It’s a Bit Nippy on Fashion Week Runways...
Once forbidden, nipples are the top accessory on runways this season.
Designers known for adorning the feminine form have never shied away from nipples and cheeky moments… but this season gives #FreetheNipple new meaning. If we let FW24 and SS25 runways tell it, the #FreetheNipple movement isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s served its purpose. As frequently discussed, fashion is a clear language for expressing the times, yet in the case of sex-positive fashion and the adorned nipple — there’s more to the story.
What’s interesting, is that where the free the nipple movement and braless trend thrive, women in most Western countries still can’t rock their nips out without breaking some sort of indecency law or making headlines. It’s allegedly “free the nipple” yet buzzy moments like femme-presenting musician Janelle Monáe going topless, still make headlines, there’s still no inclusivity in representation for the braless trend and Roe v. Wade was literally overturned a year ago.
As discussed in our braless trend report, women with larger chests are rarely tapped for these runway looks.. a recurring flop each season. And brands don’t seem to care to make an effort as we’ve surpassed Paris Couture Week and NYFW, and have not seen a lick of inclusivity in more seductive, braless looks.
Yet, in 2024, tits are on full display as the main attraction — and adorned as such. Surprisingly, the vulva has been on full display, too with both Maison Margiela and Jean Paul Gaultier making waves. Also seen on runways, are every burlesque performer’s fav: nipple tassels. Last season, ROTATE debuted tassels in bold colorways, leaving little to the imagination. DSquared2 also gave tassels the high fashion treatment, while David Koma elevated his couture moment with the bow trend.
For Spring/Summer 2025, nipples proved to always be in — cue Samantha Jones’ iconic moment in SATC. Most notably, David Koma and Di Petsa subverted norms by making nipples the main attraction on several occasions. Koma, brings the flower of life into the picture, creatively and simultaneously censoring the vulva and breasts, while making it the main attraction.
David Koma/Ss25
It’s clear nipples have become a self-expressive accessory we all love. But can we ever truly “free” the nipple off the runway? F-ck if we know.
In the meantime, though, here are our favorite nip-worthy looks from this season.
For more, take a look at SS25’s spiciest moments.
Miley Cyrus in Maison Margiela at the 66th Annual Grammys
David Koma
Jean Paul Gaultier
Maison Margiela
DSquared2
JW Anderson
AREA
Dilara Fındıkoğlu
Di Petsa
Dreaming Eli
In other news, dive into the seductive inspo behind Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s FW24 collection.
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