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Torture Garden Paris 2009
by Sarah on Jun.27, 2009, under Torture Garden
Saturday 20 June 2009 @ Glaz’art
When the circus comes to town ..
Rome, Athens, Berlin … they’ve all had their Torture Gardens. The question of why not Paris was becoming more and more insistent. Was the French scene not big enough to support a Torture Garden event ? Surely an international capital the size of Paris could draw the crowds ?
As of June 20th, this has been corrected. Paris has hosted not just the Nuit Demonia, but London’s most famous fetish night : Torture Garden. Having heard rumours about the French team, though, how much a chance were they going to be given ?
Clearly, we should not have been expecting a transplanted London TG, though I think many of us were hoping for the same energy, the same magical blend of beauty and crazy and outrageous sexy to be somehow recreated, first try, in a Parisian indy concert hall. The venue, usually home to independent gigs and art installations, didn’t seem like the most glamourous match, and the local shows were either TG stalwarts or French neophytes, with not much in between. But Torture Garden is Torture Garden, no matter where it is. ‘French Touch’ Torture Garden apparently comes in fairground attractions and cabaret numbers … but a little novelty never hurt anyone. Sometimes it’s the best way of discovering bigger and better things.
It took a while to come together, though. The decision had been made to only open the club at 11pm, with a selection of outdoor shows acting as a preparty. These didn’t really draw the crowds, who only really started to arrive after midnight. From then on, the party took a little more time to find its rythm. At about 3am, the place had filled out and David TG’s mixing skills had drawn the crowds onto the dancefloor. Until then, one could admire the usual international TG shows : Syban’s ballet of needles and feathers, Empress Stah’s erotic cabaret, Satomi’s shibari performance – the mix of pop, alternative and fetish cultures which is what makes TG.
Though TG is the mother of all alternative nights out, where you can spot gothic lolitas or punk club kids, the French version lost sight a little of its fetishistic aspects. Organised by Olga and Carline of Tokyo Decadance (a French Japanese cross-culture clubnight), the decision had been to organise an artistic night rather than a fetish one, to use TG’s culture rather than its vocation. Unfortunately they underestimate the strength of the Torture Garden label. Torture Garden is the haven of fetishists. It’s a chance for the lovers of leather, latex or PVC to put on their gladrags and parade them in a world of their own, to showcase international fetish designers. The shows are far more sexy and dangerous than they are burlesque. David and Allen’s genius was in opening this ‘dark side’ to popular influences : to techno music, to futurism, to burlesque, to the fantasies that show up against the grey background of the everyday world. If TG’s dresscode is always “turning heads in the street”, then Parisians must have easier heads to turn than most.
« Torture Garden Paris is not just another club night using the Torture Garden label », is what it said on the site. Was it supposed to be not just another TG, or not just another club night ?
The strength of the Torture Garden is that it carries popularity and therefore expectations. Rather than come out and say that this was not meant to be a London-style Torture Garden, TG Paris ran firmly up against these expectations. A little bit too firmly, in fact. The initial mood was suspicious, even a little bit disappointed. On the one hand, the purists were expecting a fetish event. On the other, the more alternative crowd was expecting a cross-culture night. There was bound to be a little bit of a clash, and this should, in retrospect, have been predicted and dealt with by clearer advertising.
One of the main things that should have been tackled immediately, however, were the technical problems. It looked like there was a personnel shortage, which meant the shows ran later and later and the music cut out regularly with no one to man the DJ booth. There was also things which will be easily corrected next time, which a more fetish-centered organiser would have dealt with much better : guestlist and photopasses, dresscode application, better dressing rooms, photopass enforcement … the little things all accumulate. As an example, I shan’t mention the accredited photographer wearing jeans. Instead, I’ll mention an anonymous guy, taking pictures with his iPhone of passing arses, without a photopass and without permission. When I pointed out that this was not only rude, but also against club rules, he threw me a condescending look before saying, as an explanation, that he had a ‘somewhat read’ blog. Whoever his readers are, I’m not sure they’d be happy to be find themselves there …
Despite these birthing pangs, in a different venue and with a little work, I think the next Parisian TG can be much more sure of itself and much more professional. Judging by the end of the night, I think a lot of people are even happily expecting it ! TG did find its French audience, among all those there who expressed their joy at finding a club that escaped the set limits between the French BDSM, fetish and alternative scenes. There is already talk of another TG in Nancy, in the very East of France, which will undoubtedly be very different, but just as important for the continued development of this kind of events in France. Looking forward to seeing you there !
