Latex, a once taboo material found only in fetish clubs and at underground parties, has now made its way into the mainstream fashion scene. We increasingly see latex clothing worn in everyday life, and this hype continues unabated. In this blog post, we look at the latex clothing trend and how it made its way into the fashion world.
Latex in pop culture
Madonna is known for her boundary-pushing fashion sense and has long been a latex fan. She wore a black latex catsuit in her 1989 music video “Express Yourself,” and she has also worn latex dresses and skirts on numerous occasions.
Rihanna is another celebrity known for her penchant for latex. She has worn latex dresses, skirts and bodysuits on the red carpet and in music videos. She even has her own fashion label called Fenty x Savage, which also sells latex clothing.
Lady Gaga is no stranger to edgy fashion and has worn latex on many occasions. At the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, she wore a black latex dress with a plunging neckline, and at the 2011 Grammy Awards, she wore a latex bodysuit with a cape.
Kim Kardashian is another celebrity who has opted for latex fashion. She has worn latex dresses, skirts and tops on numerous occasions. She even wore a latex catsuit at the 2021 Met Gala.
Latex as prêt-à-porter
The coveted material has come a long way and is no longer limited to a niche taste, as even famous designers choose it for their shows.
The late Gianni Versace was one of the first designers to incorporate latex fashion into his designs. At his fall/winter 1994 show, he wore a series of latex dresses and catsuits worn by some of the biggest supermodels of the time, including Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista.
Another early pioneer of latex fashion was Thierry Mugler. At his 1995 fall/winter haute couture show, he showed a series of spectacular latex looks, including a black corset dress with a train and a gold bodysuit with a cape.
Alexander McQueen was known for his boundary-pushing designs and frequently used latex in his shows. His spring/summer 1999 collection included a series of latex dresses and skirts inspired by the works of Japanese artist H.R. Giger.
Christian Dior was one of the most traditional fashion houses but experimented with latex in the early 2000s. The fall/winter 2003 collection featured a series of latex dresses and tops combined with fur and leather.
Saint Laurent has also used latex in recent years. In the spring/summer 2015 haute couture collection, a series of latex dresses and skirts was decorated with feathers and crystals.
The latex market today
Latex clothing is not for the faint of heart; wearing it takes a lot of courage because it has a “look at me” attitude. The texture of latex clothing is soft, smooth and rubbery. It wraps your body like a second skin and gives you a unique, body-hugging feel. It accentuates your curves and creates a slim silhouette that sets it apart from other fabrics.
Over the years, latex has earned a reputation for being very uncomfortable because it’s known for being sweaty. However, modern designers have found ways to make latex clothing more breathable and less stifling. Here are some labels that specialize in latex fashion:
Atsuko Kudo: A Japanese designer known for her latex couture who has worked with celebrities like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé.
William Wilde: A British designer who has been creating latex fashion for over 20 years and has worked with celebrities such as Kylie Minogue and Katy Perry.
House of Harlot: A British brand specializing in latex clothing and accessories that has been around since the 1990s.
The latex trend is not limited to clothing but has also influenced other aspects of fashion, such as shoes, bags and hats. Latex shoes, like boots and pumps, are often high-heeled and fit your foot comfortably. Latex bags offer high fashion styles with intricate designs in various colors like deep gems and neutral tones. Hats made from latex are also becoming increasingly popular with fashion enthusiasts, who often wear them to accentuate their look.
Latex clothing has come a long way from its once-taboo status and has become an influential trend in today’s fashion scene. With more and more designers experimenting with it to make it more functional and comfortable for everyday wear, it’s becoming increasingly popular with fashion enthusiasts and erotica writers alike. Whether you wear it to a party or as a statement piece, one thing is sure: Latex clothing is here to stay. So the next time you want to spice up your wardrobe, try out a latex dress or accessories and discover the unique feeling they offer you.
