Figure of A thrives on the contamination between eastern and western worlds. It’s a brand of accessories handmade from top quality leather and custom made waxed cotton ropes. Every piece is inspired by Shibari – ancient and evolving Japanese art of bondage tying – and is designed, handmade and masterly tied in London by Anna Kii – rope artist and fashion designer – with a unique contemporary style.
Figure of A is the Shibari made wearable, recontextualised out in the open.
I had the pleasure of meeting Anna in person at a Torture Garden event in London where she set up a rope installation for artPLAY magazine hosting a Hans Bellmer inspired Shibari performance of oh.francoise. She often takes part in luxury pop-up shopping events in London like Le Boutique Bazaar.
The greatest pleasure was to wear on one of her harnesses and flaunt one of the bags handmade from top quality leather and waxed cotton rope.
My harness is Hoshi, Japanese word for “star” – a motif often used in Shibari chest harnesses. It was custom made to my bespoke size and came with several carabiner rings in the back that allow to different fits. Actually, I loved using just one ring and keep the harness slightly tight so that I could feel the pressure of the knots on my back.
My bag is Yuki, which takes its name from the foundational Shibari knot, which binds a single limb or ‘column’. It’s a minimal soft leather wristlet pouch to let hang from the wrist using the rope cuff finished with metal tips and hardware.
The collection includes rope chockers – inspired by the Shibari erotic practice of binding the neck, elegant charms, a cute and naughty leather bunny tied with waxed cotton ropes, other bags and harnesses (one of which is partially tied and can be shaped in different designs). You can also have black and red waxed cotton Shibari bondage ropes in traditional 6mm width and 7.5m length, coming with hand illustrated booklet about Shibari.
I asked Anna some questions and here is a bit of Figure of A history and background.
How did you get into rope bondage and Shibari at first?
I travelled to Japan twice and fell in love with the country and the culture. I enforced my interest in Shibari as it stands for so many things in Japan; skills, craftsmanship, structure, obsession with aesthetics and it’s weirdness. From then I took classes and courses in London where I found a dedicated Shibari studio which has weekly classes and workshops with famous riggers. There is also jams, meetups, club nights, you name it! In the community, consent is an important topic; all interactions should be mutually wanted.
What does Shibari represent to you?
Binding the body is a connection, it makes the person in ropes feel a variety of things, ranging from feeling submissive to powerful, enjoyment of the movement and restriction of the body in ropes. Many people say it feels like being ‘hugged’. Generally wearing FoA pieces is like having a secret story to tell and being part of it and therefore feeling special.
Where did you get the inspiration for wearable Shibari?
Traditional rope patterns used for binding the body translate to clothes and accessories, where rope has both a functional and decorative purpose. FoA pieces look like they are tied, but they clip on and off without doing the work!
Your products are beautiful to wear and also use, as the rope has both a functional and decorative purpose, can you give some suggestions on how to use your products?
Harnesses look great over a bodycon dress or top, and especially over a white shirt. Other accessories as chokers and bags work with anything, since they don’t scream ‘bondage’ but only have a subtle hint, and the elaborate ropework speaks for itself anyway!
Can you tell us a bit about your future products?
We are constantly working on new products, sampling items which can work with rope. In 2019 we are looking to launch a new collection of accessories and branch out into homeware and printed garments. Also, expect many collaborations, pop-ups and exhibitions as well!
Harness and Bag – Figure of A
Nipple covers – Bijoux Indiscrets
Skirt – Noir Handmade
Pictures by I’M the PH
