Issue Number 1012 | The Art of Condoms

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The Art of Condoms

From The Advocate August 12, 2008

So-called condom fatigue and blasé attitudes toward sexual health have presented American rubber companies with their biggest challenge since Vaseline—namely: How to make the humble sheath fashionable again? Instead of finger-wagging and doom-mongering, the most progressive manufacturers are appealing to our finer senses, following Japan’s lead (kitschy anime-inspired condom graphics are commonplace there) and rebranding prophylactics as desirable objets d’art. And we’re not talking glow-in-the-dark latex or piña colada flavorings.

One Condom | Advocate.com

1 One condoms As a company catering directly to gays, One has fully embraced the possibilities of condom packaging, with more than 120 different designs, from urban themes to its popular Pride Pack, with 12 whimsical wrappers (including one featuring an image of Alexander the Great with the words “He was One”). One plans to launch a line of dental dams for the ladies in 2009. Available at OneCondoms.com; $13.49 for a dozen

Barack Condom x395 | Advocate.com
2 “Election Protection” condoms When dating a Republican, whipping out an Obama condom could be a deal breaker. Better keep an emergency supply of McCain jimmy hats on hand. Also available are condom wrappers bearing portraits of Ronald Reagan, Hillary and Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Richard Nixon. Available at Condomania.com; $11.95 for a dozen

Ron English condom x395 | Advocate.com

3 Ron English condoms Ron English’s subversive art has graced album covers (the Dandy Warhols’ Welcome to the Monkey House), films (Super Size Me), and now rubbers. English’s creepy alien paintings may not be everyone’s cup of tea in the bedroom, but you’ll definitely score valuable points with the indie crowd. Available at Condomania.com; $11.95 for a dozen

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