The design consultant slash cake designer Colin Corbett, grew up with the macho rugby-associations of a jockstrap thrusted upon him. He developed this into a diamante jockstrap joke that finally gave way for the full-blown exhibition currently at the Eckersley Gallery at LCC. Littered with national, religious and cultural references, Corbett’s work explores ideals of masculinity whilst poking fun at the homoerotic connotations this scrap of stretchy fabric is laden with.

Dazed Digital: When/how did your fascination with jock straps begin?
Colin Corbett: I grew up in the town of Hawick in the Scottish borders – a big rugby town. All the players wore jockstraps. I wasn't even sure what a jockstrap was! When I asked an uncle who played rugby for Scotland he said, 'They are like Y-fronts but with the arse cut out!' 

DD: What inspired you to start designing jock straps? 
CC: I used to joke that anyone who looked grumpy in a pub had their "diamante Jockstrap on inside out" Then I decided to make one! It took me forever to sew little diamante crystals on a black jock.

DD: The themes of your jock straps are so varied – where do you find inspiration?
CC: From my travels, word play, fetish clubs, old masters...

DD: What kind of materials did you use?
CC: Anything! There is the 'Jewel Support' range, which is all sparkly with rhinestone crystals, the 'Masked Ball' Range, The "Evil Eye Balls"...  the list goes on.

DD: Are your designs comfortable to wear?
CC: You can certainly wear them (just how comfortable they are is debatable) but they do look good framed!

DD: Would you wear them?
CC: I sure would – but probably not doing the weekly shop in Tesco!


"STRAPPED: The Art of the Decorated Jockstrap" on at the Eckersley Gallery, The London College of Communications until 30the January.