When Lady Gaga went to meet Queen Elizabeth in 2019, she wore a red dress—made of latex.

Latex! To meet the Queen! Iconic.

In recent years, this natural material—skin-tight, oh-so shiny, body-contouring—has gone gloriously mainstream. Seen on everyone from Madonna (of course) to Sam Smith and Kim Kardashian, and featured in collections from luxury fashion houses like Balmain and Givenchy, latex is no longer relegated to sex dungeons and fetish subreddits (though it still very much belongs there, too, of course).

People—not just celebrities—are drawn to the material for its ability to empower, to embolden. There’s a whimsical superhero element, sure (thanks, Catwoman), but more than that, it’s about feeling at home in your body. It’s about that fire from within. It’s about uncovering the confidence to bare it all…without actually having to bare it all.

Vancouver’s own MsPervology is no stranger to the allures of latex. As the founder of East Van fetishwear shop Deadly Couture and its made-in-house latex brand Deadly Fetish, she’s seen (and worn) it all. Over email, she discusses her love for the material, and for the art she creates with it.

You started working with wearable art in 2003. What drew you to the medium?

I was working on my BFA at Emily Carr when I started making fetishwear, goth, and punk clothing—even though fashion design was not my major, and I had done nothing more than an intro to sewing class at Sears and a handful of home economics classes in high school. My knowledge of sewing was limited, but I wanted to make things for myself to wear. I love to draw, so I would sketch out designs in my sketchbook and then stay up all night long making them come to life.

One day when I was in a local gothic clothing boutique, the owner approached me while I was wearing an outfit of my own designs and encouraged me to make items to sell at her shop. And so it began! I’m incredibly thankful for that opportunity to sell on consignment.

Making fetishwear and other alternative fashion became my obsession. I started making skirts, corsets, dresses, stockings, and so much more. For a couple of years, I even used to make rubber corsets out of used bicycle tires that I would find at bike shops!

To find inspiration, I would go to every event that I could find in Vancouver. I looked to alternative media, too, including industrial and gothic music. Fetish, kink, and sexuality have always been themes in my art.

Back in the day, I used to sew all of my designs in my 300-square-foot bachelor suite, before moving production to my private studio in 2004 in Gastown. The Deadly Couture boutique opened in 2006.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9kzvDuxF9e/?hl=en&img_index=1

What drew you to latex, both as a designer and a wearer?

At first what drew me was how it presented in print media and film. I love fetish photography and would collect fetish magazines whenever I could find them. I loved the mystery that the material represented, and then when I finally met a person at a fetish event wearing latex, I was fascinated by the feel of it. My first latex was actually a gift from this person in the form of latex opera-length gloves, and I was instantly hooked.

I soon started making latex garments, and since I already had lots of experience making fetishwear, the transition to this medium felt less daunting. Years later, I would move away from sewing entirely and only work with latex. I felt like it brought my visions to life more than I could achieve with sewing alone.

How does latex make you feel?

I love it as a material. It’s like a second skin that can drape beautifully but also cling snugly. It is strong while also delicate. The colour possibilities are astounding and vibrant, and the way it shines and reflects is intoxicating.

Are there design constraints (or freedoms) associated with this material?

Latex is delicate and fragile, but it’s still a fabric. I don’t like to think of constraints because there are so many ways to work with every medium! The one downside to working with latex is that it is prone to staining, especially with lighter or neon colours. This can be from sun exposure or different metals, so I am always experimenting with the best options for hardware and educating our customers on proper storage and maintenance.

What is your design process for Deadly Fetish?

I often have a vision in my head that I then sketch out a rough idea for. After that, I head to the studio to make a sample of the design and decide if we want to move forward with production. We do multiple fit tests on different bodies to then grade the pattern to create a full size run.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8aqdUXtKYZ/?hl=en

You moved from Gastown to your Venables location in 2020. How has it been?

>  It’s been lovely since being in East Van. I feel much happier at this location, but since Covid happened, running a small business has been very difficult. The high cost of living and rising costs all around are really hitting small businesses in Vancouver. That being said, we really appreciate all of our customers for their continued support of us.

Are there trends in latex or is it always tried-and-true staples?

There probably are lots of trends in latex fashion just like conventional clothing, but honestly, I try not to pay them much mind—I want to make what I like and see where inspiration takes me. I do make lots of staples such as tops, bottoms, accessories, and basic harnesses, but most of my passion is with my deluxe harness line and custom commissions.

How do you select the other brands that you carry at Deadly Couture?

I like to find companies that are designer-driven. When possible, I prefer to visit the suppliers and get to know their lines in-person, and I am always open to new companies reaching out looking for places to carry their stuff.

What’s your advice for any first-time latex wearers?

Start with something simple—don’t feel pressured to go straight for a catsuit! Gloves or underwear and simple garments to mix and match make a fun intro to the world of latex clothing. I also encourage anyone starting on their latex journey to support a local shop or maker, as well as taking the time to learn how to care for your gear. Fetishwear needs proper treatment and care to stay looking as shiny as possible.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CxQtnBONMp6/?hl=en&img_index=1

Why do you think fetishwear is so empowering?

Dressing for pleasure and wearing what you like gives a confidence that makes people feel sexy and empowered. I think Deadly Couture is a space where people can explore different styles and find what works for them.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Deadly Couture is located at 1599 Venables Street.