The Real Deal

Forget thigh-high gaps and Toblerone Tunnels. This Cruise ’19 and beyond, it’s time to stop chasing a narrow definition of perfection, and start keeping it real.

- Amy Yasmine

It’s official: fashion has reached peak #fitspiration, culminating at the Victoria’s Secret show last November. The popularity of the thigh gap and Toblerone Tunnel— the ones that Bella, Gigi, are Kendall are blessed with— have resulted in the onslaught of gimmicky teatoxes, controversial waist trainers, and overhype ed juice cleanses, while Instagram feeds are bombarded with the hashtag #BodyGoals. But in today’s age of body diversity and empowerment, how is Victoria’s Secret’s million- dollar Fantasy Bra and the hyper-sexy image of the lingerie brand relevant to the average woman at large?

The collections this Cruise ’19 have indicate ed how fashion has transitioned from capitalising on sex appeal to banking on reality. It’s a snowball effect from the previous season, as seen through the arresting practicality at Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Loewe, and lest you forget, Céline—yes, the emphasis on the é is intentional. Think luxurious nonchalance by way of scuba tailoring, laser-cut leather trenches, and graphic International Klein Blue shirt dresses. A far cry from the obsession with exposed briefs for Spring/Summer ’18, and an even further step away from the pelvic bone-exposing ng trend. If you’re having trouble imagining that, just visualise Pamela Anderson circa Baywatch, meets Mr T.