Actress Chloe Sevigny in a stomach-bearing dress
It happens every summer; just when you think you've perfected your seasonal look, fashion throws a sneaky trend curveball out of nowhere that's a bit like Marmite. You either jump in head first and adopt it as your own, or stay well clear. Midfriff-baring garb is sure to be an opinion divider.
Aside from the likes of Pixie Geldof and Alice Dellal - east London types who channel that grungy, Nirvana-esque look with ironic gusto - we haven't been subjected to so many stomach-baring outfits since the Spice Girls and All Saints went head-to-head in the charts in 1997. Back then, the name Mel was pretty much synonymous with a cropped top - notably Mel Blatt of All Saints, and Mels B and C from the Spice camp - they wouldn't have been seen dead pairing their tracksuit bottoms with anything else.
This time around however, the look revolves around the waist rather than the hips, and the result is much more sophisticated. Blame it on designers like Yves Saint Laurent and Versace - who put the spotlight on naked high waists in flouncy dresses and pencil skirts respectively - or style setters Eliza Doolittle and Alexa Chung, who love to let their tiny midsections come out to play.
But this is a trend with traction. Curveacous singer Rihanna cottoned-on ages ago, realising that a short top teamed with a high-waisted skirt or trousers was the best way to accentuate her hourglass assets. So if Mother Nature gave you curvy legs not suited to that other summer special - denim cut-offs, midriff baring could have your name all over it.
Posted in: Chloe Sevigny
