But not as fun as the time you’re going to have with our products!
Even with the proliferation of online shopping, going to an actual brick and mortar store still provides a different experience. There is, of course, the advantage of seeing the actual product, holding it in your hands, and feeling the vibe of the brand with your own senses. It’s an experience. This is why retail will never go out of style, and this is true for most kinds of consumer goods — even sex toys.
One might think that sex shops are all seedy and reminiscent of 50 Shades of Grey, but that’s not the case with ilya’s new digs in Maginhawa street, Quezon City. If you’ve been on their website (don’t worry, your secret’s safe with us), you might think that it’s not even a sex shop at all. The bright pastel colors and cute bunny-looking logo (it might actually be something else, but never mind) remove any stigma of shame placed on sex toys and makes them things you want to own because they’re actually really cute.
The store’s launch last June 29 was a treat, just like a trip to the toy store (pun intended), with some grub at VietNomNom downstairs from the shop, and performances by Deus Sex Machina. There was also a quick but enlightening talk by LoveYourself on the status of HIV awareness in the country. The evening was filled with a sense of having a safe space to express your sexuality and being sex positive. Even their goodie bags were filled up with condoms, a shot of vodka in a cute bottle, and a pack of mints — how thoughtful, right?
Looking at the store from outside, it seems pretty unassuming — that is, if you didn’t know that ilya sells sex toys. You won’t find that dim, sleazy lighting or rows of whips and lingerie hanging there in plain sight. The store is as tasteful as it is fun, with just the right amount of naughtiness to put a little smirk on your face. They’ve got pretty much everything covered when it comes to “toys,” with stuff more suited for beginners all the way to the more experienced of players (*wink*). If you’re still a bit shy and don’t want to spend too long in the store, their website serves as a good catalogue for pre-looking around. You can also order online and have your new best friend come right to your doorstep. Whichever method you choose, ilya’s got you covered. Now go ahead and play.
ilya is located at 2nd floor of 189 Maginhawa St., Diliman, Quezon City. Follow them on Instagram at @shop.ilya.