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Torture Garden New Year’s Eve 2008-2009
by Sarah on Jan.03, 2009, under Party Report, Torture Garden
Torture Garden New Year’s Eve 2008
Wednesday 31 December 2008 @ Mass
Torture Garden had promised us big things for New Year’s Eve. Things like confetti cannons and balloon drops and shows, on top of all the usual festivities. The December newsletter also hinted at big plans for 2009, so what better place to make or break all our new New Year’s Resolutions than TG?
- Resolution 1 : Clear out your wardrobe
Out with the old, in with the new ! I’ve grumbled about cheap lingerie and the dresscode before, but I’m woman enough to eat my words. TG’s latest newsletter announced a stiffer dresscode and though I don’t know if it was implemented already, the crowd seemed to have already decided to dress up for the New Year. Though there was still a complement of lingerie and fancy dress, there was also far more amazing latex, themed outfits, and inspired dressing. Hurrah!
- Resolution 2 : Get fit
The delicious DJ Fidelity Kastrow led the way both in fashion and music, managing to look and sound stunning. Along with Allen and David TG, and alumni Jimmy Mofo and Janette Slack among others, the dancefloors were packed all night long. TG was obviously helping us to fulfill that most popular and impossible of resolutions : exercise more. By dancing and dancing and dancing …
- Resolution 3 : Quit smoking
TG also encourages you to stop smoking ! Without a marquee to trap the heat, those indulging in the smoking area had to cluster round the heaters that were kindly provided, but that freezing temperature certainly stang, even on the mercifully short circuit between the dungeon and the upper floors … The layout on the whole was the same as for Halloween, with the Babalou floor serving as the dungeon. Though people still tended to cluster on their way in, the actual dungeon space was a lot more divided, creating more intimacy and chill out space, which made up for losing the upstairs chill-out to the new green room.
- Resolution 4 : Spend more time with family and friends
Along with the layout, circulation was helped by the bouncers being quite firm about keeping people circulating in the non-club areas. The several cloakrooms were extra efficient and the queues kept to a minimum by spreading them around the club. By dint of opening an hour early, and closing late, TG’s superb organisation gave us as much time as possible to party with friends.
- Resolution 5 : Do less housework !
And party they did. Forget the cleanup – who’s to think about that when there are balloons and confetti being thrown at you on the main dancefloor, music being played and dancing to be done ? While I saw in the New Year Dancing, Josselin was next door enjoying the Libidex stage show, an elaborate Moulin Rouge themed production featuring the entire Libidex team and their exclusive, spectacular new line of printed rubber. Said rubber proved that it’s not only beautiful but practical, as it turned to splosh : again, who cares about housework when it’s turning into a festive foodfight of thrown cake and sprinkles all over?
- Resolution 6 : Delegate
Josselin not only photographed the show, as you can see below, but he was also the hero of the hour when he managed to open the champagne …. with his teeth. For this accomplishment, he was invited to take a bow with the rest of the team onstage. He also demonstrated a fine command of the art of delegation when he handed over his camera for other people to take pictures of him and for him. A useful skill!
- Resolution 7 : Be thankful
Credit where credit is due : A huge thank you to the TG and Libidex for putting on this show and this night for us, and congratulations on another incredible success. 2009 will truly be your year!
- Resolution 8 : Get organised
Here are the Torture Garden dates for 2009, as announced in the newsletter. Please note that these dates are not 100% confirmed until the tickets go on sale …
- TG Valentines Ball – Sat 14th Feb @ Mass
- TG March – Sat 14th Mar @ Venue TBC
- TG Easter Ball – Fri 10th April @ Mass
- Birthday Ball Weekend:
TG International Fetish Ball – Fri 15th May @ Mass
TG Birthday Ball – Sat 16th May @ SeOne
TG Boudoir Ball – Sun 17th May @ Platinum Bar
- TG June – Sat 13th June @ TBC
- TG July – Sat 11th July @ TBC
- TG August – Sat 8th @ TBC
- TG Sept – Sat 5th Sept @ Mass
- TG London Fetish Ball – Sat 4th Oct @ Mass
- TG Halloween Ball – 31st Oct @ SeOne
- TG Xmas Ball – Sat 5th Dec @ Mass
- TG NYE – Thur 31st Dec @ Mass
Put them down in your diary straight away ! The Birthday Ball 2008 at SeOne was definitely one of my highlights of the year and I’m looking forward to the next one already ! Plus the added bonus of Josselin celebrating his own birthday – stay tuned for more info.
