THIBAUD: How Leather Became a Lifestyle, a Community and a Source of Confidence
For Thibaud, leather started with childhood fascination and evolved into something far deeper than a fetish. Today, the Bordeaux-based finance professional has made leather an essential part of his identity — a source of confidence, community, and self-expression. From his first custom-made vest to head-to-toe looks at Folsom Berlin and BLUF events, he has discovered a world where style, sensuality, and belonging come together. In this GayWoof interview, Thibaud opens up about leather culture, breaking stereotypes, finding confidence through gear, and why leather deserves a place far beyond the bedroom.
GWF: First things first — who is Thibaud and where are you from? How would you introduce yourself to someone discovering you for the first time?
Hello, and thank you for the invitation. I am 40 and I live in Bordeaux. I work in finance. I studied English literature and economics.
I'm passionate about travel, especially Thailand. I go there three times a year to explore every corner of this magnificent country. I also go on retreats to Buddhist temples there to learn meditation with the help of the monks. I've also learned to speak Thai to facilitate communication. It helps me channel my energy. Sports also help me with this; I exercise five times a week. I enjoy hiking and I'm going to try tennis before the end of the year. I try to maintain a healthy lifestyle: getting up at 4:30 a.m., meditating, and exercising before going to work.
I'm a Gemini, so I'm very curious by nature. I like to study subjects thoroughly and then move on to something else. I'm very shy and reserved, but once I'm comfortable, it's the complete opposite :)
GWF: Do you remember your first encounter with leather culture or the moment you realized it was something that deeply resonated with you?
The first time leather caught my eye was watching Batman movies when I was 10 or 11. The shiny suit and cape amazed me. Later, during my teenage years, I often looked at motorcycle jackets and jumpsuits with a certain fascination.
My first leather purchase was a custom-made vest, a gift from my husband in Madrid. I was so proud; I wore it with jeans and a t-shirt that very evening. The smell and feel were truly wonderful. I then bought a pair of chaps to wear indoors ;) Later, a friend in Bordeaux had me try on some outfits, and during the fittings, I felt like I was wearing exactly what made me feel confident and sexy. I didn't necessarily have a lot of self-confidence, but in these outfits, I felt stronger, more like myself.
My first outing in leather was to a bar in Bordeaux during a fetish night. I was terrified and completely out of sorts, but the kindness and compliments of the other people helped me loosen up. That evening, I realised it was truly a world of its own and that I wanted to be a part of it. After that, the parties and events kept coming.
And the ultimate achievement was when the BLUF club accepted my application and created my profile. It's a community where the head-to-toe leather look is essential and rewarded. It's quite difficult to get in, which reinforces the sacred nature of leather and its world.
GWF: What does leather personally represent for you, and has that meaning changed over time?
Leather, initially, was a symbol of masculinity. It was more of a sexual attraction, a kink, but over time it's become a lifestyle and a material that makes me feel good about myself. There are many pieces and accessories that allow me to change my look and mix it with other materials. There are also rare pieces that I'm proud to own. Today, it's truly a perfect blend of my personal life and everyday life. Wearing a leather bracelet or a leather jockstrap on the street is very satisfying.
GWF: Leather is not only about gear or fetish — it is also deeply connected to community, history, and shared spaces. How did you first find your way into the leather community, and what has it meant to you personally?
Leather is an integral part of the LGBT community. And the events are like family reunions :) We all know each other more or less, either from running into each other or through social media.
My first time was a rather nerve-wracking experience because there's a whole mysterious side to leather, but once you know the unspoken rules and feel comfortable, you have a great time, provided, of course, that it's not 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). I participated in Folsom Berlin, a weekend where a part of Berlin is reserved for leather enthusiasts, with temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), and believe me, it's extremely difficult in there :)
In short, I made some exceptional connections and true friends. People are down-to-earth and kind, just like everyone else, except we're wearing leather!
GWF: Leather parties and events are often where community, fetish, and freedom come together. What do you enjoy most about these spaces, and are there particular events around the world you keep returning to?
