Originally written for Liberty Belle (March 2015), read it here.
Kim Kardashian and Rita Ora have both been out and about recently in pink latex dresses. And you can steal their style. (Yes, really!)
Last week, Kim Kardashian and Rita Ora were both spotted wearing latex dresses in a particular shade of dusky pink. Latex clothing has been around in fetish wear and subculture scenes for a long time, its precursor being the bondage leather looks of 1970s punks. These days, with the nod from bodycon queen Kim K, its set to become a lot more mainstream.
This is easier said than done though as the look is very high fashion and not necessarily something you can just slip on for nipping to the shops. Separates such as bralets, skirts or leggings are the answer here and are only a small sartorial step up from the wet look/PVC trend. Mixing up colours and textures is another way to make latex more day-friendly, dusky pink with black or grey separates would be an ideal pairing. The head to toe latex look is very difficult to pull off, even Kim K accessorising her midi dress with a beige fur coat to soften the effect. Basically, try to avoid looking as if you’ve come dressed as Catwoman.
Both Kim and Rita’s dresses were designed by Japanese designer Atsuko Kudo, who has been working with latex since 2001, and frequently designs for Lady Gaga. She says that latex “holds you in like a second skin. It's empowering. You become like Superwoman!” It is definitely a very overtly sexy fabric choice, which is not for the shy. Its stretchy quality meaning that it has to be incredibly tight to the skin – enemies of bodycon beware.”
Latex is a versatile, beautiful medium which Atsuko Kudo’s new lingerie collection for her brand reveals. Alongside jewellery and hosiery she premiered lace patterns, filigree, fringing and fish scale effects all constructed entirely from latex. Both celebrities’ dusky pink dresses are available on her website along with some much more avant garde pieces, although with the steep price tag if you fancy experimenting with the style you had best stick to the cheaper (and probably much more wearable) PVC copycat versions on the high street.
