Open Question: What's with goths being into fetish gear?

[feedcrawler]

Gothic (to me) means Edgar Allen Poe derived dark world view, the darkness of night (black clothing with silver jewelery representing the moon) the music of Sisters of Mercy and Bauhaus, old stone architecture and perhaps pagan/Wicca beliefs. However, one sees them often in "bondage" pants, latex and pvc, collars (sometimes with their S.O. on a leash) 3xtreme piercings on the face or god-knows where, and "fetish" boots on their feet. Why do they wear these items? Is it an expression of their alternative sexual practices? Or is it fashion? Either way, what does it have to do with other aspects of the culture?

More...