Over 150 million copies of the book have been sold internationally since its release in May 2011. Over the past decade the fascination with Christian and Anastasia’s passionate affair has proppelled the adult specialty stores market to enjoy a multi-billion dollar compounded growth rate into 2025 based on current forecasts. The imposition of lockdown and work-from-home policies worldwide due to the outbreak of COVID-19 has positively impacted the adult store market. In New Zealand adult toy sales tripled during lockdown, with 39-40% of growth forecasted to originate in the Asia Pacific region.
A study by The Univeristy of Melbourne’s School of Population and Global Health, conducted a survey of just under 1200 people on the lockdown play trends observing an overall decline in couples and even more so with their single counterparts.
Their study confirms a shift from physical meets and encounters as a result of social restrictions with substantial increases in virtual dates with minimal increases in chatting, SMS and video and picture swapping which may be prompting the local sales boom in specialised adult toys.
Continuing to fuel the fires of passion, last month saw the release of FREED, the highly anticipated conclusion to the Fifty Shades Trilogy as Told by Christian. In FREED, Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele tie the knot––but marriage brings its own challenges. Though their passion burns hotter and deeper than ever, Ana’s defiant spirit continues to stir Christian’s darkest fears and tests his need for control. As old rivalries and resentments endanger them both, one misjudgment threatens to tear them apart.
“This story has been a labour of love, one that my readers have been eagerly awaiting. For me, just as for Anastasia Steele, Christian is a challenging, infuriating, and endlessly fascinating character.” described author, E.L. James, “Living in his head is exhausting, but I got to explore aspects of his life in Freed that we only glimpsed in the original trilogy, and to follow his emotional growth in response to Ana’s love and compassion.”
Earlier this year, Queen Elizabeth awarded Lovehoney with The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for outstanding continuous growth in overseas sales over the last six years. The award – described as ‘the highest accolade for business success’ – allows Lovehoney to use the Queen’s Award emblem in advertising, marketing and on packaging for a period of five years as a symbol of quality and success. Since 2015, overseas sales have grown from AUD22 million to AUD104 million.
To celebrate Fifty Shades of Grey’s 10th Anniversary, Lovehoney are offering $2000 in products to one lucky winner!
Lovehoney invite entries that show what Fifty Shades of Grey erotism showing what inspires you. Total control is yours whether it’s a drawing, painting, photography, video, sculpture or poetry, music or story telling – unleash your personal desires and creativity.
Advice from the Judging Panel:
E L James – Author of Fifty Shades of Grey
“Be bold – shock yourself. As long as it’s safe, sane and consensual, don’t be afraid to voice the fantasies that give you the deepest thrill. And have fun!”
Chantelle Otten – Lovehoney Australia’s sexual health and wellbeing expert, sexologist and scientist
“Just be yourself. Take some time to plan out your piece of work, it might come naturally to you, or you might need to seek inspiration from the world around you, past sexual experiences that you’ve had, fantasies of yours, and maybe through self-pleasure and playing with different looks or feelings for yourself.”
Tamica Wilder – The Orgasmic Mama Somatic sex coach and therapist
“Think outside the box! Bring something to the table that truly moves and excites YOU and it will surely move and excite us! This is not a moment to blend in. Stand out, be bold and brave.”
Nick Ellis – Head of Editorial Content at Lovehoney
“I really think it comes down to communicating what Fifty Shades of Grey and eroticsm mean to you, and illustrating that via a medium you’re at ease with. Words and visual artworks are the obvious ways to go, but if you’ve got a good singing voice, why not write a song and send us a video of you performing it? Nothing’s off the table here.”
In other news….
THE WORLD’S NAUGHTIEST AND FUNNIEST MAGIC SHOW
Australia’s biggest comedy magic export, The Naked Magicians have returned home to Australia to perform at the Brisbane Comedy Festival as part of their “Home-Coming Tour” following their smash hit 2019 Las Vegas residency at MGM Grand and 20-city USA tour in early 2020. The upcoming tour will mark their final Brisbane performances of the show that Huffington Post described as “the wildest night ever!”
BRISBANE born and bred boys Mike Tyler and Christopher Wayne, two of Australia’s most famous magicians, are the creators and co-stars of this R-rated magic show who deliver world-class magic and non-stop laughs while wearing nothing but a top hat and a smile. The duo forego top hats and capes for full frontal illusions complete with magic, muscles and endless laughs.
Perfect for date night or the ultimate “Girls Night Out”, The Naked Magicians have performed — and undressed — for millions of fans in more than 300 cities worldwide making them the most successful Australian magic act in history. “Good magicians don’t need sleeves and great magicians don’t need pants,” says Tyler. “When we say ‘Abracadaba!’, the audience isn’t always looking at our hands.”
After a chance meeting in Brisbane in 2012, the buff bros went from best friends to partners-in-prestidigitation following several boisterous audience members asking them to make their clothes disappear. “It’s kind of crazy because magic is the second-oldest profession ever and we couldn’t believe that no one had combined the two things that everyone loves — magic and nudity,” says Wayne.
The broad-shouldered Wayne and proud owner of a freakishly long tongue is the first Australian magician in TV history to have his own TV series (More Than Magic). The sporty tan lines and incredible physique seen on stage hint at Tyler’s Speedo-wearing days when he swam competitively at the Australian National Championships and Pan Pacific Games before becoming a professional magician.
“Being on stage doing magic without relying on pockets or sleeves does add that extra challenge and ups our game,” Wayne says.
The Naked Magicians have also been seen on America’s Got Talent, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, and E!News.
THE TIVOLI (as part of Brisbane Comedy Festival)
Thursday 29th July 2021 at 8:45pm
Friday 6th August 2021 at 8:45pm
Saturday 7th August 2021at 8:45pm
Sunday 8th August 2021 at 7:45pm
* Doors open 30min prior to the above show start times listed