As mentioned above, events like Folsom Berlin or SFO, or BLuf weekends, and even small fetish parties at leather bars are always great moments where you feel free and without judgment. What I love is walking there; the looks from the "cottons" (people who don't wear leather ;) ) are intrigued and they think we're police officers with our boots, hahaha. We meet up for an evening or even a whole weekend and explore the cities. We inevitably attract attention, but I've never had any problems.
The first time I walked in broad daylight in a head-to-toe leather outfit in a crowded city, I was overwhelmed with emotion, and that's what leather is all about. Incredible style and power.
There are also events with a more kink-oriented vibe. That's a whole other world :)
GWF: Leather carries undeniable sensual and erotic energy. What do you think makes leather feel so powerful and magnetic for so many people?
Leather is extremely erotic. By reputation and in reality. I think there's an element of mystery and, above all, audacity that attracts people. The cold, dark aspect accentuates all of that.
Most BDSM outfits are made of leather because it symbolises power. Tom of Finland drawings are just perfect to illustrate that side.
For my part, I try to make leather accessible and elegant. I absolutely don't deny its erotic side, but this material is far too beautiful to be used only in bed.
GWF: You often style leather in ways that feel wearable and elegant rather than purely fetish-oriented. Do you see leather becoming more casual or integrated into everyday style?
Thanks to my account and when I participate in events, I don't over-sexualise leather. I try to showcase it in its simplest and most elegant way. I see more and more fashionable leather clothing and people wearing it proudly on the street. I really like that, and it softens the association between leather and BDSM.
It creates two very distinct worlds that can coexist without any problem. Especially with the emergence of faux leather and vegan leather, but on that point, I'm a purist. Sorry.
GWF: What is, for you, the sexiest leather garment to wear — something that makes you feel most powerful or desired? And when you see it on someone else, what piece immediately draws your attention?
For me, the sexiest piece is my RoB pants. Extremely tight and stiff. You have to understand that when you buy leather pants, you have to "break them in," meaning they need to mold to you. They need to take on your shape, and that's a lot of work. Some people sleep in them to speed up the process :)
But wearing them for the first time is really hard; you can barely move. But once they're broken in, they fit your shape perfectly, and they're YOURS! So yes, I feel incredibly good wearing them. I'm also very proud of my Weston boots, a collector's item.
What attracts me to someone else is a beautiful, closed, very thick Langlitz leather jacket or a vest that shows off a nice chest ;)
GWF: For people unfamiliar with leather culture, what do you think they most often misunderstand about the community?
They immediately associate leather with a perverse agenda. They think it's an unsavory, violent community, etc.
Attend an event and you'll see that in public places, everything is respectful and welcoming. There are events with a more kink-oriented connotation, but these remain entirely private.
GWF: If you could introduce someone completely new to leather culture — what would you want their first experience or impression to be?
I want him to feel the family and friendly atmosphere first and foremost, and to become interested in how to create a look and how to coordinate accessories. I want him to understand that it's a lifestyle and that everything is carefully considered. That it's not about macho guys looking for a fight.
And for those who want to buy their first outfit, I advise them to go to a store or ask for help online because, as I said, it's a complex subject and not everything suits everyone. You have to take your time before finding your look, and we love giving advice!
GWF: Outside of leather culture, what else are you deeply passionate about — the things that shape you beyond the gear and the scene?
As I mentioned in the introduction, I'm curious about everything. Right now, I'm going to seriously delve into tennis because I know the rules by heart, but I've never actually held a racket :)
I like feeling comfortable in my own skin, and I work every day to be the best version of myself.
I volunteer with the Red Cross and do outreach to help the homeless. I'm interested in politics, but I've given up activism. I hope the world will become more compassionate…
I'm also a huge music fan, and I can wait in line for 10 hours to see Beyoncé. In fact, I'm eagerly awaiting Act 3!!
I also need to improve my Thai so I can continue traveling to remote areas of Thailand.
But what I also really enjoy is a TV night with my husband in our pajamas.
And I would like to end by encouraging people to take care of themselves and their sexual health by making use of the prevention and protection tools available today, including PrEP and regular health check-ups.
Finally I also would like to add that I am open to possible collaborations with photographers, brands etc.
Thank you for having me!
