Inauguration Cramps Fetishists’ Style

While the rest of Washington DC readies their lacey gowns and mothballed tuxes for next week’s inauguration, a small band of true believers are busy dressing for a different kind of party. This weekend marks the 25th anniversary of Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend, the second-largest leather fetish event in the world. Late last night, the Washington Plaza hotel was a mass of motorcycle jackets and chapless asses bumping in the dark. Just blocks from the inaugural parade route, the exhibition’s floor sale offered racks of designer fetish wear, from traffic-orange Guantanamo jumpsuits to fireman outfits and black gladiator kilts, all of which go great with thigh-high 32-hole leather boots (five-yard laces not included).

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How is it to be double-booked with the Obamas’ block party? “We were here first—we’re here every year,” said Chris Wilkins, an organizer of the M.A.L. event. “Normally we get close to 1,000 registered visitors. This year we only got 600.” He blames DC’s lack of hotel rooms and the higher travel costs caused by increased demand for the inauguration. That and scheduling conflicts—even die-hard leather aficionados couldn’t decide between the two events. Daniel Hays of Missouri freely confessed, “I had a ticket to the inauguration, but then I traded it for a favor.” He quickly added, “I will be attending the Midwest Inaugural ball, though,” where, incidentally, Sheryl Crow is the entertainment. Others remained nonplussed. In the words of “Hooker,” an employee of the Pentagon sporting a vinyl codpiece: “Inauguration? Meh, I’ve already seen plenty of balls tonight.”