SAN FRANCISCO - According to its producer, the 28th annual Exotic Erotic Ball will continue its transition from party to expo on Oct. 26 and 27 at the Cow Palace. The event will offer more wares than ever before, Howard Mauskopf said.
"Exotic Erotic used to be a big party that happened one night every year," he explained. "Now, it's a full-on expo where vendors come to exhibit. For us, the novelty side of the business is fashion. We actively seek out new companies."
One of those companies is Windsor, Calif.-based Casanova Wear, which caught Mauskopf's eye with a leather bustier.
"We're in the area and attended [the Exotic Erotic Ball] a couple of years ago," Casanova Wear co-owner Sabrina Grillo said. "It's always great when you can do a show in your backyard, so to speak, so your friends can come to the show, as well."
As a faithful attendee over the past five years, Jordanna Thigpen, owner of the fetish-mask manufacturer Mask Italia, has witnessed the event's transition.
"In the last few years, more and more vendors [have been] attending, and it's a full-on celebration," she said. "I'm really excited to be a part of it again this year."
Mauskopf said the expo has brought new customers to businesses such as North Carolina-based online retailer 3 Wishes, which saw an "online traffic rush" after participating.
"Many of our customers attend this event and are always excited about getting their costumes and preparing for the party," 3 Wishes owner Caron Spatola said. "Noticing each year that more and more customers were seeking the latest in sexy costumes for the ball, we concluded that 3Wishes.com and the Exotic Erotic Ball were a perfect fit. This year is sure to be one fun, sexy, erotic ball."
The two-day expo begins at noon Friday, Oct. 26, and concludes with the Exotic Erotic Ball the following night. The event will feature a performance by rapper Snoop Dogg and a "Spike & Mike's Sick and Twisted Animation Festival." Mauskopf said Faris Lingerie and its sister company Mutherplucker Feather Company are discussing coordinating a fashion show for the event.
Visit ExoticEroticBall.com for more information.
