'Objects of Desire' Examines Sex Toy Craftsmanship

'Objects of Desire' Examines Sex Toy Craftsmanship

ATGLEN, Penn. — Schiffer Publishing has announced the release of “Objects of Desire: A Showcase of Modern Erotic Products and the Creative Minds Behind Them,” written by Rita Catinella Orrell.

The book describes the industrial design, technological prowess, and craftsmanship of today's sex toys and pleasure products.

A spokesperson for Orrell said, “The world of erotic product design is revealed in this curated showcase of more than 100 beautifully crafted objects and the creative minds behind them. The latest adult toys, jewelry and accessories from leading companies, as well as intriguing prototypes, are featured.”

“Objects of Desire: A Showcase of Modern Erotic Products and the Creative Minds Behind Them” includes a foreword by Sarah Forbes, recent curator at New York City’s Museum of Sex, and in-depth interviews with leading sex bloggers, shop owners, and designers.

Orrell said, “The cheaply made, sometimes even toxic novelty products once relegated to shelves in seedy XXX shops now find themselves greatly outnumbered by sleek designs made from proven or still-emerging technologies — teledildonics, app-controlled devices, and 3D-printed designs, for example — created through the same R&D processes used for high-end consumer products. These high-tech pieces are accompanied by handcrafted objects in leather, wood, and precious metals and stones that are presented and marketed like pieces of fine art.”

The book was designed by Jason Scuderi. 

Orrell has been writing about product design for over 20 years. While products editor at Architectural Record Magazine, she contributed to many award-winning issues, including those in 2003 that earned it a National Magazine Award for general excellence.

Orrell, a native of Queens, N.Y., has an MA in creative writing from CUNY Queens College and curates two design blogs, DesignyThings.com and Architects-Toybox.com.

Schiffer Publishing, founded in 1974, is an independent book publisher based in Chester County, Penn. near Philadelphia.

Orrell, who now lives in New Jersey with her husband and two children, is available for interviews.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Best Kept Secret Store Owner Eric Wexler Passes Away

Eric Wexler, an industry veteran of over 40 years and owner of Best Kept Secret in Queens, New York, passed away on June 11 at the age of 74.

Honey Play Box Debuts 'Noctura' Thrusting Dildo

Honey Play Box has introduced its new app-enabled Noctura thrusting dildo.

Electric Novelties Debuts New 'Blue Line' Stim Tool Collection

Electric Novelties has introduced its Blue Line collection of stimulation tools for men.

Onahole Debuts New 'Aska Mai' Love Torso

Pleasure brand Onahole has introduced its new Aska Mai love torso.

Nothosaur Marks Pride Month With Rainbow-Colored Pleasure Products

Pleasure brand Nothosaur has introduced its rainbow color series of fantasy dildos for Pride month.

ULoversDoll Debuts Transgender Love Dolls

ULoversDoll has introduced a new line of transgender dolls from its Dolls Castle collection.

Unpacking the Pleasure Industry's Friend-or-Foe Status With Mainstream Outlets

Over the years, pleasure products have increasingly made their way into big-box stores and mainstream marketing channels. As a result, brands now face a complicated balancing act.

We-Vibe to Launch Retail Summer Sales Contest

We-Vibe has announced its Summer Sales contest for all North American retail staff members, running from July 3 through Aug. 7.

Onahole Debuts New 'Cow Gal' Love Torso

Pleasure brand Onahole has introduced its new Cow Gal love torso.

Orion Debuts New Weighted Pelvic Floor Trainer From 'You2Toys' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced a new weighted pelvic floor trainer from its You2Toys line.

Show More