Written by: Kristýna Vondrová
Let's go again on the trail of the female orgasm and its contemporary context. In the first part, we mapped the historical development of erotic toys and said goodbye to the 70s of the last century, when Betty Dodson popularized the magic wand and one type of vibrator was produced in Czechoslovakia. And how did it go?
The end of the millennium & the vibrator boom
The end of the millennium brought vibrators into the limelight. Or should we say "into the spotlight"? Vibrators have become a cast member (both lead and supporting) in mainstream porn. This has reached a wider audience thanks to the increasing availability of internet connectivity. And if you wanted your own dildo, the Internet also made it easier for you to buy one, if visiting a (often very tacky) sex shop would be an insurmountable obstacle for you. E-commerce has worked as a great ally in the fight against shame.
The 21st century: the veined dildo in decline
How has erotic goods changed in the last two decades? From natural rubber waves to top designs made from hi-tech materials. We throw away inhibitions (and cheap moldings). We are more interested in innovative design, new functions, high-quality material (silicon dominates this).
Luxury vibrators also excel in quiet operation, easier control and a variety of vibration programs. Increasing the intensity, pulsing or waves of vibrations are practically a matter of course with more expensive types of aids. Simple power supply via network or computer saves worries about dead batteries. We don't need to remind you that such characteristics perfectly describe i our Whoop·de·doo vibrators.
Sex toys today: what are the current trends?
If we (as insiders looking for new stimuli every day, how to take your sexual well-being to a new level) were to summarize the events around us in a few main points, we as a team would agree on the following list:
- Technological innovations. Sex toys with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connection and remote control make life more varied not only for partners in a long-distance relationship. An immersive experience is also offered by augmented and virtual reality.
- Personalization and customization of products. Do you want a non-standard shape, size or perhaps vibrator with a personal messagethat has no twin in the world? With the development of 3D printing, the only limit is our imagination (and wallet).
- Emphasis on sustainability and ethics. Goodness! Even in the heat of passion, consumers do not cough up phthalate-free silicone or fair working conditions. This also applies to the consumed erotic content, as you will learn in our article about ethical porn.
- Diversity and inclusivity. The signposts "for her" and "for him" in the menu of e-shops are no longer so prominent. The LGBTQ+ community does not want to be boxed in and will appreciate gender-neutral intimate aids in universal designs and colors. The Handi brand, on the other hand, reminds us that sexual pleasure is a fundamental human right according to the WHO, and focuses on people with physical disabilities.
Erospain 2024: what shook us the most?
During the first weekend of May, a two-headed delegation of Whoop·de·doo went to Barcelona, where the second year of the fair was held Erospain. It is a B2B meeting of companies (operating in the erotic segment) full of polished presentations by exhibitors, educational workshops and (very relaxed) networking.
Our biggest takeaways from a wild weekend on the Mediterranean
- Colors rule. Pastel, neon, metallic... we choose the color of our sex toys with the same precision as the varnish on nails or. In front of some of the rainbow stands, we felt like we were in Disneyland, where every shade of the Pantone palette has its place.
- Opening scissors in terms of quality and price. Do you just want to expand your collection with a bizarre souvenir to amuse your partner, or spend your entire paycheck on one timeless piece of hi-tech? You can still get both on the market.
- Focused on men. While not wanting to deny the previous mention of a non-binary vision of the product offering, we were amazed by the number of rubber vaginas (and full body torsos).
- Cups for everyone. In Catalonia, they have menstrual cups for free in the pharmacy. This only confirmed to us that the fight with period poverty is not a privilege of the Scandinavian welfare states. By the way, after operations affecting the pelvic floor, Spanish women lose weight Venus balls.