Leather-Clad Conventions
The Biggest Balls in DC This Week Won't Be at Inauguration
Tuxedos and gowns are at the ready all over Washington, D.C., but so is leather. The 25th Anniversary of the Mid Atlantic Leather Weekend, the second largest fetish event in the world, took place between January 16 and January 18. The Washington Plaza Hotel became the hub where motorcycle jackets, leather suspenders and assless chaps all bumped together. The exhibition floor was crowded with leather clothing for everyone--even Republicans. Guantanamo jumpsuits, hero fireman outfits and black gladiator kilts were all on offer for the new American hero, Joe the Plumber.
Trend Themes
1. Fetish Fashion - Opportunity for fashion brands to explore edgy niche markets and expand product lines to include leather and fetish wear.
2. Alternative Conventions - Opportunity for event planners to create and capitalize on alternative conventions that serve niche markets like the fetish community.
3. Inclusive Marketing - Opportunity for companies to embrace diverse communities and create marketing campaigns that appeal to unconventional demographics like those in the fetish community.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Niche market exploration of fetish culture and leather fashion.
2. Event Planning - Opportunities for creating alternative conventions serving various niche markets.
3. Marketing - Opportunities to create inclusive marketing campaigns that reach unconventional demographics.