- Resolution 9 : Take a trip
TG have already announced that they will be cutting down on their international events and focusing opn other exciting sounding projects. However do look out for Torture Garden events in Athens, Rome, Tokyo, Dallas, Paris …
- Resolution 10 : Be Happy
Happy 2009 !!
London Fetish Weekend 2008 : the Xpo
by Sarah on Oct.04, 2008, under Party Report
London Fetish Weekend 2008 : the Xpo
03-04 October 2008 @ London
As if partying all night weren’t enough, the international fetish scene still managed to get up the morning after and get itself down to the Xpo at London’s Barbican, where designers and retailers from all over the world and all over the fetishista fashion spectrum were gathered to part us from our cash.
Fashion shows and performances showed us how it was done, and then it was up to us to sally forth and create our own looks. Many pervs were already all dolled up in their favourite PVC, leather or latex and only to happy to show off their outfits. Though the shopping was of course fantastic, one of the main joys was to be able to catch up with friends without the loud club music. If you didn’t already know people, then the Xpo was the perfect chance to meet and greet designers on their stands, or fellow visitors. The Fetishistas, sharing a stand with Festival of Sins, had several lovely ladies (sorry Boris !!) only too happy to tell you all about the site or the Festival of Sins and Striplite nights, and you had your best opportunity to meet yours truly – when I wasn’t gadding about with a video camera. Watch thefetishistas.com in about a month to spot the fruit of our labours !
The fashion shows, brought to you by the Fetishistas, really highlighted the new designs and new designers. From well established brands such as Latexa, Bondinage, or Jed Phoenix to newcomers like Maya Hansen or D.vote, there was something for everyone. Montcler Classics, purveyors of fine PVC, had a falsely demure collection which somehow conjured up 60s housewives and kink all in one, if that was your thing rather than corsets or latex. Unlike Passion, which was aimed at the general public, the Xpo was firmly geared towards those already in the know : you could buy second hand fetishgear or latex straight from Radical Rubber and make your own ! From clubwear to heavy rubber there was definitely something to tickle every fancy – but more about that with individual commentary on the fashion shows.
London Fetish Weekend 2008 – The Fetishistas Movers and Shakers Cocktail Party
by Sarah on Oct.03, 2008, under Party Report
London Fetish Weekend 2008 – The Fetishistas Movers and Shakers Cocktail Party
The first London Fetish Weekend kicked off to a grand start with the Fetishistas’ Movers, Shakers & Stirrers Cocktail Party, at new venue Resistance. Home to Lucha Britannia, the airy white space in Bethnal Green was soon buzzing with the sound of a crowd ready to party. Industry professionals, friends and enthusiasts were all happy to sample the free Triibe cocktails, along with cupcakes, and chocolates handed round by latex-clad cocktail waitresses Samantha Stone and Veronika Valentine in matching dresses. Even Charlotte TG did her stint with a tray !
The three very different shows displayed aspects of the scene : Killpussy gave a new twist to the classic schoolgirl and headmistresses fantasy, ordering her to “Show me your pussy !” to a techno beat. Chris Columbine performed her famous Birth of Venus-inspired burlesque number, all silk and lace and classic opera. Finally, Kazuya premiered her new heavy latex bondage show in outfits by new shop Zeitgeist Heavy Rubber, which left everyone quite hot under the collar … Especially Mistress Veronica (even though she wasn’t wearing one) who got a very special close-up with the DV camera ! Watch this space for the full film, coming soon ….
