Sex and the City: Nine of Toronto's Sexiest Gear Designers

"Hi, I need something that’ll make a guy cum in his pants as soon as he sees me”

-Samantha Jones

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My 3-month probation had just ended at Hustler Hollywood, which meant my 30% discount kicked in. Having already been provided with a surplus of store-branded t-shirts that encapsulated the mid-2000s party-rockin’ graphic style, I explored more of the store’s options. Although stingy with many things, Hustler often let us have old gift bags filled with goodies that were leftovers from events they hosted—my cup runneth over with pocket pussies, novelty dildos, and tiny packs of lube so I found myself poking around the underwear racks a bit. I grabbed a pack of the cute, sleek, store-branded men’s briefs they sold and thought why not give them a shot? Different than the tried and true Kirklands I was fond of. I returned to my apartment and slipped them on to see — I’ve never felt like that! The wings of an angel cupping my junk! I knew that there was saucy underwear and that people loved it, hell I sold it! But I never thought to try it on myself. It was at that moment my brain switched and I felt what it felt like to be sexy…all from a pair of panties…wild. A moment that provided me with a new understanding of sex and the importance of prioritizing yourself in your sensuality. 

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After that enlightening moment and with many years—and many pairs of underwear—behind me, the lust for seeking out and discovering new brands and designers who create some of the most enticing and seductive undies and accessories on the market hasn’t left me. Luckily, our province is home to many of these tempting tailors, and we're fortunate enough to support their craft in any position we may find ourselves in. We're thrilled to use this installment of Sex and the City to introduce you to 9 of our favourite local producers of alluring garments and accessories!

PS: We also thought it cute to ask each creator to provide us with a sexy song to strip to and make an accompanying playlist for you to peel to! We at Yohomo tossed a few in the mix as well for fun.

PPS: If we didn’t mention you, and you want to be featured in an upcoming list please reach out!

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Raw Studio Designs
@rawstudiodesigns

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Launching over 20 years ago, Raw Studio Designs set up shop in downtown Toronto and quickly became a must-have brand for the community. So much so that when Showtime came to the city to film ‘Queer As Folk’ they not only featured a large selection of Raw Studio’s pieces, they even used their shop, then called ‘Joave’, as the flagship clothing store called ‘Torso’ throughout the series. 

Although they closed up and took a break from designing a few years ago, Raw Studios is back! And their passion for creating edgy, sexy and fun items - particularly jockstraps, underwear and swimwear - is stronger than ever.  With taglines like "Creativity, Talent, Passion," the brand embraces its raw sexuality by celebrating dominant energy in its designs. Collaborating with local talent and proudly Canadian, Raw Studio is all about 100% Gay positivity.

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You can purchase their work off their website or at the Men’s Room in the village. 

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Slow Burn Leather

@slowburnleather 

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Specializing in handcrafted leather body harnesses and bondage restraints for all bodies, Slow Burn Leather’s signature design style focuses on powerful statement wear that is both decadent and dynamic, utilizing bold hardware and contour-defining straps to frame the body. They excel in creating one-of-a-kind designs that celebrate individuals’ unique personalities, seamlessly integrating with their style. When crafting custom pieces, Slow Burn Leather considers how to express facets of identity through shape and structure, using the deliberate placement of hardware and strap arrangement to evoke symbolism and enhance the wearer’s desired image. Leathercraft is a spiritual process for them, involving intentional and respectful navigation of both human and animal bodies. Deeply inspired by Toronto’s diverse queer and kinky communities, Slow Burn Leather aims to center their stories and channel their light in their creations, which is why they prioritize deep, thoughtful consultations for custom pieces.

You can connect with Slow Burn through their Instagram to commission work.  

Kink Engineering 

@kinkengineering

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Established in 2008, Kink Engineering has been a trailblazer in the latex industry, serving the fetish, fashion, and film sectors. Their innovative approach and immense creativity revolutionized the market when they introduced custom latex catsuits for "everybody," affirming "If you have a body, you have a body for latex!" Kink Engineering prides themselves on inclusivity and empowerment, being the first latex company to remove gender from their catsuits. Instead of limiting options to "male" or "female", they allow customers to customize the shape of their suits fully. Embracing and celebrating their unique bodies and ensuring everyone's fantasies are being fulfilled. 

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You can purchase Kink Engineering’s products through their website. 

