The Intersection of Fetishism and Consumerism in Anastasiia Fedorova's "Second Skin"

Anastasiia Fedorova's book, "Second Skin," delves into the complex relationship between fetishism and consumerism, challenging conventional notions of ownership and desire. Fedorova, a writer and curator based in London, draws on her experiences within fetish cultures to illustrate how objects can embody profound meaning and sexual allure. This exploration is framed against the backdrop of a consumerist society, where the act of purchasing often leads to disillusionment, as noted by novelist Sheila Heti in her 2018 essay on consumerism.

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Fedorova positions fetishism not merely as a personal inclination but as a form of resistance for sexual minorities. She argues that desires that extend beyond societal norms challenge the "state-sanctioned imagination." Through her vivid narratives, she recounts experiences that blur the lines between sexuality, consumption, and identity. For instance, she describes a scene where she and a partner, clad in full-body latex, engage in intimate acts that transcend traditional sexual experiences, suggesting that feeling like an object can be liberating rather than limiting.

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In "Second Skin," Fedorova highlights how certain objects, such as leather masks or specific sneakers, can evoke intense emotional and sexual responses. A sneaker fetishist named Miss Gold articulates the thrill of the purchasing process, emphasizing that the excitement does not diminish post-purchase; instead, it intensifies through the experiences associated with the object. This perspective contrasts sharply with Heti's assertion that consumer products become "inert with being owned." For fetishists, the allure of an object persists, often growing stronger through shared experiences and personal narratives.

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While Fedorova's work celebrates the empowerment found within fetish cultures, it also invites critique. Some may argue that fetishism can perpetuate objectification, reducing individuals to mere vessels for desire. However, Fedorova counters this by framing her experiences as transformative, where the act of embodying an object can lead to a deeper understanding of identity and sexuality.

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• “I cannot say of any consumer product I have bought that it ‘gets me here,’ if here is someplace new,” — Sheila Heti, Novelist

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• “For the fetishist, Fedorova argues, the magic of a chosen item never has to wear off.” — Anastasiia Fedorova, Author

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• “I look at some people’s feet,” D says, “and think, ‘They can save my life.” — D, Foot Fetishist

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• “In Fedorova’s slightly grandiose construction, they “fuck in the intersection of sexuality, consumption, pop culture, and senseless lust”; really, they are in a carpeted hotel room that smells richly of rubber.” — Review Commentary

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Fedorova's "Second Skin" invites readers to reconsider the relationship between objects and desire, suggesting that the act of fetishism can serve as a powerful form of self-expression and resistance. By embracing the complexities of ownership and attraction, Fedorova encourages a dialogue about the meanings we assign to the objects in our lives, ultimately challenging the notion that consumerism leads to inevitable disappointment.

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