Photographers were able to snap their friends and socialise all at once, as people kept on arriving till past 2am – 8 till late, indeed ! Photographer Maxime Avet’s nightmare journey from Lille meant he arrived late, but not too late to party, though we slipped away, saving our energies for the Xpo and the rest of the action-packed LFW …
Torture Garden RubberBall Special 2008
by Sarah on Sep.05, 2008, under Party Report, Torture Garden
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Torture Garden Summer 2008
by Sarah on Aug.02, 2008, under Party Report, Torture Garden
Torture Garden Summer 2008
Saturday 2 August 2008 @ Mass
It is a tribute to Torture Garden, Pope of fetish parties, that even in sunny August weather it draws a crowd of dedicated pervs and fun seekers to its Summer Mass, and that it fulfills all their expectations and more.
From the flyer, you might have been forgiven for thinking the August edition of the 17 year-old club a small, quiet affair. “New smaller 3 room layout for the summer”, it said, back at Mass in Brixton. Luckily I’d been there for the Fetishistas-sponsored International Fetish Ball in May, so I was forewarned not to expect anything too poky. Luckily I avoided queuing for the Ninjattitude club night, also taking place at Mass that night, but trust the fetish club to use the underground entrance!
Some improvements had been made to the layout since the last night there, most notably in the dungeons and the opening of more seating areas, which were very welcome. This wasn’t really your average “quiet night”, however: the pulsating mixes of TG stalwarts Allen TG, Jimmy Mofo and Jimmy Mofo, along with relative (but much appreciated) newcomer Fidelity Kastrow had the crowd on their feet till closing time and past that … (especially given the state of the Tube that particular weekend) Fidelity is an habitué of Tresor in Berlin, and will be mixing at TG for the third time in September, which Josselin is looking forward to as she is extremely photogenic as well as a very talented DJ, as you can tell from his gallery.
London is one of the few cities that could support a summer party 600 perverts strong. Only in London, and possibly only TG, could draw crowds from all over Europe and even further afield: between beats (or in the more quiet areas) you could hear Spanish, French, German and Czech bandied around, and some definite transatlantic twangs. It’s easy to understand why they would make the hop, skip and a jump to come to one of the summer’s biggest and only events. While many clubs close down for the hot months, Torture Garden just keeps going and going, while planning September’s Skin Two special and its headlining event at the London Fetish Weekend in October. Though we appreciate the effort and will undoubtedly much enjoy the results, we were very glad to have something to sink our teeth into in the quiet times. London provides much kinky entertainment, but there is only one Torture Garden!
The crowd lived up to expectations, with a selection of beautiful outfits and wacky themes. Though there does seem to be a trend for cheap lingerie, the quality and the effort put in by others more than make up for it and people-watching is always one of my greatest pleasures, and it makes spotting for Josselin great fun ! Nurses, sailors, rubberdolls, marquises, military uniforms: there was something for every taste. Eclectic and open as ever, Torture Garden isn’t your typical fetish club. It’s often said as if this is a bad thing, not fetish enough maybe, but it remains that even in down time, it brings out creativity and fun. The shows, though low key, were entertaining with Ruby Blues’ strange masked nuns and Lazlo Pearlman’s sailor-themed show : less “Rum, Sodomy and the Lash”, more “Popeye goes to Thailand”. Amrita and Kumi also provided some lycra-clad suspension bondage.
All in all, less about the spectacular on the stage, more about the atmosphere in the crowd, which was great. The fun was efficient, more socializing than play-focused, though issues in the Couples’ Room were swiftly taken care of, and of course you could argue that play is socializing … As ever, a huge thank you to the dedicated TG team, and see you next month !
Boudoir (Boudior) – Torture Garden Birthday Week-End 2008
by Sarah on May.04, 2008, under Party Report
Boudoir (Boudior)
Sunday 4 may 2008 @ Platinum Bar
Boudoir (or Boudior as it was affectionately known) was the last night of a very, very long weekend. Lack of sleep had taken its toll, and it was anyone’s guess as to whether we’d make it at all … With a slightly laxer dress code and a chill-out vibe, it seemed like the perfect comedown from the Torture Garden high, so we ventured out. Trying out a new venue at the Platinum Bar near Old Street, Boudoir’s ambiance seemed unimpeached by the two previous nights : the outfits were stunning and everyone looked beautiful, with a general vintage theme running through, corsets, furs, hats, even more so than other Torture Garden events. Even the downstairs club room had a higher density of feather fascinators than usual. David TG, the man himself, in another amazing suit, was to be seen dancing there, with model Viktoria.
