We’ve seen them all – runway flashes, see-through dresses and purposeful slips of the skin. Nudity and fashion have been synonymous for as long as we can remember, whether it be on the red carpet; social media; or in Julia Fox’s case, the streets of New York. Now, the little fashion faux-pas we all used to cringe at are growing up into something a little more modern.
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though – we’ll start at the beginning. In 1962, a certain Hollywood film star by the name of Marilyn Monroe induced shockwaves around the world with the debut of a barely-there, figure-clinching dress at her infamous “Happy Birthday Mr. President” performance for John F Kennedy. Fast forward to last year’s 2022 Met Gala and the $4.8 million dollar dress was showcased by none other than Kim Kardashian on those glittering steps at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Fashion conservators around the world reeled in horror – predominantly at the thought of a reality TV star wearing the deceased icon’s dress – and many were collectively distraught at the fact that the delicate archival piece had appeared to have been torn during the Gala. The interesting part about all of this? Not once did anyone make a comment which referred to the initial outrage that the dress had caused for Monroe – its imitation of the naked female form.
Fashion, of course, has moved on since the sixties; these days, the naked body is more of a commodity than an embarrassing afterthought. If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that in some cases, the more nudity – the better. Julia Fox was last year’s unwavering sovereign of nude fashion with her thrillingly bizarre DIY outfit creations (who can forget that iconic Adam and Eve inspired leaf ensemble?) and odes to Kate Moss’s ubiquitous 90’s naked gown (accessorised with little more than a legendary cigarette and a dental floss-esque thong) were seen on countless runway shows last year, from Blumarine to Louis Vuitton. So, what’s next for the naked dress?
As we hurtle into a new year, anticipate more nudity and less explanation. Gone are the days when nakedness had to be justified in fashion – we’re entering a new era of undress spearheaded by an army of influencers, celebrities and designers alike. Nudity dominated 2022’s News York Fashion Week – Bella Hadid exposed her chest in an X-Rated prison jumpsuit at Fendi; models at Puppets and Puppets flaunted butterfly-pasty torso stickers and draped chiffon gowns exposed it all at Collina Strada. Menswear may not be too far behind, either; Rick Owens’ Fall Winter 2015 show gave us a glimpse of this, with models parading down the runway with gaping, caped pieces that showcased their dangling crotches.
With up-and-coming designers such as DI PETSA – and her dripping, Grecian-inspired transparent garments – now leading the way for the body-baring fashion movement, the world better be ready for the naked body. Because in 2023’s case, less is definitely more.
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