Radical Rubber

Radical Rubber: new UK makers of sheet latex just for fashion

Leading British latex fashion label Libidex yesterday unveiled a new sheet latex manufacturing company called Radical Rubber.

The new London-based company is specifically geared to the needs of the latex clothing industry, offering sheet latex of fashion-grade quality to fetish fashion designers and makers all over the world.

“We believe a change in the latex sheeting supply market is long overdue”, say Libidex directors Simon Rose and Nigel Walker. “We hope that Radical Rubber will serve to bring about that change.”

Libidex is handling the marketing and distribution of Radical Rubber, and its directors reportedly worked closely with the rubber industry to develop a product that matched the quality and specification of other manufacturers’ latex sheeting, and that would appeal to fashion designers.

The partners tell us the firm has developed a brand new range of colours that will be available alongside standard colours in a variety of thicknesses. They promise their product will be competitively priced, with fast delivery and a “customer-friendly service” tailored to the needs of the fashion industry.

“Latex sheet manufacturers are generally not fashion designers, and don’t always respond to the needs of that market”, explains Nigel Walker. “As fashion designers ourselves, we wanted to create a latex sheet manufacturer whose products were produced specifically for our market, and would listen to ideas and suggestions from designers. That is why we helped to create Radical Rubber.”

Another motive for the genesis of the new manufacturer was the creation of more choice in the market and to stimulate innovation, says Simon Rose.

“Radical Rubber gives makers an alternative, fresh source of supply, which will make the market more exciting and more secure. It was never a very good thing for so many of us to be so dependent on one supplier. Also, we think competition will stimulate creativity, and help designers find inspiration for new collections.

“We already have an exciting new range of colours, which we’re sure will be a treat for latex lovers — things like our Metallic Fuchsia, Smoky Black and Electric colours are very attractive for latex design. We already have plans to extend our palette and are looking at some quite advanced effects using latex.”

Radical Rubber has been two years in the making, we’re told, with “extensive laboratory and practical tests” to ensure that qualities such as its finish, adhesion, tensile strength, modulus (stretchiness) and durability “matches or exceeds” other products on the market. In these health and safety-conscious days, it’s good to hear also that the latex is treated to remove proteins that can cause allergic reactions, and that it conforms to standard medical testing requirements.
The new range of sheeting is produced using a high capacity industrial process which, claim the principals, “is more than capable of supplying the entire global latex fashion industry”.

Radical Rubber has its distribution centre in London, where it also has a trade counter and welcomes personal callers. There is no minimum order (though orders below 5sqm per colour will attract a surcharge), and the firm assures us it is happy to supply everyone from the largest manufacturers to small one-person designers, hobbyists and students.The company will have its own dedicated stand at this year’s Xpo at London’s Barbican Centre on October 5-6.

www.radicalrubber.co.uk
www.libidex.com
www.thexpo.co.uk

Should my journey begin here? The bf and I have been talking about what it would take to dive into creating, marketing and retailing rubber fashions. I should really start looking seriously at rubber fashion design for men. I read in the latest Instigator magazine that JT's Stockroom has recently bought Syren Fashions and are planning to target the male rubberist market. I sense there is a critical mass starting in rubber fashion for men....