The main room was probably the ground floor bar, which was crammed with dancers and pin-up projections. The French Team was still out in force, with the surprise but very welcome of the very gorgeous Valkyrie, in swashbuckling style. The quietness of the dungeon bar was much appreciated for those wanting to talk, but the split levels and those interminable stairs quickly finished us off. Josselin was further handicapped by the damage his camera has sustained the previous nights, which meant he wasn’t really able to take much in the way of pictures ! We left before the end of the party, about 2am, just missing new friend Veronica, who tells us that the party secretly went on till about 4am, with Allen TG blasting out all the classics … Oh well, all the more time to rest and recuperate and prepare for next weekend’s Berlin Fetish Ball, which promises to be a blast. Hopefully Josselin’s camera will be back on its metaphorical feet by then, otherwise he’ll have to find other ways of amusing himself.
Of course and most importantly, a huge thank you to David, Allen, Charlotte and their crew for organising such a fantastic weekend. Can’t wait for the next one – Torture Garden’s coming of age !
TG Birthday Ball 2008 – Torture Garden Birthday Week-End 2008
by Sarah on May.03, 2008, under Party Report, Torture Garden
TG Birthday Ball 2008
Saturday 3 may 2008 @ SeOne
To step into SeOne on Saturday 3rd May was to step into a different world … and everybody knew it and eagerly looked forward to it as they queued for Torture Garden’s 2008 Birthday Ball. Already well warmed up by a fantastic party the night before at the International Fetish Ball (co-hosted by Tony Mitchell’s The Fetishistas) the queue was shivering with anticip…ation rather than the cold, helped by unusually forgiving weather in London that weekend – not that the rubberwearers mind a little rain, but that deep under London Bridge, they wouldn’t even have felt it.
The anxious queue grew more anxious still as, when they finally reached the hallowed halls, they were hustled into a nightmarish warzone where they were stripped, bullied and hassled by latex clad army sergents. Noone seemed to mind being pushed into a (de)contamination room to change, nor loath to drop their pants and take a beating from the fiercely lovely officers. Most seemed to quite enjoy it (pervs !) and as ever, the crowd set the carnival mood.
Pared down to their party wear, they were allowed to move on and discover the delights that awaited them this year at the fabulously decorated SeOne. From Pre-war Berlin to extravagant New Orleans, the TG team had put in a fantastic effort and created seven different atmospheres, with something to cater for every taste. The uniforms seemed to congregate in the Salon Kitty Bordello, where they only added to the magical impression of being transported back to a more glamorous age, when women were real rubber-clad sirens and men were real uniform-clad gentlemen (or maybe the opposite). From projections of Bob Fosse’s Cabaret it was only a short step easily taken to the live entertainment of Anke Landeau, Lady Ane Angel and Roxy Velvet, which the crowd enjoyed sipping their drinks on gold cane chairs or lounging on leather sofas. Lady Ane and Roxy Velvet later reappeared on the stage of the Voodoo Ballroom where the hep cats and the swinging ladies had been rocking and rolling along to DJ sets from Torture Garden’s own David, the Broken Hearts (or are the Broken Dolls, as listed on the onsite maps ?) and Pandora’s Jukebox. Photographer Maxime Avet was certainly looking very dapper as he swung his partners round. A new performance by Emily Marilyn and Ruby Luster, the presence of Sefi Snake Dancer in the cage and Urban Voodoo Machine’s concert only served to remind that New Orleans voodoo is not only spicy, but can be downright dangerous … A fact which the bravest could verify by venturing into the Hellfire Club and Dungeon Room where strange sex-magic rituals were led by Temple T. It was hard to get near enough to see through the crowd, but the scents of strange incense hinted at lustful mysteries.
The several bars were well staffed and there were enough sofas and chill-out areas for everyone to recover (which is no mean feat with a crowd of 2600), and the luckiest received candy from a skipping nurse. Less compassionate medical staff repaired to the Hospital Playroom, which featured a water-torture performance by Kumi Monster and Amrita. Nurse Amrita waited until Kumi was firmly bound down in a white rubber straightjacket to shave her head, but the worst torture was probably the tickling she endured at the end ! We are happy to say that she seemed entirely recovered as she prowled playfully around the stage later wearing a leopard catsuit in the HWdesign show.
