Q: A very warm welcome to the founder of Figure of A (@figureofa), Anna! Thank you so much for joining me, Anna. I’m so thrilled by your pieces. Where is Figure of A located and where are you from?
A: Hello, thank you for having me! I am London-based, for 10 years now. I was born in Russia but raised in Germany.
Q: Oh, that’s already interesting. How did you get into Shibari?
A: I travelled to Japan twice and fell in love with the country and the culture. It prompted my interest in Shibari as it stands for so many things in Japan; skill, craftsmanship, structure, obsession with aesthetics and weirdness. From then I took instruction and courses in London where I found Shibari spaces offering weekly classes and workshops with well-known riggers. There are also jams, meet-ups, club nights… you name it! In the community, consent is an important topic; all interactions should be mutually wanted.
Q: What was your first foray into the world of kink?
A: I went to a few events when I was in Germany, but got into the full swing of it when I came to London. Actually, discovering images online from Torture Garden was one of the main encouragements for me to move to the UK! I left Russia when I was a child, but there’s a good scene out there now.
Anna Q: That is absolutely fascinating. How would you say your journey has progressed since then?
A: I started feeling very comfortable and content being who I am without apologising.
Q: Has the world’s attitude towards kink changed?
A: Yes, even during the 10 years of me being on the scene I have noticed that people are more open and don’t mind mentioning their interests in public. Social media, with lots of visual kink content, has inspired commercial fashion design and made it cool and desirable.
Q: If I were just getting into Shibari, how would you suggest I learn more? How do I practice? And what do I practice with?
A: 1) Find a willing partner you feel comfortable with. 2) Find a nice and cosy heated environment. 3) Find a good bottle of wine.
A good place to start is the double column tie. It's a simple way to bind two limbs together, and just take it from there!
The place to go for classes is Anatomie; a dedicated Shibari studio in London (where I studied too!). Youtube has a lot of good videos but there’s a lot of censoring, unfortunately.
A good set of ropes is essential (about 6-8 lengths). Use Hemp and Jute for suspension and Cotton for sensual play (nice and soft!).
Q: What do you think people get “wrong” about Shibari? Or what do they miss?
A: People get caught up in technicalities and get stressed if they get the ties wrong. They forget to communicate with each other and to relax. It's supposed to be a bonding and fun experience - not a competition!
Q: How did you get to start your business in London? Do you have a business partner?
A: I had a vision I decided to follow through. It was a big and unknown step but also very exciting to create something that unique. Luckily I had a life partner who supported me and still does. Otherwise it is just me, on my own. Sometimes I wish someone would take away some decisions from me, but in the end I cannot imagine sharing this with anyone.
Shibari Q: What else does your studio offer? Do you do classes or exhibitions?
A: Predominantly I am occupied with the brand, with designing, producing and selling the wearable Shibari accessories. I travel internationally to trade at alternative trade fairs and exhibitions and you can find my work in concept stores in UK and Europe. I also do Shibari performances and create installations at events, do photoshoots, run drawing classes, etc. I don’t really teach bondage classes because there are other, better teachers out there than me. I see myself predominantly as a designer/artist.
Q: Who makes the products that you sell? And where does the rope come from?
A: After setting up and making everything myself I hired studio assistants. Now I have three, part time, all from the alternative scene, who help me with in-house production and other daily studio tasks. Their support is much needed and appreciated!
I design and sample every new piece, and if it is successful, a precise instruction is made which then can be copied by the maker. I oversee every step and take care of all orders, administration, shipping, etc.!
All materials used have been sourced all over the world, some parts are specifically made for my designs, all are of highest quality. Rope is made in the EU.
Q: What would you suggest to a woman who is just starting her own business?
A: As a woman, I guess it is common to underestimate yourself, unfortunately, so you’d need a strong support network for constant encouragement. Otherwise, what I would suggest to anyone starting a business, is to envision a daily routine you would have when running this business, and then ask yourself if that is what you really want, and if it would work for your body and mind. Because I found myself in a situation which physically did not work for me… So I needed to adapt to that.
Q: What drives you to make these pieces and to keep going with your business? What moves you?
A: I could probably have other options in life. I have a degree (BA in Visual Communications) and I am a generally artistically gifted person. I would say I could do other creative work, but I will give this business the best shot I’ve got! Simply because I am not keen to start a new job or career just yet!
Q: How did you first hear about Skirt Club, and what did you think?
A: I am very good friends with a founder member (Jo Webber), and she got me into Skirt many years ago! I have been coming to Skirt events on and off throughout the years. I loved the women, I made great connections, and I was fascinated by the whole concept! Happy to have met Gen, too. She is so inspiring! We already have created one Shibari event in the past where a crew from Germany came out to interview me and then film our debauchery!
Q: What’s your favourite product on Figure of A’s page for the Skirt Club Boutique? Mine is the Totsu Tote, but I want to know more about what you like!
A: It is mine too! I put a lot of work into this design and development. It has a fringe handle which is detachable and can be used as a whip! A very clever detail and a beautifully crafted bag, perfect for a sexy night out!
Totsu Tote Q: Seems we both have impeccable taste. Thank you for joining me for this chat! I feel inspired to get some rope and have at it. Honestly so gorgeous. What a pleasure to learn more.
A: Thank you for talking to me and for selecting my brand for your gorgeous boutique. And thank you for spreading the word about me in your community! I am honoured to be part of Skirt, and excited about future collaborations with you!
