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

More from Miami-the Yummy Mummy Tummy!

   Today we had the pleasure of listening and watching two Brazilian Plastic Surgeons on the topic of LipoAbdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck. These two well-known surgeons were very thorough in their explanations on how they decrease risks, and improve their results. Excellent results indeed! Judging by the photographs presented, it appears that in Brazil the women are very demanding of their figures. Let me explain.

   The preoperative pix of these surgeons’ patients were on average in fantastic shape. These were not women who had let themselves go, or who had lost massive amounts of weight. These were well cared-for, in-shape bodies; women who demanded to feel good about the bodies they carried around the beaches of Rio. It was a pleasure to see them find a way to polish up, in the hands of these experts, small amounts of fat, and segments of loose skin.

   When I visited Brazil, for fellowship in Cosmetic Surgery, I observed first-hand what an active, sporting culture it was. I remember finishing up at the clinic, during the week, at about 8pm, and after returning to my apartment, cleaning up, and changing I’d head out about 9:30, to dinner, since my American stomach couldn’t hold out much longer. Not only would I still be the first one to arrive at any of the restaurants I’d choose, but on the way I would see leagues of soccer teams along the beach, groups of volleyballers practicing, marshall artists, and runners; All ages; Sweating, Laughing; Keeping their bodies in shape; The same bodies I’d see on the beach during the day. Mind you- I’m not talking about a “south beach” location- just a beach- and it was always filled with women and men wearing very little, to cover bodies of all dimensions, from grandmothers to little tots, and even expectant mothers. They were all confident and comfortable with themselves. They weren’t all model perfect- far from it- but they all showed effort- and from this effort came the attitude. They were beautiful because they wanted to be and because they worked at it. It is no wonder that in South America Aesthetic Surgery is ubiquitous, so accepted, and so much part of the culture.

   We are gaining more of this physical and aesthetic awareness in the States. We go through phases; In my opinion, we are poised for a resurgence of interest in being physically fit. It cannot come too soon- considering we are the most obese country in the world. We are also realizing that looking good and feeling good about it is not an impulse of which to be ashamed. Rather, we are beginning to embrace in America that taking care of ourselves is not selfish, but just.

More on this issue some other time.

-drB