Does anyone else miss clothed bodies as much as I? Particularly on celebs and red carpets? For the record, I'm fully in support of the female form, and honestly believe that women's bodies should be worshipped, admired, and shown off. But is skin too in? In the 70s, Cher donned glittery barely-there ensembles by Bob Mackie to live black-tie, formal events such as The Oscars and looked damn good doing it. Streisand even won an Academy Award in a see-through suit designed by Arnold Scaasi around the same time period during more conservative times and did so with applause. Fast-forward to modern times and nakedness is literally everywhere today. What was once considered to be a red carpet rarity where stars like Rose McGowan used the appropriate platform of MTV's VMAs to wear mere mesh and strings, bum fully exposed, and it was shockingly awe-inspired then, in 1998. Now, nudity is around every corner, from Instagram to Snapchat, red carpets to talk shows. Gone are the days of shock and awe, actually buttoning up is more surprising and debatably--even more courageous. When will undressing to get dressed become boring--or will it? And are designers today just wholly uninspired by this trend?
Not long ago, mystery was the ultimate sexy accessory. Marlene Dietrich oozed sex appeal in masculine three piece suits otherwise strictly worn by men of her time. Some of the most modest looks for women in the 50s consisted of sweaters and blouses that still revealed the striking curves of the bust, neckline and waist, without actually revealing a thing. Sure, Marilyn, Cher, and even Streisand had their memorable nude moments, but again, these were surprises; still considered taboos, and anything unexpected evokes a bit of applause--especially in Hollywood. Prudishness aside, can clothes actually make a comeback? Designer Carolina Herrera and others have been vocal about how uninspired fashion is today due to the lack of fabrics being worn on the most popular bodies around town. JLo is 46 yrs old and doesn't look a day over 25, so the star with the banging body full of sharp curves has every right to display her assets any chance she gets. I can certainly understand feeling far sexier in a bustier over jeans and a t-shirt, to each their own. But then you have the likes of Miley Cyrus, who's barely covering her nipples (if at all) and lady parts (again, if at all) from the stage to probably even shopping for milk. Imagine the shock and awe her followers would experience if she showed up anywhere in a Dior gown. Now that would be head-turning.
I miss clothes. I mean, regular simpletons like me only wish to afford couture. I'd don a hand-beaded ball skirt that took 116 hours to make everyday to the C train and back! These celebs can purchase any clothing item they wish, yet they choose to go naked. Oh the irony. I just wish their choices (or lack thereof) were more for a beautiful statement than just for a look-at-my-smooth-ass-it's-still-standing motive for attention. There's feminism and then there's just the mundane boredom of, "oh look, Rihanna is naked again. Awesome." I mean, at this rate I've seen Kim K's breasts more than my own. I'm bored! Bring back gorgeous clothing that's a work of art! Give the best designers and stylists hope again! Give me and my fellow fashion lovers something to talk about again. Aren't you starlets cold? We've seen your butts, now let's see that gorgeous derriere in a pair of vintage Levi's! Le sigh. Fashion nostalgia is alive and well today, folks.
#getdressed