
Prong Jewellery make and design diamante studded latex accessories that
compliment the most fresh and futuristic of kinky couture. Her range of embellished
rubber adds sci-fi drama to help you make the right entrance on that extra
glamourous flight to the Starship Kink.
Claire Leftwich at is an extraordinary person. She is the driving force
behind Prong Jewellery. Her inspirational mannerof approachable friendliness
is only overshadowed by her ability to make film standard cyberlolita
style fetish accessories whilst personally photographing perfectly from
every angle. How in the devil does she do it all?
We ask Claire a few questions about what it takes to be the kind of person who boldly develops new concepts for the fetish scene.
H: Claire, what or who has inspired you to develop such avante garde and
futuristic fetish accessories?
C: I have always loved jewellery. When I was 15 dressing up was the biggest
thing in my life. I was into Heavy Metal at the time, so it was all about
image. The accessories were the thing to make or break your outfit, and
I would scour the land looking for new shops that no one had discovered
to find the next outfit. I would make collars out of old belts and studs
when I couldn't find what I wanted.
I've now worked in the fetish industry for over 10 years, and this is
where a lot of inspiration comes from. I love shiny things, sparkly things,
and spiky things - it just felt natural to start making!
H: Some of your pieces have a polished punk edge to them. Are your origins
tinged with punk culture?
C: When it comes to spikes, the punks won the race. I love the retro
punk image of the 70's / 80s. I came up with the name Prong because I
wanted a name that people could hear and imagine the type of jewellery
it would be, before they even saw it.
H: I love your latex ties. Getting good fetish gear that men can look?cool
in is not that easy. Do you often get the chance to diversify into any
interesting commissions for men? Some of your designs also have a touch
of the Japanese male EGA (elegant gothic aristocrats) style to them. Is
this an influence?
C: (Some) Men are still reluctant to dress up - but will complain if no
one caters for them! I love my ties, both large and small, and I think
men look bloody great in them! My boyfriend has several and loves wearing
them! I even have it from good authority, that men wearing my ties whilst
dressing smart (suits and silk shirts etc.), would easily gain admission
to some fetish clubs!
H: There is almost Tex Avery meets Jessica Rabbit level of hyperrealist
girliness in your collars sometimes. Jessica Rabbit styled by H.R.Geiger..
Who are your favourite artists and designers.
C:Classic Theierry Mugler,Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier, no question! I like to embrace
all manner of styles in my collection, so there is something for every
dress style - fetish, gothic, punk metal, rock 'n' roll, lolita - as much
as possible.
H: You must see a lot of people on the fetish scene wearing your accessories
and jewellery. What does it feel like when you see people wearing them?
Do you keep it a secret?
C: It's my biggest thrill, to see someone wearing my jewellery!? If I
do say something, it's normally to say how fab they look!
H: Claire, we see you as someone who is happy to take risks with your
designs first and let others catch up with you later. What keeps you going
in those moments of risk taking with new ideas?
C: I love using the Fetish Fair to pilot new ideas - see it here first
folks! I get a lot of feedback from the fairs, and it's great to meet
my customers face to face! I get alot of ideas from people themselves,
both directly and from impressions of peoples' own style.
H: Who are your favourite designers, visual or musical influences, fetish
or otherwise?
C: Musically, I still love a bit of metal. But then, I like alot of everything
from Madonna, Goldfrapp, Gwen Stefani, to cheesy pop tunes from the likes
of Bucks Fizz.
H: When it's your turn to party, where do you go?
C: For fetish clubs, my favourites are Club Rub, Subversion and Torture
Garden. Otherwise, show me a pub...........
Claire may we take this opportunity to getting a little more insight into
who you are. We wish you every success in the future.
Keep checking back to the LFF site for more articles about the cream of the London Fetish Scene.
© London Fetish Fair 2007
London Fetish Fair followed by after party Club Diablesse. July 13th, August 10th, September 14th, October 12th, November 9th, December 14th 2008
See the map to LFF
LFF on the smoking ban Taking Liberties
Read a review on Bizarre Magazine Online
Read a review on Fetish Link