Ian Hinksman
For those that know, Harshmellow is famed for its groundbreaking BDSM club nights, live performances, and X-rated sights.
Liquid Club will once again play host to Harshmellow, Malta’s original BDSM event that draws inspiration from mainland Europe’s popular fetish events that take place at venues like KitKat Club and Berghain in Berlin. Whether you’re new to the scene, inquisitive, or experienced, join their next event XXXmas, taking place from 10pm on the 22nd of December.
We caught up with the main organizer Klaudia Avellino to get more information on Malta’s kinkiest club night.
The inspiration behind Harshmellow
Harshmellow is an expression Klaudia and her group of friends used amongst themselves to reference musical genres and fashion aesthetics that they liked. Harsh but mellow – which describes the events to a tee.
“It perfectly encapsulates what we stand for, an unconventional expression of elegance, diversity and conscious interaction for the modern day human. We provide an open-minded space to dance and be yourself, meet new likeminded people, create new memories, and celebrate the magnificent free and sexy being that you are”.
BDSM performances, music and activities
The event kicks off at with a workshop covering rope play, followed by a pole performances from Vlada, a kinky dance performance from Rafa, and burlesque with Undine, and a Shibari show set to close off the night. The running order of various other activities will be presented to guests on the night to ensure that they soak the full experience from start to finish.
Expect tracks from the genres of darkwave, techno, electro and electronic body music, that will set the tone of the event from 11PM with Blakk Velvet, followed by Lian Vex, Volatil, and a closing set by Sunta.
Play Spaces
Liquid Club will be divided up into separate areas, or “play spaces”, for the ranging fetishes. These include dedicated areas for wax play, rope play, and consensual spanking sessions, amongst various other spaces dedicated to specific fetishes.
“It’s all about exploring the elegant art of lust”
Harshmellow dress code
If you’re new to Harshmellow or the BDSM scene in general and are interested in attending but don’t own any of the required dress code, don’t worry. At the very minimum the requirement for entry is all-black clothing.
However, this is a fetish event and Harshmellow is all about creating an authentic experience for those in attendance, which can be seen in the décor of the venue that Harsmellow invest heavily in. Making the venue look the part is very important and to set the scene. Each event decor varies dependent upon the theme they have on offer. This includes everything from lighting, props and adult toys which are a part of their overheads.
Think fetish wear
The dress code must be adhered to and ideally one should focus more on fantasy and transformation. Think fetish wear such as latex, leather, collars and harnesses, and even body paint.
The wilder the better. HM love unique and creative fits. And with this event being XXXmas, they highly encourage theme creativity. On a side note they strongly don’t allow street wear, sportswear, blue jeans or khakis. So if you’re thinking about rocking up in your Birkenstocks, don’t!
Check out the Harshmellow Pinterest fashion guide for inspiration.
Interested in the event, but hesitant to attend?
For anyone experiencing a fetish event for the first time, Klaudia is understanding of the fact that entering this kind of space may feel complex and overwhelming at first.
But she assures us that Harshmellow is a safe and consensual event with respect being at the core of what they do. The HM team operates a zero tolerance policy towards anyone who cannot behave appropriately.
Security measures in place at Harshmellow
To start off with admission is strictly 18+ this is obviously due to the nature of the event. They have a strict door and venue policy that includes spotters patrolling the club grounds to ensure all rules are being adhered.
“Fetish events are the safest, friendliest and most relaxed club atmospheres you can experience”.
This is due to the encouragement and exploration of one’s sexuality. Harshmellow is a place where all genders and sexualities can come together to dress-up and be themselves without fear of harassment.
The rules of Harshmellow
The Harshmellow crew and those in attendance do not allow touching without permission, or any form of harassment. Therefore one must ensure clear consent is given before approaching any kind of physical contact.
Harshmellow is a safe and consensual event with respect being at the core of what they do, therefore discrimination, sexual harassment and violence are grounds for being kicked out. “Our spotters patrolling the club will escort anybody breaking these rules out of the premises with no refund.”
So yea, in short don’t be a dick.
Maintaining discretion
Harshmellow have regular high-profile guests in attendance. These fetishists tend to hide their identity as much as possible. In these cases they allow the wearing of a mask or face item which can be worn upon presentation of ID at the door.
However, in most cases people have no issue presenting themselves at the door. It’s just dependent on their level of discretion that certain guests wish to keep. It’s worth noting that HM don’t allow the use of any cameras (only their own, for which consent is given before publishing) this includes phones which will be masked at the door.
Malta’s reaction
According to Klaudia, “the interest has been overwhelming since day one.” This is especially seen in the large expat attendance who have experienced such events in their home countries. Having such an event in Malta quenches a thirst which would have otherwise had to be satisfied by flying to Berlin, Amsterdam or any other major city.
Underground fetish scene
Of course there are many Maltese in attendance, which Klaudia believes will increase as the event gains more popularity and taboos become more accepted. “Public fetish culture is unprecedented on the island, so we’re setting the bar and pushing boundaries. All of us here at Harshmellow have been a part of Malta’s underground fetish community for years, we understand the values and seek to educate people on this elegant art.
Strapping up for 2024
2024 will see HM taking this concept to new heights, with plans in the pipeline for bigger events which will be supported by international acts.
Ticketing and Entry
Tickets are limited to 200, and priced at €15. These can be purchased online here. Or on the door at €25.
Heads up, tickets go fast so don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Harshmellow Socials
Photography courtesy of Mariah Ivie Cutajar
