While it’s not quite Valentine’s Day, the holiday season is admittedly one of the most romantic times of the year. The cold weather, snuggling inside by the fireplace, twinkling Christmas lights and all that hanging mistletoe lends itself quite nicely to a little sexy holiday magic. And while most men might make a beeline to the most obvious of lingerie shops, Victoria Secret is not quite our cup of tea. We need something with just a little extra oomph and dare we say—kink—than most mainstream brands can offer, which is why we’re in love with the designs at Love Cage. Besides, lingerie aficionados Lady Gaga and Britney Spears are fans, which basically makes these underpinning closet must-haves.
After years as a designer, stylist and artist, Stephanie Paterek, founder of Love Cage, began her first brand NYC Sex Trash in 2009 and quickly gained cult status among its underground followers. Blending ‘50s pin-up looks with ‘70s/’80s underground punk, she created a rock’n’roll line that stood out among others garnering attention from celebrities on the edge of the fashion scene like Lady Gaga and Taylor Momsen. In fact Lady Gaga was so taken with her designs she’s worn them for several media appearances, her Born This Way video, and even collaborated with Paterek on numerous occasions for her Lady Gaga a Gogo art installations and The Secret Book on Lady Gaga art book.
With her new line Love Cage launching earlier this year, Paterek wanted to create something a little less rocker and a little more Fifty Shades. Taking inspiration from fetish artist John Willie, she brought hints of medical corsets and BDSM into the line for a boudoir collection that’s very edgy and just a little playful. Even Love Cage’s presentation at Lingerie Fashion Week SS15 played on the dark sexual undertones of the collection with leather whips, handcuffs, collars, leashes, dominatrices and a masked voyeur onlooker (because obviously).
While we’re not suggesting you grab your lover a bustier and set of handcuffs (or you totally can, we’re not judging), we have to admit this lingerie is a sexy step up from any mainstream line you’ll find at Bloomingdale's or Neiman’s. Plus after the weeks you’ll spend cooking, traveling, (inevitably) arguing with family members and last minute shopping anyone would need some much-deserved time alone with their significant other. Either spent in the bedroom or reenacting your very own Lady Gaga video is totally up to you.
Love Cage is available online and priced from $84-$950.
