Is pop culture a distorting mirror or an illuminating projector of our most intimate desires? Indeed, what we consume in the media shapes our perceptions of sexuality, including BDSM. Indeed, it’s important to note that we live in a time when BDSM is more visible than ever, but often tinged with “mainstream” imagery. From a global point of view, pop culture has democratized certain aspects of BDSM. It has also created clichés and obscured the complexity of this community.
In this article, we analyze the specific influence of two major phenomena – the “Fifty Shades” saga and Kim Kardashian’s latex aesthetic – on BDSM.
“Fifty Shades”: the tsunami that shook the bedrooms
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that books and films have played a major role in the meteoric success of BDSM. Indeed, they helped put the word “BDSM” on everyone’s lips. Films, in particular, have been a gateway to discovery, knowledge and the tools to understand BDSM, even if often misunderstood.
In this way, books and films have helped to develop a personal approach to the subject, giving a foretaste of sexual experiences and self-discovery. What’s more, this popularization of BDSM came as a surprise to the general public, especially women.
The sharpened “normalization” of a niche practice
The book “Fifty Shades” introduced new terms such as contracts, safe words, and the dynamics of domination and gentle submission to a wider audience. The book includes erotic passages illustrating sexual behavior, sadism and submission.
The growing appeal of BDSM and the discovery of these subjects has offered educational and imaginative benefits, as well as avenues for the resolution of certain personal conflicts. This curiosity is often seen as a positive phenomenon.
The shadows of simplification and misinformation
On the other hand, “Fifty Shades” has revealed a watered-down and sometimes dangerous vision of BDSM. Indeed, it is painted to confuse with abuses, a lack of focus on explicit and continuous consent. What’s more, it’s a simplified BDSM, limited to plush handcuffs and scenes without depth, far removed from the true emotional and psychological richness of this practice. What’s more, behind all this representation, we can see an excessive commercialization that has only served to trivialize the various concepts of BDSM.
From 2015 to the present day, can we talk about the true legacy of “Fifty Shades of Gray” in terms of immersion in BDSM? Indeed, it’s a saga with a lasting impact. It’s still a gateway for novices and is now seen as an outdated starting point. It has opened the way to more authentic representations, not stuck on certain clichés.
Kim Kardashian in latex: when fetish becomes haute couture
Kim Kardashian is a key figure in fashion and cultural influence. Her impact goes far beyond mere celebrity, shaping trends, redefining beauty canons and setting a new standard for digital influence. What’s more, her daring sartorial choices, including skin-tight latex garments, are often rooted in the fetish world.
The glamorization of latex and Fetish-Coded
Kim Kardashian has taken latex from clandestine events to red carpets by donning latex suits for special occasions, garnering attention. Her company, Skims, also offers latex clothing, adding to their popularity. Other famous characters, inspired by her, began to incorporate latex into their style, adding to her notoriety.
Now, what was once a niche has become “trendy”. This testifies to the impact on the visual perception of BDSM and fetishism. Moreover, fetish-coded is also the creation of an aesthetic of power and heightened sensuality, directly linked to fetish imagery.
Influence on trends and acceptance
The glamorization of latex encouraged a wider public to experiment with materials or styles that had previously been considered too daring or “extreme”. Indeed, the boundaries between everyday fashion and fetish wear are becoming increasingly blurred.
What’s more, we’re seeing an emergence of mainstream brands offering latex or similarly inspired items.
In 2025: a lasting trend or a passing fad?
The BDSM-inspired aesthetic has become popular, moving from a fringe style to something loved by the general public. It attracts the attention of luxury brands and red-carpet events. Celebrities and haute couture have adopted it, showing a shift in cultural trends.
Although it has long been used for BDSM practices, the use of latex as a mainstream mode of clothing has increased in recent years. What’s more, it’s having a real impact on clothing preferences within the BDSM community itself.
The reality of BDSM as reflected in pop culture in 2025
There’s a gulf between pop culture and BDSM. On the one hand, you have a romanticized, simplified vision of pop culture, and on the other, real BDSM. The latter is characterized by complexity, rigorous communication and security.
As a result, the emphasis is on negotiation, continuous and enthusiastic consent, and limits. Among other things, these are concepts rarely emphasized in pop culture. The exhibition brought many benefits, including less stigmatization, more curiosity and the opening of discussions.
Towards a more nuanced understanding?
In 2025, discussions around BDSM are more informed thanks to, or in spite of, pop culture. This is thanks to online communities and sex educators to correct errors and provide accurate information. Indeed, these are supportive, experience-sharing spaces which, with the input of educators, bring their expertise and experience to bear to ensure the quality and reliability of information.
In short, pop culture is a double-edged sword for BDSM. For while it has brought unprecedented visibility, it has also brought simplifications that need to be deciphered. In the meantime, BDSM continues to interact with popular culture, but authentic understanding still requires education, communication and respect for practices.
