensuously pleasing.  To 3XL’s credit, this is done without feeling clinical or oversimplified, but rather feels like a chat with a new friend about sexy likes and dislikes.  The palpable excitement the author is compelling and thus has the power to be very contagious J

While, like me, you may be confused by the separation of latex fetish from the umbrella of BDSM and the tread-lightly approach to non-latex SM (especially in cautioning those exploring SM from the submissive side), and you may also o_0 at the gender-specific advice in the Photo Tips section on 84, however I believe the author elegantly makes no secret that he speaking from his own experience, and while that experience- an into-women, male, latex fetishist, may not be your own perspective, it’s such a warm, honest, and inviting voice that any reader can identify with the message: get your tight, shiny, pervy kink on!

Latex Fashion Show Story (from Red Umbrella)

•September 4, 2011 • 1 Comment

I was invited to tell a story at Red Umbrella Diaries on Sept 1  about my experiences in the Fashion and Sex Work.

Here is the story I told (minus the ad-libbing, but plus extra pics!)

How does one dress for sex work? There aren’t sex work catalogs that list out different uniforms for the nuances of prostitute personalities.

-some Strip clubs tell the dancers whether to wear pasties, a bikini or a gown

-Role play scenarios make it easier, the Naughty Nurse, slutty schoolgirl, the Pin up princess.

But what about when youre crafting your own brand, marketing the image of your sexwork?

When I first went independent as a Pro Domme, on my own, no longer working in a Dungeon or catering to a small scene, I did some research and I encountered “the rules”  These rules were enforced by a group– that discretion bids me leave un-named , and were the criterion to being a true Woman of Power. including:

-Being over 25—Failed that one, (im all of 19 when I found the rules, but pretending to be 25).

-Having at least 3 separate outfits that convey your craft and mastery- got that one covered

-You must never referr to yourself as submissive, a switch, or presentyourself in image, word, or action as less than Dominant- no problem, when I was starting out I too saw power as black or white.

The message was clear– image was everything.  Altho I was trained by old guard Masterly types in the DC fetish scene I was barely 19, Domming since 17, and thus was faking it till I made it. So, now on my own in Pittsburgh, pretending to be 25 and dangerously at risk of being called a GWW, a Goth with Whip, I took note. It wasn’t just my ego at stake, it was also my personal brand, and that meant paying the bills (and of course being able to buy the latex I couldn’t otherwise afford ;)

Flash forward a few years, and a few too many stalkers later, and I decide its time to transition away from being a Pro Domme and into the illustrious vocation of Fetish Artist- read: switch, model, performer, visual artist, designer the moon the stars and the kitchen sink. I was tired of the rigid role I had been confined to, and I wanted more.  But could I transition?

I moved back to DC, and was hired as the House Domme of BOUNDDC, which filled my weekends while I went to art school, toured for photoshoots and my self-bondage performances.  That’s when I began making art out of latex, and latex clothing shortly thereafter. It was exhilarating to be designing clothes that others would wear for their sexytime, and even better to be able to concoct my own custom fantasies for all the new shades of grey from which I previously hid.

However my grayscale would soon be tested during my first fashion show at BOUND (Designing in collaboration with SLYX Fashions). As the House Domme, I had a certain image to maintain, however sometimes my Domly Dommeness was at odds with my desire to rebrand and broaden my horizons— not to mention entice more varied play partners for my own private sexcapades.  Nonetheless, it took me a long time to cut the Domme image and glue it back together as the mosaic you see before you today.

It went like this-

Continue reading ‘Latex Fashion Show Story (from Red Umbrella)’

Latex Clothing Making CLASS!

•August 18, 2011 • Leave a Comment

Adding an Inch (KLAWTEX)

I am teaching my very popular Latex Clothing Making class at Purple Passion on Sept 22, from 7-9 pm. Space is limited to

10 people because of its intensive hands-on nature, and many spaces have already been reserved.  Cost of the class

includes the cost of materials to go home with your own new clothing items! Click the link below for the official class

description and to prepay online!

http://store.purplepassion.com/servlet/Categories?category=Prepay+Upcoming+Workshops

This class is great because its a chance for latex enthusiasts to learn

the delicate art of making their favourite clothing and use this opportunity to craft an item custom built for them, with that perfect fit!

In this class I will cover some techniques:

-Gluing

-Following and customizing a latex pattern

-Cutting and knife skills

- And insider tips that come from being in the latex biz for almost a decade!

Mask Pattern (KLAWTEX)

Everyone who comes to the class will have the opportunity to make one of three latex clothing items to take home with

them and enjoy:

-A thong

-Shorts

-Mask

each one of these basic patterns presents a different set of challenges and builds upon the different skill areas we will be covering. The thong, with its curving lines requires a more skilled hand with the patterning, and often required some adjustment for size and proportion. The shorts with its long straight seams requires careful gluing to avoid air bubbles and uneven seams. The mask with its eye placement and narrow cuts requires a skilled knife to prevent jagged edges that could later tear your garment.

Many different colors and thicknesses will be discussed and available!

Hope to see you there!

Featured Designer: Latex Nemesis

•May 14, 2011 • Leave a Comment

Nemesis is one of the coolest latex designers you’ll ever meet.  She’s fun, cool, lives like a rock star and looks good all the time.  I had the pleasure of meeting her and seeing some of her wares for the first time at Miss Rubber World 2010, she was a contestant and I was a judge.  I have MAD respect for anyone who makes their own, especially if its good :)

Latex Nemesis is well known for her expertly crafted hoods.  You can tell a nemesis hood for a few reasons:

It fits well, smoothly and the seams are even and flat;

The detailing around the eyes and mouth  is her trademark, making a sleek and sexy point. Some hood even have dramatic cat eyes that extend the full side of the hood.

However she also has a connoisseur’s understanding of the importance of options for your hair with hoods.

Continue reading ‘Featured Designer: Latex Nemesis’

Cleaning Latex- How to

•May 12, 2011 • Leave a Comment

Cleaning your latex is important.  The oils in your skin, let alone all the fun fluids it comes into contact decrease the life of your latex. Regularly cleaning your latex can extend the lifespan of your favourite second skin.

Run the water until it’s likewarm, and the sink or tub is just full enough to cover the top of your garment and then let it soak.  Make sure the basin is completely clean before you fill it up.  It is important that the latex never touches cold or hot water, as both extreme temperatures hurt the material.

Continue reading ‘Cleaning Latex- How to’

KLAWTEX: Custom Latex

•May 9, 2011 • Leave a Comment

As some of you know, I’m now the resident Latex Maven for Purple Passion, New York’s Pansexual Lifestyle S&M Fetish shop located in Chelsea.

This means I’ve been doing a lot of custom work, repairs, alterations and dreaming and scheming for all you latex lovers like myself.

Here are some of the custom pieces I have made for customers at Purple Passion so far in 2011!

(click to enlarge or for additional information about the piece!)

 
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