Sexualitea
Discuss, discover, experiment: what really is your cup of tea? Sexualitea is a unique experience where discussing sexuality meets afternoon tea.
Sexualitea is inspired by kink and fetish, i.e. the use of props, accessories and role play to increase intimacy between partners. Latex replaces all the fabrics and leather harnesses adorn all the objects on the table. These materials are described as very enjoyable by those who actually wear them, yet their association to more ‘hardcore’ practices tend to keep most people away from them. Sexualitea allows people to start interacting with these sensual materials, by making them more accessible.
Participants can engage even more with the topic of sexuality through the food that they are served: a three course dessert meal, which subtly represents different aspects of sexuality. The plates are designed to be interactive, so customers can decide for themselves how they want to consume them.
The research output of this project leads to a wider discussion about how a design language can tie relationships between meaning & form. In the world of kink & fetish, the aesthetics of objects communicate very clearly the tastes and intentions of people. How can we reproduce this exceptional ability of design language in a non-sexual context? Can we create new languages to communicate more contemporary representations of identity?