XBiz’s events are always a blast for those of us in the adult industry, but one announcement about the 2025 XBiz Honors ceremony sent a thrill through our collective spines at the Stockroom: Melanie Rose, the host of Netflix’s How to Build a Sex Room, will be the host and MC of this year’s event.
We have a special fondness for Rose not only because she’s one of the most charming and witty people in the field, but because we had the honor of doing a collaboration with her this past year. If you’ve been teetering on the edge over whether or not to attend this year, getting to listen to “The Mary Poppins of Sex” should knock you right over into the “yes” column.
Rose’s public response to emceeing was very much in keeping with the playful passion that those familiar with her work know so well: "Darlings, an evening where sex and creativity go hand in hand? I can't wait!” she said in XBiz. “I'm thrilled and excited to have been asked to host the 2025 XBIZ Honors. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate the people who help make my job easier."
Our collaboration with her resulted in the Melanie Rose Designs Collection which we released earlier this year in a limited edition. The braided cranberry and black leather bondage gear is some of the most unique gear we’ve created, and we’ll soon be following it up with an all-black version. The new versions are just a little bit more goth, with the same braiding and gold-plated hardware that will stand out in any dungeon. We can’t wait to show off the whole collection to you.
The red and black versions of the collection were very popular, but we also got a number of requests for a straight black version. Looking at the picture above, you can see the appeal: The black version is a little sleeker, a little more.... formal. The gold-plated hardware stands out in even sharper contrast than on the originals. Think of this as the kink gear you put on for a Black Tie and Tails event; the collar and restraints you might save for a kinky wedding or other formal event.
As part of the XBiz Expo proper, our own Purchasing Manager, Whitney Petty will be on a panel discussion: The Business of Kink: Exploring the Latest Trends in BDSM Products, also moderated by Melanie Rose. If you’re in the business or just feel a burning curiosity to get the inside scoop on what we do, Whitney and Melanie will be doing their thing on Friday, January 17.
The XBiz Expo will be happening from Thursday, January 16 to Sunday, January 19. The Business of Kink is on January 17 from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM. The XBiz Honors Ceremony takes place at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on January 18 from 8:00 pm until closing.