“Kink. Fetishize. Dominate. Violate. Live for the Darkness. Set yourself free.” – THE CODE
“By the scene for the scene” that’s the motto and THE CODE has it figured all out.
We met Dor Ramon, the owner and head behind THE CODE, and talked about Berlin’s fetish scene, consent and how good latex really feels.
Who is behind THE CODE?
We at BERLINABLE prioritize the core of a human being, that’s why our topic is sex. What is THE CODE’s core?
I’d love to say it’s all me, but really, THE CODE’s core is the many, many excellent and exquisitely talented designers and artists who make up Berlin’s underground scenes.
They inspired me.
They inspired THE CODE.
And they themselves are the core product THE CODE sells.
Their designs give people direct access to their own sexuality, the ability to feel sexy, and to feel comfortable both in themselves and with themselves.
This is what we try to do with THE CODE – to create an intimate experience where our customers can really connect with these designers and their designs, in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere that supports self-exploration.
When and how did the idea for THE CODE come up?
I believe it’s eight years ago, I’d just arrived in Berlin and I wanted to explore.
I wanted to explore Berlin in all its facets.
And I also wanted to explore BDSM. But then the club culture sucked me in.
Clubs and BDSM – these two things together taught me a lot about myself, while also introducing me to many new communities and scenes around Berlin.
I had the idea to open up a sex shop.
I thought it would be fun. A bit cheeky.
But, out of that developed THE CODE.
Uniting fetish culture, BDSM, the party scene, and all of the subcultures that make up the underground scenes of Berlin – and that makes this city special – in one place.
What’s special about Berlin’s club and fetish scene?
It’d be a bit arrogant to pretend I’m familiar with all the different scenes in this city.
Even after all these years, there are so many I’m still discovering.
But, Berlin is the capital of techno. The club scene is the biggest in the world.
I’ve traveled and found nothing close.
Nothing that offers that incredible openness, the idea that you can do whatever the fuck you want, so long as no one else gets hurt (unless there’s consent, of course).
From my perspective, the club and fetish scenes here are one and the same.
A lifestyle, a community, an identity. Being who you are, no matter what you are. That’s Berlin.
Here, you’ll always find someone who takes things even further.
It’s hedonistic. It’s not for everyone.
It all starts with an open mind.
But, for those inclined, the opportunities are endless.
What’s the perfect outfit for a party newbie in Berlin?
It’s about how that person wants to feel or what they want to project about themselves.
We work with 30+ designers and there are so many different ways you can present yourself.
Experiment. Be curious. It’s not for anyone else to decide.
Sexuality, Fashion and Freedom – what do all of these have in common?
Expression. That’s it.
Which remarkable growth is to be seen in Berlin’s Fetish Fashion?
The transformation of what was fetish – fetish gear for fetish parties and private experimentation – into the mainstream of fashion.
Chokers have been accepted in mainstream fashion for years.
Harnesses and bondage accessories are becoming part of daily wear.
You see these little accents of fetish, a hint of sexuality playfully on display.
It’s an exciting time.
Club culture is already in the mainstream – especially in Berlin – and I believe kink and fetish fashion is going in this direction, too.
Mainstream doesn’t indicate bad, it indicates acceptance and celebration.
And I think, feel, hope that Berlin is leading the way.
Even a few years ago, combining the words ‘fetish’ and ‘fashion’ would have seemed absurd.
But now…
A must-have in fetish fashion – besides a few THE CODE pieces?
Consent.
Personally, it’s not for me to decide.
What’s your inner kink that wants to get out?
You could start by introducing latex into your outfits.
There’s just something about latex. I wear latex.
It gives that feeling tight against your skin. It constricts. It’s tactile and wants to be touched.
Not insulting the leather people, mind you.
What could society learn from the fetish scene?
Consent again.
The beauty of the fetish scene is that it’s straightforward and up-front.
Everything is very clear. Everything is confirmed.
You talk about it before, agree on the rules and uphold them.
I love the rule set for Klub Verboten: No is no. Maybe is no.
This simple idea is something that mainstream society has long struggled with.
And the fetish world has found the answer.
