Prickle's Seductive Silk Scarves Hide Sex Toys in Plain Sight

Ciara Rapple worked as an art director in Dublin’s adland for years while working on personal projects on the side, but as she got busier she found it harder to make the time to create the work she wanted, eventually deciding to move to Berlin to focus on her own projects. This is when Prickle was born. 

Prickle comprises of prints and silk scarves made from sex toys layered and arranged until the toys are no longer visible. In their place are floral arrangements and eye-catching patterns that explore the contradiction between the toys' secretiveness and aesthetic by hiding them in plain sight. Each print captures a different feeling of pleasure and joyfulness.  

These are then printed onto silk twill to create luxurious silk scarves, so they can be worn out in the world making the private-public in a stealthy way.

The shoot for the scarves was done with photographer John Gribben and looks at the idea of the toys being hidden away in a bedside drawer becoming jumbled up with the beautiful fabric they share the space with. The images capture the moment a sex toy has been grabbed from the drawer with the fabric still entwined around it.

Ciara comments:  ‘I like the idea of people being able to wear Prickle silk scarves out in public and disclose what they are if they chose to. It’s a way for people to celebrate owning their sexuality in a loud way or a quiet way, whatever works for them!’

‘My favourite one is the more upfront banana design but the best-selling one is the more abstract The Camo which is inspired by art deco wallpaper and camouflage but people are buying across the whole range’, she adds. 

In celebration of International Women's day, Prickle is releasing a limited edition print with all proceeds going to the 'National Women's Council of Ireland’ (Picture below)