Despite the abundance of sex stores these days, on the high street and online, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find attractive yet practical items for use in the bedroom. There are many items available to buy that do a specific job - like restraining your partner while you have some fun with them - but most of these products look rather seedy. Cheap and tacky faux-fur-trimmed handcuffs vs hardcore bondage? Lovely. But what if you want something stylish and less, well... obvious?
Last week, London design house Darkest Star launched their Pleasure Garden exhibition at Coco de Mer in South Kensington. The installation is described in the window of the store as "a vivid interpretation of the excitement and titilations that surrounded English Pleasure Gardens and female sexual liberation." Pleasure Gardens may not have originally been as naughty as the name might suggest today, but it is a rather fitting name for this exhibition.
As well as artworks based on the rather erotic beauty of orchids, a number of gorgeous wearable items are on display and for sale, including stunning origami orchid fascinators with detachable blackout blindfolds which perfectly compliment Coco de Mer's existing range. What better way to explore your other senses than to be wearing something so decadent? Perhaps not suitable for every occasion with the blindfold in use, but it's a delightful piece of headwear with or without it.
However, the star of the exhibition is designed for use in the home and could potentially be far more practical than the clothing for those of you with a wicked side. The rather luxurious Pleasure Pillow has been developed as part of the Pleasure Garden range and so is covered in the signature orchid-print fabric, but the bows and ties that adorn it are more than just decoration. They are designed for blindfolding and restraining a lover, yet don't even hint at this when not in use. Perfect for when family demand a tour of your new pad!
Darkest Star was founded in 2008 by Sam Cook and Andy D'Cruze, combining their art and design talents with a passion for hand crafted products. The Pleasure Garden exhibition runs at Coco de Mer in South Kensignton (108 Draycott Avenue, London SW3 3AE) until 17th April 2011.