INTERVIEW with LEITI HSU "THE DINING DOMINATRIX"
PHOTOGRAPHY by PENELOPE DARIO
STYLING by DWAINE HILL
PROP STYLING by DILLY AND WALTER MILLER
Pleasure is a fickle thing. We all want it, but many of us struggle with feeling like we are allowed to access it and simply enjoy ourselves.
For Leiti Hsu, food as love language is her favorite not (too) intimidating way to penetrate people for deeper human connection. Through the way she creates, curates and hosts events, parties—and all kinds of experiences—on seven continents, she grants patrons and guests the permission to suck the marrow out of life, a reminder to savor all that’s delicious, not just food. Pushing the boundaries of traditional domination, she invites us to embody our multitudes.
PETIT MORT (MOLLY SIMMONS)
You are the “Dining Dominatrix.” I’d love to hear more about how you developed your life’s work and art.
LEITI HSU
I’m not a classic domme. That would be doing a disservice to dommes, many of whom (Colette Pervette, Mistress Iris) have been life-changing teachers to me. I don't use whips and chains—I use food, conversation, and connection. I have deep respect and admiration for the work of all women, sex workers and classic dommes. If you've gotten to discover domination, you know it’s about way more than s-e-x. People hear the word "dominatrix" and automatically think scary, control and pain. My embodiment is gently disarming guests so they surrender to enjoying all that we’ve lined up.
It was hard to put myself on a menu. Domme-life can be one's whole identity. It’s about power, pleasure and play. I've worn a lot of hats in my life, but I didn't know I could be me for a living. What I’m hired to do? Guarantee upleveled joy, deliciousness, pleasure and connection. Whether it's one to two to 15 to 50 to 500+ guests, I’ve honed getting everybody to connect to oneself and one another. This heightens all else—the food, drinks, music, dance, art—in fact, one another. Turns out we’re more delightful to another sans small talk. This delivers on the purpose of the event, whether personal or professional. Straight-A kid at heart, I love results.
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