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[title]The Leather Man
111 Christopher St between Bleecker and Hudson Sts; 212- 243-5339, theleatherman.com
In business since 1965 (that's before Stonewall, kids), this far--West Village spot has long been a go-to resource for folks into leather (and latex and rubber and sex toys and more). Stop by here for basics like a leather biker cap ($79.95) and kinkier items such as "hole punch" latex shorts, featuring a convenient opening for your backside.
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Nasty Pig
265A W 19th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves; 212-691-6067, nastypig.com
Too embarrassed to walk into a straight-up fetish shop? First of all: Get over it! But until that happens, head to this Chelsea retailer, which is more like a cute boutique with a slightly kinky twist. Stock up on Black Party essentials such as a rubber harness ($95) and chaps ($160--$199), but you'll want to come back all year for the trendy, ultrabutch street clothes and accessories. Nasty Pig gear is also available at a variety of worldwide clothing retailers.
Purple Passion
211 W 20th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves; 212-807-0486, purplepassion.com
You'll find all the sexy gear and toys you've ever wanted (plus plenty of stuff you never had any idea you desired) at this overstuffed store. Strap on a black leather hood ($165) or lock your junk in a metal chastity cage ($60). Got a gal pal heading to the BP with you? Bring her here for a rubber corset ($448) or a pair of latex stockings ($65).
Slick It Up
slickitup.com
Pour yourself into these spandex suits designed to enhance all of your, ahem, best attributes. Become a hunky superhero with the Mercury sport suit ($190) or a dom-daddy in the Trooper shirt ($119). Orders usually arrive within two to four days of shipping.
David Samuel Menkes
By appointment only; 212-989-3706, davidmenkesleather.com
Not fitting into anything off the rack? Head to this retailer, who will customize leather gear to your specific needs. Prices and styles vary.
Rubio Leather
By appointment only or online; 718-931-2289, rubioleather.com
This family-owned leather-goods company proudly serves the gay community—and is an exhibitor at this year's Black Party Expo. Try an eye-catching red-and-black sports jock ($39), or go for more complete coverage with a Western shirt ($285).
The Eagle
554 W 28th St between Tenth and Eleventh Aves; 646-473-1866, eaglenyc.com
Cheap beer and hot guys aren't the only thing on offer at this awesomely sprawling local dive. A tiny shop on the second floor also carries a handful of basic leather and fetish gear and accessories. This probably isn't the spot to head for a complete, elaborate Black Party look, but you'll find plenty of last-minute add-ons, or ways to kink up your basic jeans-and-T-shirt look.
The Baroness
530b E 13th St between Aves A and B; 212-529-5964, baroness.com
A longtime New York institution, the Baroness (host of the monthly polysexual Fetish Retinue parties) is all about latex. Her eponymous East Village boutique skews toward womenswear, but guys can score shiny, sexy outfits here as well, from formal looks (a frilly poet shirt, $475) to something a little skimpier (sexy suspender briefs, $89).
VampireFreaks
189 Ave A between 11th and 12th Sts; 212-505 8267, vampirefreaks.com
Don't let the mall-goth vibe of the window displays fool you; this store has some seriously weird (and hot) stuff. Stay cool on the dance floor in a black fishnet top ($32) or go for a twisted formal look by sporting a Serious Darkness jacket with no shirt.