This was my first visit to the IFF. I had been meaning to visit the Fayre when it was at Tooley Street but never got around to it. Now, it will be my regular shopping and social event on the last Sunday of the month.

I was really surprised. I thought the venue was going to be well...dingy. I had always liked the club at Tooley Street but frankly this is definitely better, especially for a market.

When I walked in I immediately felt I was part of an event. There was the gorgeous Jennie on stilts stopping traffic outside and then I was greeted by Sally in full police regalia - well to the waist anyway- I've never seen a real police woman in suspenders and red panties! Meryl from SFM Security was also there - must be the friendliest security company in the world.

Immediately inside the foyer area there was Robert Miller of Obviously Odd with a very attractive array of funky accessories and cyber clothing in a variety of bright neon colours with lots of spikes. To the right was Sophia of Dulwich Herbs and Lisa of Kitchenwitch who shared a very attractive stand selling herbs spices, oil burners, candles, incense and some lovely kitchen accessories, mugs, plates etc with stunning pagan designs - I meant to go back and buy some but completely forgot. However I have followed the link from her exhibitors page and ordered some items since and hopefully she will be back next month so I can have a better look at her wares. The smell from one of Sophia's oil burners was very calming and welcoming.

Also in the Foyer were David and his lovely lady with their fetish seconds stand. They had a very interesting mix of shoes, clothing and accessories and some great bargains. Sally bought two metal arm cuffs for just £10!

From the end of the Foyer you could see the whole exhibition arena, which was filled with fantasy and fetish stalls. The mind body spirit section was upstairs. The building is an extremely attractive converted art deco theatre and at the far end there is a large stage area where World of Wicked, Elly Art and Chris Anderson Couture had their stands still leaving room for a performance space.

In the main arena I noted New Age Trading, Elegant Lacing - I fell in love with a red corset on their stand, London Forge who had an extremely attractive stand showing off some of their metal and iron work - I fancied the cage myself - must bring a rich slave with me next time! Then there was The Whip Store with an array of high quality whips, Love in Leather with a good selection of clothing and accessories, Supernal where I saw Captain Zip trying on a very imposing jacket - he will definitely be the belle of the ball if he bought that, Fangs Fetish & Fantasy with an interesting selection of clothing, Masks of Venice specialist importers of masks from Venice - I bought one with feathers to wear to Wicked's "Glamour of Fetish" event in July, Digita X where I kept finding myself drawn to a large photograph of a girl's face which had been manipulated beautifully - I might consider it for my new dining room..., Deosil Crafts where I bought myself a small ring and then last but not least Bound2Impress.

Bound2Impress certainly impressed me. It's hard to believe that Dave and Benita have only just ventured onto the scene. Their designs and quality of production are truly first rate and their range is one of the most attractive I have seen. I hope they will be regulars at the IFF because I will certainly be a regular customer of theirs. It is so nice to meet people who have such an open and refreshing approach to the fetish scene.

Whilst shopping and chatting and the odd glass of wine I enjoyed watching Jennie stiltwalking around the venue in a fetish outfit that was from another world, I met Cat and Paul who did some fascinating close up magic, watched the fashion shows and met friends old and new.

I was pleased to catch up with MRK who was doing some rope bondage on a lovely girl whilst Elly took photos. You really must check out Elly Art & Sensual Photography. I think we'll be seeing a lot more of this lady's work in the future.

Finally I thought it's time for a little sit down so I ventured upstairs to the balcony and what a great surprise - on the first level there was a bar and several Chesterfield style sofas and low coffee tables and then on the next level there was the Oriental Lounge where Carlos from Awakening Bodily Consciousness was standing on a beautiful blonde lady's back whilst she moaned, clearly with pleasure, and there was Kinky Stargazer otherwise known as Kim giving people a taster of their Birth Charts - I'm going to have mine done next time, there were two lovely ladies who call themselves Circle of Learning who read Tarot and then low and behold I was approached by Mohan who offered to massage my feet for free. Suddenly I realised that my feet were hurting and so I gratefully took a seat and let him take my shoes off. Within moments I was blissfully drifting away only to be waited on by his friend who got me a drink and a snack from Angell Catering...very tasty.

...What a combination - shopping and socialising whilst being entertained, drinks and food on hand when you get thirsty or peckish and a foot massage to boot!

I'll be back!

Miranda Smith
28th June 2004