Whether you’re seasoned or a newbie to the scene, leather makes the man at these Atlanta retailers.
By Matthew Holley
There are countless tastes, facets and fetishes of gay life out there, and not to be ignored are those guys with a healthy appreciation of leather. Atlanta’s locals are no strangers to the leather scene, with multiple outlets catering to its many splendored pleasures.
For the aficionado, an acquired taste for leather can’t be beat. It can be a confidence booster, stress reliever and a healthy addition to your sex life. To bolster the fever, Atlanta BDSM community thrives in support of this private and sometimes not so private practice.
The following four locations are here to fulfill all of those leather desires. Whether you’re an accomplished connoisseur or a naive apprentice ready to dip your toe in the naughty end of the pool, you’re welcome and embraced behind these doors.
Barking Leather
Mon – Sat 12pm – 9pm, Sunday – CLOSED
805 Lambert Drive NE
404-900 – 5847
Leather Artisan Tory pup and his partner Sir Ray are a match made in heaven. The duo has been together since 2002 and are active in the Atlanta BDSM community, which helped bring them together. With a shared vision, the couple opened Barking Leather in 2009, and it’s been going strong since.
They specialize in unique adult accessories ranging from rubber, chain, metal, wood, leather and plastic for any variety of BDSM/fetish and fashion tastes and pleasures.
With the majority of their products hand-made on site, Barking Leather is gearing up to release its own exclusive line in the coming months. Stop in, stock up and strap on everything you need to bring all the boys to your yard.
Also visit Barking Leather After Dark, 306 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Thur-Fri-Sat nights on the deck level at Atlanta Eagle.
Bulldog Custom Leathers
2069 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
678-901-7621
Located inside Heretic, Bulldog custom-makes each product to fit each client’s specific needs. Not only does Bulldogs work with latigo (belt leather) for some of their belts and slings, the majority of their gear is made from soft leather designed to not be rough against the wearer’s skin.
Leaving items unfinished, any leather lover can walk in for an on-the-spot fitting. Within 10 minutes you will have a custom piece ready to break into your very own. Adding flair to their craft, BCL can also embroider your gear, vests or patches with any artwork by request.
Bulldog opens its doors at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights ready to collar and let the dogs out. They are also available by appointment Wednesday through Saturday during the Heretic’s normal operating hours. Bulldog also carries Fort Troff products.