Upon entrance to this tucked-away Old City boutique, one is instantly struck by an unlikely collision of class and flash. The jam-packed gem is filled with goodies that cater to a wide variety of personalities. Selling everything from hard-to-find vintage clothing, to sex toys, to custom-made corsets, Forbidden Planett boasts a plethora of unique and unpredictable pieces from the '30s onward. And, everything is hand-selected by the owner, Johnny Columbo, who describes his store as "a trip through [his] mind."
Columbo's concept for Forbidden Planett derives from his desire to create "a closet for women to come in and play." He is completely devoted to enabling women from all walks of life to feel feminine. This is evidenced by the wide array of pieces that comprise his stock. Vintage purses, hats, dresses and sunglasses rest on red velvet draped tables or over a white fur couch, all in the cavernous setting. But the vintage pieces are only half the fun; functional erotic art, exotic lingerie, vibrators and body paint comprise another element of the melting pot.
Though it would seem as though the latter would limit clientele, Columbo swears that his store is accessible to "anybody who allows themselves the ability to explore their mystery mind." From the fetish community to the professional community, Forbidden Planett is not about catering to specific buyers. On the contrary, he says, the store is about "identifying with any woman who wants to make a statement that she is expressing her femininity ... from the boardroom to the bedroom and everything in between is what we do, but very classy." Columbo's attention to his customers is reflected in his promise to never let anyone buy something just so that he can sell it. He proclaims, "I do not allow them to leave looking sloppy."
Columbo knows that Philadelphia is conservative, but this gives him all the more reason to continue to find unusual pieces to add to his play space. His interminable devotion to customers, along with his bountiful collection, makes Forbidden Planett a rare treasure which is not to be missed. Plus, Penn students save 15% off any purchase.