The main stage in the Propaganda Club Arena hosted all the night’s fashion shows : Torture Garden Clothing’s new Virgin Queen inspired collection, Austria’s HW Designs, and the UK’s http://www.prettypervy.com/ Pretty Pervy, all set off by great lighting. Torture Garden Clothing’s newest offering seemed to step from the pages of some strange alternative history book, with a dominant theme of asymmetrical black, red, white and gold. SadEast received her customary ovation as she stepped out, looking beautiful as ever in a white corset with a puffed sleeve, belted in black. HW Designs formed a complete contrast with 1940s and 50s style designs in unusual leopard-print rubber, and Pretty Pervy’s glamorous Martian gowns and strange creatures showed just how much you can stretch to with rubber.
The shows and the dancers owed a lot to Fidelity Kastrow’s DJing handiwork, which was thoroughly fantastic, and almost as beautiful as the lady herself. Josselin was very sorry to see her leave, and everyone missed her beats, but kept on dancing till the lights came on, all too soon, at 6am. Stumbling out into the streets and realising it was already light wasn’t even enough to bring the crowd down, and neither were the dozens of cabdrivers hustling outside the venue doors. Instead there was a stampede of fantastical creatures as they opened the gates at London Bridge tube station, dispersing the last of the Birthday Ball magic into the city. Wandering rather dazedly towards the trains, we decided that despite a lost lensehood and a broken battery pack (Josselin), sore feet and aching limbs (Sarah) and a lot of sleep to catch up on (both) we’d definitely be back to more the next night. Or should that be later that day, since we left at 7:30am ?
International Fetish Ball – Torture Garden Birthday Week-End 2008
by Sarah on May.02, 2008, under Party Report, Torture Garden
International Fetish Ball
Friday 2 may 2008 @ Mass
Returning to one of its favourite haunts, Torture Garden opened its 2008 birthday festivities with the International Fetish Ball at Mass, in Brixton. As a warm-up event, rather than the big Birthday Ball, it was only using two rooms : one as a dancefloor / performance stage and the other as a dungeon / chill-out / couples’ room. For a smaller event, it had plenty of attractions, and before the doors even opened the queue was forming. It was a pleasure to finally meet Charlotte TG on the door, after many exchanged emails, and Josselin was very grateful to receive his photopass.
As the event was co-hosted by The Fetishistas, Tony was in attendance, keeping an eye on the studio spot (the first pictures are up on the site already), and waiting for the dancefloor to fill up was the perfect time to catch up with old friends from the “French Team” : Maxime Avet, Whisper, SadEast and Frankfrançois. It was great to see Kippiepoo, Viktoria De Luxe and Andy again, and meet Liz, Calamity Amelie (in a sky-high fascinator) and Veronica. The place filled up fast, and by the first show, the dancefloor was packed.
VonLivid’s label House of Bias opened the festivities, with a three-fold collection of latex clothing. Emily Marilyn and Ruby Luster then gave a “Once Upon a Time in the West” style performance, showing us how they do it in America no doubt, and probably everyone in the room wanted to be in one or the other of their places as Emily’s lasso turned into a shibari net round Ruby’s body.
We unfortunately missed the performance by transsexual star Buck Angel but were able to catch the later projection of the film Schwarzwald from the dance floor, where DJs Ritual and Sota Suzuki alternated to keep the crowd moving … and coming back for more between shows. It was however very difficult to catch even a glimpse of Ancilla Tilla’s first UK performance … I think it involved a haughty lady being taught a lesson by her maids, and what could be seen looked great. The crowd in front certainly seemed to think so.
It was around this time that Josselin’s camera suffered the first of the weekend’s series of accidents. The flash was the first casualty, and though Jan was kind enough to give some detailed adviced about where to get it fixed, Josselin ended up pulling a MacGyver and fixing it himself later … with a hairpin. Don’t ask. He didn’t let it spoil his fun though, and it was already light by the time we tore him away from his friends and stumbled onto a night bus, to recover a little and mostly prepare for that night’s Birthday Ball.
