PARIS: From creams and oils promising to take the user to seventh heaven to multi-sensory vibration devices and erotic lingerie, the sex accessory market has become more feminine over the years, even feminist.
Although the shift began way back in the 1970s with feminists who wanted to emancipate women and their sexuality, it gathered pace at the turn of the century. In one episode, Charlotte – the most buttoned-up of the show’s four main characters – becomes obsessed with her vibrator. Paltrow is not the only one: other celebrities have put their name to sensual devices, such as the British singer Lily Allen.In France, feminist fashion designer Sonia Rykiel began selling vibrators and other accessories in 2002 in her upmarket boutique in Saint-Germain-des-Pres on the Left Bank in Paris.