‘Whatever happened to cleavage?’ Vogue asks
If cleavage is over, someone needs to tell Kate Upton (pictured). Photo: Getty
In an article that has enraged boob owners and enthusiasts alike, a Vogue UK columnist has questioned whether the fashion industry could be in the midst of a cleavage decline.
In a piece titled ‘Desperately Seeking Cleavage‘ in the magazine’s December issue, writer Kathleen Baird-Murray argues boobs are out and more demure designs are in.
“The cleavage — those magnificent mounds pushed together to display sexual empowerment, to seduce, to inspire lust or even just to show off — is over, or at least, taking a well-earned break,” she writes.
“The tits will not be out for the lads. Or for anyone else, for that matter.”
A Twitter poll conducted by the magazine found only 11 per cent of respondents agreed with this sentiment.
Is The Cleavage Over? As @KathleenBM explores the topic in #decembervogue, what's your take on covering up? https://t.co/Yk7QVcoHt8
— British Vogue (@BritishVogue) November 2, 2016
The majority of respondents felt cleavage deserved to be flaunted, while some felt it just depended on the outfit.
Baird-Murray was soon forced to defend herself after keyboard warriors accused her of alienating big-busted women in the name of fashion.
So Vogue are basically saying that body shapes like mine are out of fashion. What about people who can't help having cleavage? pic.twitter.com/oK3mW7N7wR
— 🔥😈 Sophie Hell 😈🔥 (@SophLouiseHall) November 2, 2016
I'm glad Vogue has declared the cleavage over because it gives me ample time to get rid of my old boobs and get new ones from Topshop
— Holly Baxter (@h0llyb4xter) November 2, 2016
Vogue saying cleavage is over😂😂 boobs are no longer in trend😂😂I'll just take them off n put them away till they r fashionable then ok X
— ® (@_racheljoyce21) November 3, 2016
Baird-Murray, a seasoned style journalist, encouraged people to read the full article – only available in the print version of the magazine – before jumping to conclusions.
“Just to be clear: British Vogue cleavage story is not about breast size, large or small, being ‘in’ or ‘out’,” she posted on Twitter.
“It’s saying that fashion designers are creating more natural, comfortable clothes … that focus on other erogenous zones than just the cleavage. #readthewholestory.”
Just to be clear: @BritishVogue cleavage story is not about breast size, large or small, being "in" or "out".
— KBaird-Murray (@KathleenBM) November 2, 2016
Baird-Murray does have a point – whilst women can’t choose their cup size (unless they go under the knife) they can choose whether to show it off or not.
At the moment, the trends tend to sway more towards high-necked blouses, turtlenecks, pinafores and outfits that flaunt other body parts, like the back, stomach or legs.
Even traditionally buxom stars like Scarlett Johansson, Pamela Anderson and Christina Hendricks are favouring covered-up styles over chest-baring gowns.
Scarlett Johansson in 2006 (left) and this year (right). Photo: Getty
It’s not about Fashion moves in waves and after only recently hitting peak nudity on the red carpet, the tides have turned back to the “less is more mantra”.
Up-and-coming starlets like Alicia Vikander, Kristen Stewart and Emma Stone are hitting their stride in an era where women don’t necessarily have to get their kit off to make it in Hollywood.
As such, they’re making the most of gender-bending styles tuxedos, conservative maxi dresses and more traditional styles, like the Chinese cheongsam or the pinafore.
The anti-boob brigade (form left to right): Emma Stone, Emily Blunt, Alicia Vikander and Margot Robbie. Photo: Getty
Still, the humble bust will always be appreciated, if not by the fashion world then by the general population.
Voluptuous models Emily Ratajkowski and Kate Upton show no signs of covering up their famous assets (and why should they?), while Sofia Vergara, Salma Hayek, Susan Sarandon and Katy Perry regularly opt for plunging gowns on the red carpet.
Cleavage lovers (from left to right): Emily Ratajkowski, Sofia Vergara, Susan Sarandon and Kate Upton. Photo: Getty
Essentially it’s about dressing how you feel. The runways might be chock-full of androgynous, covered-up styles, but there’s nothing wrong with flaunting what you’ve got.