Book Review: Sex Design

Look at almost any object that has been designed, in the right way, and you can see how it can be construed in a sexual manner. Sex is a theme that permeates the world of Industrial and Product design. Sex is undeniably everywhere and is one of the few things in this world that is truly global.

Within its pink cover Sex Design holds a curious array of objects and images that are either subtly or overtly sexual. From garden hoses, bicycles seats and parking cones through to skyscrapers, advertising and candle holders, Max Rippon has produced an exquisitely curated exploration of sex in design and popular culture.

Hug Shirt for Cute Circuit by R. Genz & F. Rosella

Max’s curated exploration of design work, from a diverse range of designers not afraid to cross the line into the risqué, “takes you through sex’s fun side, dark side, kinky side, and maybe a few sides you didn’t know existed.” While the book is certainly not one you would display on the coffee table when your grandmother comes to visit, it is certainly full of tantalizing designs that will excite, entertain, intrigue and inspire you as a designer.

Ceramic Prophopot for Scabetti by Dominic Bromley

Sex Design is dived into eight sections that cover various areas of the design realm. Introduction, wearing it, having fun with it, looking at it, living with it, it is romantic, it knows no limits and directory. In wearing it Max has sought out designers who have created designs that share the “most basic and common element, our bodies”, living with it is full of quirky and mischievously designed everyday objects, while in later chapters such as it knows no limits, readers get an insightful look into the darker realms of sex with objects such as Shiri Zinn’s snake skin whip, which are more like pieces of art than objects. Should you happen to want to get your hands on one of the works contained within then Max has provided the Directory at the back of the book with all the designer’s details.

Lucky Duck Condom Carrier by William Porody

In Sex Design Max has created a book that does away with the tacky, but still manages to be fun and quirky. Not matter how many times you flick Sex Design you will always laugh or be inspired by the designs contained within. If you should happen to display it on a bookshelf where it is visible for all to see, you will get a mixture of looks or comments, ranging from disgust through to giggles and knowing nods. However it is certainly a book that most people can’t resit picking up and flicking through.

Sex Design, Edited by Max Rippon is avaliable from Amazon.