PHOTOS: International Mr. Leather Weekend

International Mr. Leather got off on the right foot this Friday with kinksters packing the Congress Plaza with wall-to-wall leather, gear, and bare flesh. There was a Folsom Street party on the first floor, a gear meetup on the second, and between them every hallway and stair was a sea of giddy friends from all over the world.

Bringing the boys out for a little stroll.

Red's cutting loose.

Sometimes it feels good NOT to do it.

Photo-kiss-bomb.

Otter mating rituals.

Couldn't be cuter.

Leather, rubber, just plain naked, it's all good.

Visitors from outside the area came as well.

Training session.

I am a camera.

Nipple slippage.

Winning grins, grinning.

Package deal.

Good sports.

This feels good, but, um, we might be stuck.

Touch football.

Looks like it smells good there.

Looking for trouble.

Dude!

What the market will bear.

'Stache studs.

Smile big, big boy.

Cozying up.

Skin is in.

A strong connection.

Don't sass me, young man, or there will be hell to pay.

International Mr. Tether

Why does the fireman wear red suspenders?

(He's a rescue.)

Partying hearty.

Good things come in threes.

And for our next act...

Texture, sensation, and something just a little sleazy.

Basic black, with zippers.

Buddy system.

You're not going anywhere, young man.

Me next!

Stop! It tickles!

Harness your desires.

Guys DO make passes...

And this is only the first night, folks.

Superheroes, puppies, leathermen and curious onlookers flooded the Congress Hotel in Chicago for International Mr. Leather this weekend. A vast array of leather vendors were spread around the hotel in various surprising nooks and crannies, while the scent of leather, rope, rubber, and duct tape hung in the air. Is it possible that there were further adventures to be had in the upstairs hotel rooms? Yes, in fact, it is.

Fine, we'll take three. Oh..the harness? Sure. That too.

Mastering the message.

Behavior modification.

Merry mask makers.

I told you not to touch things, but you just wouldn't listen, would you.

Coming up in the ranks.

Fast friends.

Come for the leather, stay for the fur.

How do you know when a dog is happy?

Pack behavior.

Who let the dogs out?

Canine conversation.

He behaves — mostly— but our lawyer said to keep the muzzle on in public places after the last incident.

Pet pride.

Sniff, sniff, sniff.

Dogs love a bone.

PDAs are just a little different here.

Chosen title, signature drink.

Caution, craftwork in progress.

Ahoy, mate.

Families come in all forms.

Proprietors meet the people.

Products, well-modeled.

Artisnal leather and gear.

Kinda like Santa's elves, kinda not.

Just looking, thanks.

Obeying the leash laws.

A hair-hopper.

Matching harnesses means something, right?

Take your muscle puppy to work day, part 2

Fine jewelry adorned the patrons.

Goldilocks will take all three, thanks.

The gang's all here.

Panting in public.

Wrapping up day 2, and putting a bow on it.

Sister Roma

Hot, scary, kinky, weird, cool fun. IML has everything you need for a great night, and an entire weekend.

And then the show begins.

International leathermen found their way to the Harris Theater to mix and mingle before the official contest. Although only about 50 men would compete, most of the hundreds of people in attendance were decked out in their finest leather, rubber, lace, and gear.

A panel of judges meticulously examined 50 contestants this weekend before selecting California's Patrick Smith as the new International Mr. Leather for 2015. Kevin Murphy of Ireland was runner-up.

Chuck Renslow, the founder of IML.

Kevin Murphy of Ireland was runner-up for International Mr. Leather for 2015.

International Mr. Leather for 2015, Patrick Smith of California