Queerying: Slick It Up

When we see guys so passionate about what they do, it inspires us. Especially when it’s damn sexy, erotic and fun all rolled into one, like Slick It Up. That’s why we couldn’t resist pursuing the devilishly handsome and playful (and not afraid to bare all for the sake of selling some gear), David Mason Chlopecki—or should we call him The Genius Behind Slick It Up’s unique take on fetish gear? We’re bashful in saying we’re inspired by how he’s taken spandex gear (and more) and made it into something unique, with a superhero quality to it and yes… with a fashion sense that impresses us beyond sex play. Slick It Up is stylish and worth taking a look at for the art, even if you never intend to zip up anything they sell. Of course, David would much prefer you have some fun and join in the league of superstuds who sport Slick It Up gear—even if its a new t-shirt.

QueerClick:
How are you? How’s 2011? The latest Slick It Up video seems to have gone viral. It’s everywhere!!! (It is damn fun by the way).
Slick It Up:
2011 is pretty major. Some really great things so far 🙂 the video was such a surprise. When we filmed it we didn’t expect such a great response:)

QueerClick:
Well, it got us talking back and forth wishing this is what we wish the QueerClick offices were like that video!…
A lot of fetish clothing takes its self with this very serious/hardcore tone. However, with Slick It Up there seems to be a mixture of fashion, playfulness and super-sexy fetish gear. I dunno, it just seems… fun. Am I right? Is that intentional or just an inevitable reflection of your own personalities? 
You are correct, my intent is to broaden the sexual spectrum and allow for some fresh ideas and concepts of sexuality to come through for everyone. I bring what I like to the table, I cant say its for everyone but I do what makes me happy. 
QueerClick:
How did you and Slick It Up happen?
Slick It Up:
I started with hoods and bodysuits and went from there .
QueerClick:
Is Slick It Up fetish or sexual fashion to you? There seems to be a certain artistic quality to the pieces you create?
Slick It Up:
I blur the line, there are some pieces that are more about fashion and some pieces that are classic fetish gear. I like the pieces to be able to mix in with other gear that people might have, “styling” as it were. Instead of people trying to conform to one classic look I like people to find their own identity. 

QueerClick:
What piece are you most proud of?
Slick It Up:
The closest to my heart is the candy sling, I’m most proud of the jeans they just sell and fit really well and currently the viper suit and new t shirts have made me super happy.

QueerClick:
The Candy Sling is awesome and the whole reason I found you. I saw Francois Sagat in it, around the time Madonna’s “Candy Shop” single came out seemed like genius timing. How did Francois get involved? Did you have a connection with guys in porn as well as the top-quality photographers you’ve used? 
Slick It Up:
The Hard Candy thing was a blessing. It was total fluke timing, I guess I tapped into the collective unconscious because I had no idea of the album release or theme or anything and then it was all released and the next thing I knew Francois was everywhere with “Hard Candy” pasted over the photo. It was a fun shoot. I made all the candy in the background myself, I was quite proud of that shoot. It was perfect in my eyes. I just contacted Francois on what was then myspace and that was it, now we’re friends. He’s a very funny and talented guy. I really like him, very intelligent. I wouldn’t say I have a connection with guys in porn as I’m not in that biz and don’t follow it, but I will see who seems to be the stand outs among the business and approach them for modeling. Like Adam Killian in our new campaign for example, the dude knows how to sell a garment! 

QueerClick:
Developing more pieces (like jeans) and having a larger inventory gets complicated, doesn’t it? Did you have experience in designing a line before? Or are pieces made to order?
Slick It Up:
Yes it DOES get complicated and we have about  90 pieces now, we do our best to keep items in stock for immediate shipment but sometimes we do have to make to order. 
QueerClick:
What inspires you? What makes you laugh?
Slick It Up:
I’m inspired by nature, human musculature, fantasy and Mugler. 
 
QueerClick:
Definitely Mugler. I see it! In fact, I could see him in the Viper Suit, couldn’t you?
Slick It Up:
Fantasy plays a big role in my own development and realization of coming to terms with being gay. I identified with comics and superheroes… and my early ideas of what I was attracted to even before I knew really what sex was, were based around the idea that superheroes in tights were cool, made me aspire to be like that, and looking back on it, aroused me too. That extends to my adult life… fantasy is important and healthy… and well, fun. I couldn’t agree more. I experienced zen as a child by putting on this spiderman mask I had and just sitting in the closet. Just like 5 years old, SITTING THERE with a spiderman mask on, totally content. 

QueerClick:
A lot of what makes Slick It Up work, is you have been careful to choose really stunning models (yourself included) and photographers. Do you have a wish or a dream model or actor you’d love to model for you?
Slick It Up:
Ah good question….. I don’t really have a dream MALE model. There are a few icons I’d love to have model but they’re all women so that doesn’t really do me any good. If I had to say one dude I’d love to see in slick wear it would be former COLT model Pete Kuzak, he was always so hunky but also fun. He’s an inspiration for me. 

QueerClick:
Speaking of sexy guys, you model the Slick It Up stuff yourself… and look damn good, by the way. Will you continue to do so and have you modeled before? Where have we seen you?
Slick It Up:
LOL. I will continue once in a blue moon, when the project is fun or I wanna save $$$ I pick up the gauntlet. When I was kid, I was a gogo dancer at Cherry in the 90’s so thats where I got my “training” and I did commercials and print ads but I was just a “chorus girl” I was always the same type of role, I’d always get cast as an all american fifties style something or other, like a sailor or small town kid or a vintage gasoline station attendant, that kinda schtick… I have a big HAMMY head and a real CHEESY smile… I can sell ” Vintage America” really well. 

QueerClick:
Okay, so how do you want Slick It Up to grow? 
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Slick It Up:
I’m increasing my street wear line and Id love to see that take off more, the basketball jerseys and t-shirts, etc. Ultimately, I’d like to make another entire line that was strictly streetwear with a slight fetishy angle, but stuff you could wear to the gym. 

QueerClick:
If you had a flag for my imaginary kingdom what colors would it be?
Slick It Up:
TOUGH QUESTION… I’m torn between black and purple with perhaps a touch of red,  or a turquoise, hot pink and white one… One shows the personality that I like to give to strangers and one shows the “real” me. 
QueerClick:
What turns you on? 

Slick It Up:
Coarse curly body hair, big butts, and thick facial hair. It’s that simple.

If you wanna learn more or go shop Slick It Up.
If you dig some of the photography shown here, check out Slick It Up’s Gallery as well as our own appreciation of artist/photographer Exterface’s amazing work.