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Buddy
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@buddyunderwear

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Say “Hi” to your Buddy, where underwear becomes your playful companion! Launching this year, Buddy is the new girl in town, but you’d never know that with their ultra-comfy styles that are as sexy as they are supportive; from classic sport looks to daring men's thongs. Their motto? 'Play Games' - because life's too short for boring undies! Whether you're flexing at the gym, strutting at the bar, or chilling with a controller in hand, Buddy's got your back (and front). Plus, they believe everyone should feel the Buddy love, which is why they offer affordable options and a Pay-What-You-Can program. And here's the best part: with every pair you purchase, $1 goes to Rainbow Railroad. So, let Buddy be your buddy, and have some fun together!

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You can purchase your pair of Buddy underwear off their website.

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Butch+Bear
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@butchandbearstudio

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Welcome to the artistry of Butch + Bear, where leather craft and inclusivity combine! As a third-generation leatherworker, Butch + Bear’s journey began by crafting gear for themself in their early 20s, tired of the limited options for sizing and options for larger-bodied folks. They took that frustration and used it as motivation to shift gears from their goals of equestrian leather work to the fun world of kink. They now specialize in bespoke restraints, harnesses, and an array of impact toys designed to fit and flatter every body type. But that's not all—their craft extends to beautifully made leather goods, from the sensual to the practical, ensuring everyone feels the luxury of leather, no matter their size or style.

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You can purchase their products at an array of Toronto-based queer markets, or message them on Instagram. 

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Rapture and Repent
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@raptureandrepent

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Sultry, sexy, and just a bit sinister, Rapture and Repent has it all! One of Toronto's most provocative lingerie and fetish wear brands, Rapture and Repent’s designs evoke a vampy mood and empower all body types making your experience wearing them one you’ll never forget. Their pieces are handmade with adjustable sliders, ensuring a versatile fit for every shape. With custom sizing available, each item is tailored to your unique desires, promising a perfect blend of fantasy and reality. Experience the allure of Rapture and Repent. 

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You can contact them about custom pieces or purchase their products from their website.

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Kennie Mas
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@kenniemas

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Based out of Sudbury, Kennie Mas has been crafting bespoke fetish wear that's as unique as you are since 2018. Their made-to-order approach ensures each piece is tailored to perfection, just for you. Deeply inspired by queer culture, Kennie Mas’ designs blur gender lines and celebrate individuality. They believe fashion should be inclusive, allowing you to express yourself authentically, regardless of societal norms. Exploring the intersection of art, sex, and fashion, Kennie Mas invites you to play with them on your journey of self-expression and can’t wait to see how you redefine style in your Kennie Mas pieces! 

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You can contact them about custom pieces or purchase their products from their website.

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Theirs & Theirs
@theirs.n.theirs
https://www.theirs.store/

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Aly & Minette, are the brilliant nonbinary duo behind Theirs & Theirs, where genderless fashion meets exquisite craftsmanship. What started as a creative outlet during lockdown quickly blossomed into a passion project in 2021. Their collection features a range of collars, harnesses, and bags, all handcrafted with a focus on high-quality leather. Theirs & Theirs’ commitment to sustainability and individuality shines through in their made-to-order approach, ensuring each piece is tailored to perfection. Theirs and Theirs isn't just about fashion; it's about creating pieces that last and resonate with your unique style. Bring their creations to life in whatever way you want, just remember to let people know what’s yours is Theirs &Theirs!

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You can request commissions or buy products off Theirs & Theirs website. 

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BUDGAHM
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@budgahm_ 

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BUDGAHM - the name deriving from the ancestral village of the designer's mother in Kashmir -  specializes in breathtaking leather, pearls, and custom work! The brand has made its mark at London Fashion Week, showcasing its unique creations twice! Notable among these was a custom piece for Edward Crutchley in February 2023, which garnered viral attention, featuring a bra and codpiece inspired by ancient armour's codpieces. The design was widely featured in publications such as Dazed, Culted, and Hypebae. Avleen, the designer behind BUDGAHM, draws inspiration from various sources, including dark club nights, rave culture, notions of sex and abstinence, The Matrix, and timeless fashion. Her creative vision extends to designing for events like the Juno Awards and dressing celebrity clients, highlighting BUDGAHM’s innovative approach and eclectic style.

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You can make purchases of inquiries of their designs off their website.