As Valentine’s Day is upon us, romantics everywhere will be marking this day with their own interpretation of love. Some like to receive chocolates, while others prefer floral affection, and then there’s everyone else who must have Kiki de Montparnasse. This ultra-luxe French brand designs lingerie, gifts, intimacy products, and playful gadgets that are so tasteful, even the most demure lady feels at ease while browsing inside these posh boutiques.
Named after the mistress of Man Ray, it’s easy to channel an artist model, nightclub singer, actress, memoirist, or painter as you slip into their collection of delicate lingerie- selected in these three groupings… boudoir, muse, and ingenue. If you’re feeling like an empowered vixen, perhaps a feathered whip or silk ropes will do the trick…and then again, if you’re aiming for a Fifity Shades of Grey moment, fetish-oriented products are also on hand. Either way, this house of erotica is so refined, a disguise will not be needed – for those in fear of being outed- while scoping out any, or all of the above. There is even a romance concierge service available to assist with your on–demand entertainment at home…making it that much easier to contend with those necessary grooming needs beforehand. www.kikidm.com
The Brits definitely know how to bring out your inner sex kitten just as well as the French, and that is where Agent Provocateur originated- in London’s Soho twenty years ago. Equally as fashionable yet a bit cheekier than Kiki de Montparnasse, one can even sharpen their competitive skills with a game of naughty charades for two, and other risqué ways to stimulate his…mind. www.agentprovocateur.com
My personal favorite is the true story of a very real Belle du Jour- not the incredibly stunning Catherine Deneuve- rather, the British Brooke Magnanti, a research scientist, blogger, and oh yes…prostitute. While supplementing her income for a year as a high-class escort in London, Brooke was clever enough to journal her double life into a book, Secret Diary of a Call Girl- which was later adapted into a series for Showtime in 2007, and was quite entertaining by the way. Unfortunately for Brooke, her cover was blown after the show premiered, yet I wonder…did she wear Kiki de Montparnasse or Agent Provocateur to work?
