BDSM MEDIA NEWS!!!!
December 20, 2013
Ex Cambridge teacher Jen Ahrell opens spanking bondage and fetish store.
Source: Cambridge-news.co.uk. - Cambridge News - UK
UK - CAMBRIDGE - A former Cambridge teacher is opening a fetish and bondage store in the city - hoping to whip dons and students into some saucy latex.
Jen Ahrell, 42, and her partner Kevin Gilbert, 44, are launching the Deviance fashion shop in Cobble Yard next to The Grafton shopping centre on Saturday.
The couple want to cash in on the success of racy novel Fifty Shades of Grey and are selling everything from whips to gags, masks and nurses uniforms, as well as a mens underwear range.
Mother-of-four Ms Ahrell quit her job as an art teacher at Netherhall School to take advantage of on an increase in interest in fetish latex fashion among pop stars.
She said: Latex fashion is really popular with the likes of Lady Ga Ga, Rhianna and Jessie J.
This is not a sex shop. Its a high fashion latex store. We want to attract nightclubbers and entertainers. Burlesque is really big in Cambridge too. We also want to attract the gay community to the store.
And the couple also want to tap into the student - and tutor - market.
Mr Gilbert said: I think Cambridge is a great place for this sort of shop because we have so many students - and university dons. After all, this sort of thing has been going on here for hundreds of years.
Ms Ahrell, who has twins aged four, a toddler and a teenage daughter, is also a singer in Cambridge-based band Trio UTAN
Asked what her former pupils at the school in Queen Ediths will think about her new career, she said: I told them I was leaving to open a shop but didnt tell them what it was but I think word has gotten out. I know its going to be controversial. They have raised their eyebrows at the nearby church too.
Earlier this year, Cambridges bondage community hit international headlines after a group booked Trumpington Village Hall for a day of spanking lessons - with tea and biscuits provided - without telling venue officials. The event was scrapped following the News exclusive revelations.
An itinerary was published for an event to include spanking, flogging and kink on a budget, served with tea and cakes.
The trustees of the hall said they believed their venue had been booked under false pretences.
Mr Gilbert said: We didnt have anything to do with that group. I think they should have been honest, although I dont suppose they would have been allowed there if they had.
The new store also has vintage style dresses with prices for garments ranging from £22.50 for underpants to dresses at £280.
See larger photo:
www.cambridge-news.co.uk.