Top Trend: Dominatrix

When I say the word “dominatrix”, I would take odds that the first thing to pop into your mind is something 50 Shades of Grey related. Or maybe, if you’re a crime buff, that one CSI episode where the victim was into being a submissive.
Whatever the case may be, the Dominatrix trend has hit the runway, and made it its Master! Fashion’s take on a Dominatrix means tight, almost constraining, clothes, a lot of leather and sex-appeal. However, some of the looks we are highlighting here could surprise you with their interesting interpretations of this fall/winter 18 trend and how they also reference some of pop culture’s greatest hits.

Just beat it! For his take on the Dominatrix trend, Adam Selman hints back to the full red vinyl outfit Michael Jackson wore during his Thriller music video. You can almost hear the door slam!
It’s not only his use of red vinyl that leads back to the Dominatrix trend, but also the many belts and heart-shaped buckles on both the jacket and the pants. One could also say that the use of the heart-shaped buckle could hint back to the intimate affair that a Dominatrix is connected with, as well as the garter-esque belt situated on the upper thigh of the model.

There is a Dominatrix in the Matrix. Alexander Wang‘s take on the trend could not make us think of anything other than the iconic Trinity from the franchise. Not only would any long leather coat make you think of the movie, but the added detail of the thin 90s all-black sunglasses really hits the mark with the call-back to the Matrix.
That being said, the originality of the different zipper placements, and the use of a snake-skin looking leather, pushes this outfit out of the derivative movie reference arena and straight into the realm of high fashion statement dressing.

This Gareth Pugh take on the Dominatrix trend seems fit for any science fiction villain, or any inhabitant of the Hunger Games Capitol. The constructed glossy mini dress, closed off with small metal rivets, paired with large oversized leather pants, is reminiscent of the Lady Pinhead’s attire, giving it all that extra edge all while staying high fashion. If you’re looking for that dark side, yet staying classy, this is the perfect look for you.

It’s impossible to talk about an eccentric fashion trend without mentioning the great house of Alexander McQueen. For their rendition of the Dominatrix trend, designer Sarah Burton went with a more literal interpretation.  The form fitting corset, (with belt-like strips that slid down the hips, so long they could double as whips) and the large choker necklace worked well against the delicate mesh of the McQueen maxi skirt resulting in the perfect uniform for a modern day Dom.

If you’re looking for more of a statement and extremely editorial look, this Max Mara outfit is the way to go. While wearing this dress, you are sure to feel quite powerful and in charge, all thanks to its shape and the material used. Not only does the use of gun metal gray leather hint back to the Dominatrix trend, but the natural waist-belt with hanging attachments subtly suggests corsetry and straps.

Now, if you want to be conservative yet sexy, Trussardi has got you.  Their mix of the high neck knit top and strapless leather midi dress, with slits exposing the model’s thighs, is a perfect combination of staying proper all while showing off some skin. Once more, we have a mix of red and black leather, all the way down to the cowboy boots. The way the leather dress is placed on the knit top, is reminiscent of how a corset is placed on a woman’s body, and instantly gives the look a next-gen Dominatrix attitude.

The success of this style comes down to the right mix of soft and hard fabric and the parts of the model’s body the designers chose to expose. These are all key elements in getting this season’s Dominatrix trend right. When the blend is just right, the outfit will instantly imply the power of a Dominatrix, without ever really having the wearer submit to any sort of sociality judgment.

Maxine Ransom

Born and raised in Dubai, with a passion for all things beauty and animal welfare related, Maxine has graduated from the School of Audio Engineering with a Bachelor in Film Production, all while publishing her own charity photography book 'Meet The Creatures'. She then decided to embark onto a new creative journey with a Masters in Fashion Promotion and Communication at the Istituto Marangoni in Paris.