Top: JOSEPH, Skirt: JOSEPH, Boots: Vietnam
Coco Katsura’s introduction to shibari – a Japanese term referring to the art of rope bondage – was at the surprisingly young age of 12, when she stumbled across an Eighties book on the Japanese S&M scene. From there, the young girl harboured a curiosity for the practice well into adulthood. Finally landing a job in a fetish café at the age of 26, Katsura dived into the art of shibari headfirst and enrolled in a workshop with rope expert Denki Akechi, who transformed Katsura into a knot-wielding master.
Today, Katsura’s skill with rope bondage is famous. Working as a professional shibari artist, she now understands that the aesthetic beauty of her art goes well beyond sexual desire. “I love the look of happiness that my models get when they’re tied up. Shibari requires a deep mental connection between both partners.” Though each rope session features an array of detailed knots and loops, Katsura is able to bring her elaborate visions to life in as little as 20 minutes.
For SLEEK 54, Katsura made 10 different shibari patterns on this summer’s must-have bags and shoes. “I’ve always wanted to make a bondage fashion show, so it was like a dream come true.”
Left: bra by Calvin Klein, tights by FALKE, shoes by ManéMané. Right: hairbrush by BLESS
Top by Prada
Left: bodysuit by FALKE, shoes by KENZO. Right: bag by Céline
Dress by Jil Sander, boots by Vietnam
Left: top by Prada, stole by Prada, socks by FALKE. Right: boots by Louis Vuitton
Dress by LOEWE
Left: dress by Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood, boots by Wendy&Jim. Right: dress by LOEWE