Noir Leather celebrates 40th Anniversary with ‘Kinky Christmas’ party

Festivities include a costume contest, a spanking booth, body painting, and other treats for both the naughty and nice

By Lee DeVito

Dec 13, 2023 at 9:58 am

The original Noir Leather store. Courtesy photo

Audio By Carbonatix

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Much has changed since Noir Leather first opened its BDSM shop in 1983. For one, Royal Oak was a sleepy, conservative community back then, not the destination for retail and nightlife that it is today. And founder Keith Howarth, a punk rocker and leather worker, has sold his business to new ownership in recent years, who brought the company into the 21st century by launching a website and expanding with Tease, a nearby sister store that specializes in stripper and raver wear. The point of all this is to say that the little sex-positive store that could is celebrating its 40th anniversary this weekend with a “Kinky Christmas” party, and you’re invited. Festivities include pole dancing, a scandalous scavenger hunt, a costume contest, a spanking booth, shibari “gift wrapping,” body painting, tarot readings, and other treats for both the naughty and nice.

Slideshow

20 things to do in the Detroit area this weekend (Dec. 15-17)

2023 Official Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl Detroit by Bar Crawl LIVE! When: Dec. 16 from 3-10 p.m. Where: Various Detroit bars and nightclubs What: A festive bar crawl Who: Bar Crawl LIVE Why: Get into a funky sweater and get lit for the afternoon with other fun Detroiters.

Fine Arts Holiday Market When: Dec. 15 from 5-9 p.m. Where: Blackbird Gallery, Farmington Hills What: A holiday arts market Who: Gallery artists and guest artists Why: Not only will there be art of all mediums for sale, but visitors will also get to engage with artists to learn more about their creative process and the stories behind the work.

Margaret Cho When: Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Where: Royal Oak Music Theatre What: A comedy show Who: Margaret Cho Why: Get a laugh in to kick off the weekend.

One Sleepy Night-Detroit When: Dec. 15 from 7-9 p.m. Where: The Music Hall What: An original Christmas musical Who: A 20-person cast and choir Why: See a modern-day holiday show featuring 16 original songs and break-dancing angels.

SeaStories: Part 3 When: Dec. 15-16 Where: Detroit Contemporary What: A performance art show Who: Satori Circus Why: Support local artists.

Class of 98 Band, The 90s Party Palooza When: Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. Where: Magic Bag What: A ’90s dance party Who: You and the homies Why: The event is promoting itself as “Detroit’s biggest ’90s party.”

Analog Soul When: Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. Where: Spot Lite What: A night of music Who: NYC duo Analog Soul presented by Underground Music Academy and Blueprint Why: Join the fun of the New York duo’s Spot Lite debut with local sounds from DEJ.Y, DJ Etta, AK, and Black Moon Child.

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About The Author

Lee DeVito

Leyland “Lee” DeVito is the editor in chief of Detroit Metro Times since 2016. His writing has also been published in CREEM, VICE, In These Times, and New City. He once asked porn star Stormy Daniels to spank him with an issue of Metro Times. She obliged.

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