# Leather-Clad Conventions The Biggest Balls in DC This Week Won't Be at Inauguration By Going Like Sixty | Published 2009-01-18 | Naughty Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mid-atlantic-leather-weekend References: [blackbookmag](http://www.blackbookmag.com/article/inauguration-cramps-fetishists-style/5951) & [leatherweekend](http://www.leatherweekend.com/) Tuxedos and gowns are at the ready all over Washington, D.C., but so is leather. The 25th Anniversary of the Mid Atlantic Leather Weekend, the second largest fetish event in the world, took place between January 16 and January 18. The [Washington Plaza Hotel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nfl-x-veronica-beard) became the hub where [motorcycle jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leather-motto-jackets), leather suspenders and assless chaps all bumped together. The exhibition floor was crowded with [leather clothing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rudsak-fall-collection) for everyone--even Republicans. Guantanamo jumpsuits, hero fireman outfits and black gladiator kilts were all on offer for the new American hero, Joe the Plumber. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Naughty](https://www.trendhunter.com/naughty) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Fetish Fashion:** Opportunity for fashion brands to explore edgy niche markets and expand product lines to include leather and fetish wear. - **Alternative Conventions:** Opportunity for event planners to create and capitalize on alternative conventions that serve niche markets like the fetish community. - **Inclusive Marketing:** Opportunity for companies to embrace diverse communities and create marketing campaigns that appeal to unconventional demographics like those in the fetish community. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion:** Niche market exploration of fetish culture and leather fashion. - **Event Planning:** Opportunities for creating alternative conventions serving various niche markets. - **Marketing:** Opportunities to create inclusive marketing campaigns that reach unconventional demographics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Disruptive Fashion Art Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dirty-looks.md) - [Sports-Themed Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nfl-x-veronica-beard.md) - [Politically-Inspired Runway Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selkies-the-libertine-collection.md) - [Experimental Fall Wardrobe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/khaotique-noir.md) - [Snack-Serving Lederhosen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snyderfest-pretzelhosen.md) - [Studded Belt-Made Dynamic Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/replica-suit.md) - [Quilted Leather Novelty Diapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pit-diaper.md) - [Pet-Friendly Presidential Stays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/presidents-day-packages.md) - [Sexual Wellness Streetwear Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goat-condom.md)