Naked Ambition

Last Sunday I came across an article in a New York Times Style Magazine which caught my eye.

...Perhaps because its title is “Naked Ambition”.

In this piece, the writer, Caroline Weber, examines the current trend of clothing made with sheer, and flesh-tinted materials which blur the distinction between the body and the garment. When the clothing blends into the person wearing them, the result, presumably, is that the garment doesn’t distract the eye from the individual wearing it.

Ms. Weber makes the point that this concept is hardly new, citing, as examples, the diaphanous gowns worn by Cleopatra, and the graceful, loungewear donned by maidens in works by Botticelli.

At the same time, such clothing also does very little to camouflage a particular body’s shape, and age, and level of upkeep. I guess it is easier to have that kind of confidence if you are a young Egyptian queen or Venus.

The idea of clothing being more a window than a curtain seems to be an extreme representation of a more conservative view voiced by Coco Chanel, quoted in the article, who supported the notion that an article of clothing should compliment, and not steal attention from, the wearer.

It was this quote that had me recalling a recent consultation I had with a patient who wished to regain a youthful bust.  This woman told me: “ I do not want my breasts to enter the room before I do, or to scream across the lounge “hey look at me!””. While Ms. Chanel was but referring to clothing, the parallel is clear: A bosom of proportionate size, and youthful shape, can compliment, balance, and complete a body rather than compete with it. It does not need to be an over-inflated, an up-near-the-collar-bone set of golden globes. (Though some of my patients prefer exactly that). A simply feminine, elegant bust is what many more women today are looking for.

This “nude” clothing trend, seems to be in a sense, about honesty, and social transparency (pun intended). Perhaps this style philosophy is the result of a backlash from the recent disheartening national financial masquerade, leaving us all somewhat untrusting. Perhaps we are just tired of false advertising.

This wispy simplicity in clothing is similar to the sense of lightness, of body and spirit that women are seeking when they discuss with me their frustrations with their constant need to wear a supportive garment, and all the limitations in style, and lifestyle that goes with these gel/miracle/wonder-pusher uppers. There is a youthful freedom in not always worrying about how things fit, and how different your body might look in and out of clothing.

Honesty, simplicity, and ease of use, are very liberating elements. Of course, being truthful is easier when we have no secrets.

One might argue, therefore, that with this trend of transparent style, the best accessory is a well-shaped body. Indeed, whether the dress is Chanel-simple or see-through, a proud, proportionate, youthfully-packaged body is the sexiest accessory during any fashion era.

Feeling good about ones' self ultimately shows in the eyes, and voice, and posture. When that ‘look’ and demeanor exists, who needs layers of clothing and  accessories?

-drB