Seriously, What's With Models And Nipples?

[calvin klein is king of the awkwardly visible nipple. fall 2008 runway]

Universal Truth: models in fashion shows never wear bras. By now, legions of braless runway models have made us (the royal "us," at least) totally immune to the sight of reckless nipple display. It's absolutely the standard at this point: no matter whether it's a chunky knit sweater or a slinky silk jersey dress, you can very safely bet money that there will be no bra interference between luxury garment and scrawny model ta-ta. I never really thought about it until recently, when I saw a video of a runway show (which, of course, I now can't find) featuring slinky, swishy summer dresses and incredibly obvious nipples underneath. These were dresses that no woman in her right mind would dream of wearing without underwear...yet they were paraded down the runway without a hint of Maidenform. Thinking about it now, it's kind of weird, right? To have bra-wearing be even more taboo on the runway than bralessness is in the real world? What do designers have against bras?

[why, calvin, why?]

Now, don't get me wrong: I have nothing against bralessness myself. It can be very comfy, and sometimes is even the best way to go, visually. However, even though we ladies may not always NEED a bra, with a lot of tops or dresses, it just looks bad without. And here rests my dissatisfaction with the braless runway: often, letting the poor model's nips show through her clothes can be highly unflattering and distracting (not in a "oooh, boobies" way, but in a "oh yikes, too bad they didn't give her a bra under that" way). Models are supposed to be "hangers for the clothes," right? Since when do hangers have distracting chest poky-outies? Look at the dresses above! Isn't part of you cringing at the embarassing nipple interruptions, instead of admiring CK's skill? If we're supposed to see what the clothes look like on a body, for god's sake, Calvins of the world, show them they way that any sane woman would wear them, instead of altering the effect entirely by jarring our gaze. Do right by your designs & give them the most flattering foundations! If seeing a hint of feminine chest shape enhances the garment and the whole look, by all means. If not...every mall has Victoria's Secret. Go crazy.