In 2024, the push-up padded bra seems to belong to a bygone era, when women were encouraged to embrace a sexier version of themselves. However, even though times have changed, the pressure to conform to beauty standards persists. The current trend seems to be moving away from old ideals toward a broader acceptance of natural shapes. Yet, recently, padding has made a comeback, but in a completely unprecedented form.
This evolution began with Claire Sullivan’s controversial creation for Addison Rae at the VMAs, a bra-shaped top with breast cushions adorned with feathers, defying the conventions of traditional beauty. Then, at the Duran Lantink show in Paris, the winner of the LVMH Karl Lagerfeld Prize presented looks that were both lumpy and bumpy. Oversized padded bra-shaped tops, striped bodysuits with extra padding at the joints, evoking a kind of flotation device, gave models an otherworldly appearance, but not in the usual glamorous sense.
These extreme silhouettes have become Lantink’s signature, offering an avant-garde aesthetic that could redefine the trend. Wearing a piece by Duran Lantink can make a person look like a linebacker with inflated shoulders, without pants, which stands out in the fashion world. Celebrities such as Troye Sivan, Demi Moore, and Naomi Campbell have recently sported his creations, which manage to present familiar figures in a surreal light, making even the most recognizable faces unrecognizable.
Perhaps the simple act of wearing such an unusual piece requires a level of confidence that makes it irresistible. In any case, Duran Lantink, although relatively new on the scene, seems destined to shake up the fashion landscape with his funky aesthetic that could well establish itself in the seasons to come.
