Welcome to the seventh installment of CRAVE Culture, a quarterly exploration of the people, ideas, and sensory experiences shaping the culture of pleasure.
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PLEASURE PROFILE
A moment of truth with Dominatrix Jazmin Wu
Video for CRAVE by Anna Shevts
Domina Jazmin spoke to CRAVE about the society's misconceptions surrounding dominatrixes and reveals what the real work truly involves.
What type of pleasure are people seeking from a dominatrix?
I want to take a moment and make it clear that while a Dominatrix works within the realm of human sexuality, her services aren't often sexual. At least not in the traditional sense. Those who are often "pleasure" seeking (or seeking direct sexual services) will never make it as far as meeting a Dominatrix because a domina rarely, if ever, provides sexual services. To even approach a Dominatrix, one must be extremely respectful and polite. Anyone directly seeking traditional (intercourse) sexual satisfaction is swiftly rejected.
So, what services do you offer?
Most of my clients/slaves seek erotic enlightenment, catharsis, physical or emotional release, the high and euphoria from subspace, the feeling of acceptance of their truest self, or pleasure. For a select few, the brain's pain and pleasure receptors misfire, and pain feels pleasurable.
What are the most common misconceptions about a dominatrix?
The most common misconception is that she is a prostitute, escort, or stripper. A Dominatrix focuses more on the unique eroticism of a woman in control. The second is that she hates men. While I can't speak for everyone in my field, it's actually quite the opposite for me: I have the greatest sympathy for men. I like to allow them space to safely relinquish their perceived role in the outside world and simply let go and receive. Third, that it's all about pain. Not all BDSM has to involve pain; in fact, my work rarely involves pain. Erotically painful activities occur only when both parties are in agreement beforehand.
PLEASURE NEWS
All Clitoral Nerves Mapped for the First Time
Image credit: Ju Young Lee et al., 2026
Historically overlooked in research, scientists have now fully mapped the clitoris’ nerve network. Using advanced 3D imaging, researchers found the sensory nerve branches to be far more extensive than previously understood.
This breakthrough deepens our understanding of pleasure and offers meaningful implications for surgical care, helping physicians avoid damaging clitoral nerves during procedures involving the vulva.
In the image above, the dorsal nerve, the primary sensory nerve of the clitoris, is shown in yellow. Veins and surrounding structures appear in contrasting colors.
HAPPENINGS
The Lesbian Culture Club Fashion Show
Photo by Andreia Claro
In January, the Lesbian Culture Club hosted The Lesbian Lookbook, Live: a fashion show–meets–cocktail party celebrating lesbian and queer aesthetics in all their forms. The evening centered community, self-expression, and personal style as cultural language.
Partnering with Frances May, Wildfang, She Bop, and CRAVE, the night brought together iconic looks and a shared point of view on identity through fashion.
“In regular fashion shows, you don’t always see yourself. But here, you’ll see your friends. Your community. Your people.” — Carrie, Founder & CEO, Lesbian Culture Club
Hillary Jones wears the Vesper in Silver and ID Cuffs in Black & Silver.
SENSUAL EXPERIENCES
Julieta Chiara: Certified Kinbaku Instructor
Reel by Julieta Chiara
Julieta Chiara is a certified Kinbaku instructor whose practice explores intimacy through tension, trust, and connection. Rooted in the Japanese art of rope bondage, her work moves beyond aesthetics into a language of communication between bodies.
At the heart of her practice is presence. She teaches solo submission, where the act of self-tying slows time and heightens awareness. For Julieta, Kinbaku is not a performance but a dialogue with the self.
Julieta wears the Tease Necklace in silver.
PLEASURE JEWELRY STYLE
What They’re Wearing
Photo by Thomas Greene
What are you wearing? Vesper, stacked on original and Cuban chains. Tease as both necklace and ring.
How do you style it? Stacked pair or necklace and ring, depending on the day. Both part of my daily rotation.
Who notices it first? People always ask, “Well, why do you have one?” My answer is always: “Why not? It's hot.”
Gold, silver, or mixed? Silver, but the band for my ring is gold, which allows me to mix and match whenever I’m in the mood.
What's your style in 3 words? Bold. Spontaneous. Comfortable.
— Thomas, New Year, Performer
PLEASURE ICON
Melanie Rose from Netflix’s How to Build a Sex Room
Photo by Melanie Rose
Melanie Rose is the host, designer, and consulting producer of Netflix‘s How to Build a Sex Room. Documenting how she dreams up erotic renovations for couples, her work looks to re-inject passion into their sex lives. From a secret rock 'n' roll dungeon to a next-level spa, Rose carries out her clients' wildest fantasies.
She understands that pleasure isn’t something to hide. It’s something to thoughtfully integrate into everyday life.
Melanie is wearing the Tease Necklace and Vesper 2, both in 24kt gold.
PLEASURE JEWELRY STYLE
A Custom Pocket for Vesper
Photo by LouLou D'vil of Vesper in Silver
A pair of leather pants, custom-tailored with a pocket designed just for the Vesper.
It’s a small but intentional design decision that treats pleasure as something to be carried, not hidden. Built into the garment, the piece becomes part of the ritual of getting dressed.
Located in New York, LouLou D'vil creates curated worlds & unforgettable experiences at House of LouLou’s, a cultural house devoted to sensual artistry, salon dinners, performance, and private gatherings.
CULTURAL MOMENT
CRAVE is Now In Select Ulta Stores
Photo by CRAVE
CRAVE is now in select Ulta Beauty stores. The same place you shop for skincare and wellness now carries pleasure products.
When pleasure is merchandised alongside beauty, it signals something bigger. It’s a quiet shift in how we care for ourselves and what we consider essential. We’re proud to share this moment.
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