Think you know everything about latex? Try again! Here’s a little background on the ubiquitous yet fierce fabric that’s been appearing practically everywhere. In the 1920s, the latex was known for its waterproof qualities, and mostly used as a durable, water-resistant material for raincoats. Latex became increasingly popular in fetish circles, with some becoming obsessive devotees of the fabric. Although latex was mostly found in adult sex shops and anything but the mainstream, these days it’s hard to find a celeb that hasn’t taken the latex plunge.
A blast from the past, most of us can recall a few instances where latex popped up on our screens. Britney Spears rocked a bold red stretch vinyl (similar to latex) bodysuit in the music video for her 2000 single, “Oops! …I Did It Again”. Spears wore a skin-tight, high necked vinyl bodysuit, and the singer was shown dancing on Mars, seducing a lost astronaut. Branching out from her innocent, babyish charm, Spears took her career in a controversial direction.
Lady Gaga is known for unforgettable fashion moments, with latex being a key element for her stand out looks. From latex bustiers and little else, to a red full length gown with puffed sleeves, Mother Monster is the one to watch for surprising latex looks. Beyonce joined in the fun, sporting a yellow latex minidress, when they teamed up for their “Telephone” music video. Pop starlet Katy Perry has a love for all things micromini, and latex is no exception. How can fans forget her ultra cute white latex mini dress with the gumball machine print? Nicki Minaj loves a little shock factor, from her neon green locks to blinged out, white latex bodysuits. Never one to be outdid, Britney Spears sparked her comeback with a bondage-inspired Playboy bunny latex look at one performance.
Never one to fall in line with the status quo, designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Atsuko Kudo and labels like Chromat, have been enamoured with the pliable fabric. Latex was featured heavily in Chromat’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection, such as an all white and black strapless dress with geometric details. Designer Atsuko Kudo has been on top of the latex trend, creating customized outfits for Lady Gaga and with Kim Kardashian boldly flaunting her body in Kudo’s latex pencil dresses.
In their smoldering 2015 calendar, Pirelli featured Joan Smalls in an all red latex outfit and a scantily clad Gigi Hadid in all black. In an unexpected move, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez shocked everyone in latex outfits featured in her “Bad Blood” music video. An LA sex shop lent $13,000 worth of latex garments to shoot the video this year. Rihanna’s not one to miss out on anything, with latex gloves being the highlight of her recent #BBHMM video. From the red carpet to music videos, it’s hard to deny that latex is definitely having a moment.
I didn’t know a sex shop loaned $13,000 worth of latex for the “Bad Blood” video, that detail really highlights how the industry still overlaps with its origins.
I didn’t realize latex started as waterproof raincoat material in the 1920s, that really reframes how far it’s come from purely practical to runway statement.
Rihanna’s use of latex gloves in the #BBHMM video is a good example of how even small pieces of latex styling can make a strong visual impact.
The Britney Spears “Oops!…I Did It Again” reference is spot on, that red vinyl bodysuit definitely feels like one of the earliest mainstream crossover moments.
The mention of the Pirelli 2015 calendar with Joan Smalls and Gigi Hadid really shows how normalized latex became in high-fashion editorial spaces.
Kim Kardashian in Atsuko Kudo’s latex pencil dresses definitely helped push the fabric into everyday celebrity style rather than just performance looks.
Interesting how you connected fetish culture roots with designers like Atsuko Kudo and Chromat bringing latex into high fashion without losing that edgy energy.
Lady Gaga wearing everything from bustiers to full gowns in latex really proves your point about versatility, it’s not just shock value anymore.
I remember Katy Perry’s gumball machine dress, and it’s funny how something so playful still leaned into the same latex aesthetic you’re describing.
The contrast between early fetish shop availability and now seeing latex on red carpets and in music videos is pretty wild when you think about it.