Libertine Ball V

by A.D. Amorosi

Fetishes Boutique's done a pretty nice job of balancing salacious exhibitionism and vicious voyeurism -- keeping the latter more externalized than the former. Where midsummer Mardi Gras are concerned, there is a mainstream aspect to the fetishistic. The off-South boutique owner/designer Kali Morgan has become known for making her Fetishes a one-stop shopping spree for the adventurous -- everything from locally designed corsets and leather goods to sex toys and role-play ephemera. She's turned her upstairs into the Aphrodite Art Gallery, exhibiting local artists like Scott Johnston and Kimberlee Traub. This is also where she teaches her own brand of sex education (Friday classes in Fashion, Flirtation and Fantasy), offers bridal consultations and holds bachelorette parties with fluffy kink.

But Morgan likes to keep her minion safe and coddled, too. So she's made her annual Libertine Ball gathering, "where beads, sequins, feathers, latex, fishnet, bikinis, jockstraps, more beads, wigs and masks meet for summertime cruising and merrymaking," into a safe haven for those exploring a fantasy life: This year, it will include a mask and/or costume-only escapade that offers admittance to under 21s who are at least 18, a first in Libertine Ball history. From the evening's start, when Naked Norm plays marimba for the crowd in line, to the travelling Libertine Beadmeisters (where you'll get all the beads you want), to the fashions from Polymorphe; to the erotic performance art by Master Thane, Ms. D'Arcy and Peek-a-boo Revue; and dungeons filled with adult playground equipment from the kids at Dames of Dommedy and The Royal Castle -- you won't be bored visually. Music from The Bike Stop, Digital Ferret and Dr. Otto will keep your ears pricked. Start ballin'.

Libertine Ball V, Sat., July 26, 9 p.m., $30-$40, Shampoo, Seventh and Willow sts., 215-829-4986, www.fetishesboutique.com.

-- Respond to this article in our Forums -- click to jump there




	search citypaper.net