Tlclatex (TlcDesigns) a designer latex clothing company is taking the world by storm, with an incredible and well deserving surge of popularity through social networks. Countless fetish, Instagram and fashion models are showing off their beautiful pieces for the world to admire. It couldn’t be helped but to talk to the man himself who has a cult like following in the sexual lifestyle and fetish community, Simon Aisbitt the founder and owner of Tlclatex.
Simon had explored the latex market and had found that mainstream clothing designers were not able to provide high levels of customer service needed for custom designs. His motivation catapulted him to learn anything and everything about latex and to find the best way the material can be tailored for people’s needs, interests and desires.
Simon began receiving clothing requests from friends, so he decided to create his own company Tlclatex where people could work with him to design their own one of a kind custom orders and he could also sell his own designs. With support and a growing customer base, Simon has now been creating designer clothing for well over 19 years now. Tlclatex is known for their incredible attention to the finest of details of their kink and fetish gear. They are also motivated to find the latest and greatest innovations in their industry. This is a VIP Interview with Simon Aisbitt the owner of Tlclatex.
Tell me about yourself
My name is Simon Aisbitt. I live in Scotland although originally I was born near London.
I own and run Tlclatex also known as TlcDesigns. I’ve been making latex clothing since around 1999 mostly for friends but after much pushing and encouragement I decided to start selling to the public. I’m only a very small one man operation just now but hope to expand as time goes on.
How did you become passionate about working with Latex?
I first started wearing latex many years ago. I love its feeling against your skin and just how soft it was… very sensual and tactile. I also love colours and I loved the diversity of colours you could buy it in… Although back then it was mostly black you could buy.
What inspired you to create TlcDesigns?
That’s a good question. Long story really… But simplified… I got fed up buying products from many ‘Big Names’ because they took so long to make your item. They often sent it either badly made or not how you’d asked for it. Their customer service was appalling too. If you challenged them on it after waiting months… They honestly talked to you as if they were doing you a favour… No apologies… All very frustrating.
I thought to myself:
“I am good at making things… Why can’t I do this myself?”
So I set about learning as much as I could. I started trying to make really difficult things like hoods but I figured if I get that right the rest should be easy… how little did I know!
Of course you then come up against people not wanting to help you learn. And I suppose I understand that to a degree as it’s like an exclusive club, they don’t want new people to join. So you could say I learned the hard way. I’m self-taught, I don’t have a degree in fashion design but perhaps that’s not a bad thing because I approach things from a different angle and being honest it’s something you never stop learning about.
What inspires you?
That’s a hard question to answer but I remember seeing a quote by Henry Ford:
‘If you think you can… or you think you can’t.. you’re right!’
I suppose if anything I inspire myself to a degree, because I’m quite self-motivated. However if I had to pick several people in the latex world who have been a big influence LatexJim from LatexWorkshops is perhaps top of the list because he is someone who wants to help people. Also Rebecca from Yummygummylatex for her creativity. Of course you have to admire pioneers of the fetish scene like Tim Woodward, and David from TG to mention a few.
Where and how are your products made?
I make my products from my studio at home. Everything is handmade including the applique which surprises many. I haven’t invested in a laser cutter yet but it’s something I am certainly looking at for the near future. I cut all the patterns myself. I’m a perfectionist really. I guess you could call it a blessing or a curse.
What quality of material do you use?
I quite selective about what I use.. I order most of my latex from Radical Rubber..4D Rubber and YummyGummyLatex. I have looked at others but despite making contact with some of them, they don’t seem very keen to get orders from smaller makers. I really hope that changes.
What do you love most about working with latex?
I love being able to transform someone into something special. I get a big kick out of seeing people wearing something I made. Wearing it myself now isn’t important.. people liking what I make is a great compliment.
What inspires your designs?
That’s a hard one. I get ideas pop into my head. I’ve always been quite creative and loving colours the way I do.. I think sometimes I’m perhaps open to trying colour combinations might shy away from. I get a picture in my head of what I want to make. Thankfully others seem to like it too.. hehe
What are your best sellers?
Best sellers are my dresses which most contact me directly about. However I hope to have an online shop up and running very soon.
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