Knix Underwear Launches 'Fairy Smut' Collaboration With Sarah J. Maas

Underwear brand Knix has launched a new collection in collaboration with Sarah J. Maas, the author of the widely popular fantasy romance series, "A Court of Thorns and Roses." The line features leak-proof underwear and lingerie inspired by the "fairy smut" genre, a sub-genre of "Romantasy" known for its explicit themes and mythical male protagonists.

Knix CMO Cynthia Leo stated that the brand, known for its leak-proof products, wanted to cater to the "saucy" nature of Maas's books. The collection's leak-proof underwear is advertised as capable of absorbing the equivalent of up to 11 super tampons, designed to handle period blood, sweat, and other bodily fluids.

The ACOTAR x Knix line includes sets themed around the fictional courts from Maas's series. Designs inspired by the Spring Court feature floral patterns, while the Night Court-themed lingerie is marketed for "deep bonds and a little spice." The collection also offers designs influenced by the Autumn and Summer Courts, along with merchandise featuring popular phrases from the books, such as "darling" and "bat boyfriends."

Knix collaborated with 40 fans of the series to help design the collection. Influencers attending the brand's New York launch event reportedly praised how the line captured the essence of Maas's strong female characters. The collaboration aims to appeal to both long-time readers and newcomers to the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series.

This is not the first time Maas's work has inspired fashion collaborations. Other partnerships include a "fairy-core" fashion line from For Love and Lemons, which featured underwear labeled with male characters' names from the series.

Maas has previously defended the explicit romantic themes in her novels, pushing back against critics who dismiss the genre. In interviews, she has spoken out against the use of the term "smut" to devalue her work and has highlighted the misogyny she perceives in the dismissal of such literature as unserious.

"I find that there is a tendency for people to roll their eyes at things that bring joy. And bring women joy, especially. And it pisses me the fuck off constantly," Maas said on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast.

Fan reception to the new line has been mixed. Some commenters on social media have expressed that the designs are "too basic" and not "whimsical" or "magical" enough to evoke the spirit of the series. However, other fans have responded positively, with one Instagram user noting the practical benefit of the leak-proof underwear for reading "watery bowels."

The "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series, which first debuted in 2015, has cultivated a significant following and generated a wide range of merchandise, from household items to high-end fashion.