In 2024, the fashion scene has taken a turn towards extreme padding, bringing back a funky and surreal look that challenges conventional beauty standards. Gone are the days of padded push-up bras, now replaced with avant-garde designs that embrace exaggerated forms and unconventional shapes.
Designer Claire Sullivan made waves with a controversial outfit for Addison Rae at the VMAs, featuring a bra top with breast cushions and feathers bursting out. This bold statement set the stage for the trend that followed. Duran Lantink, the LVMH Karl Lagerfeld Prize winner, showcased his Spring/Summer 2025 collection in Paris, featuring lumpy and bumpy silhouettes that defy traditional norms.
The collection included extra-padded bra tops reminiscent of bombshell bras from the past, as well as striped bodysuits with padding at the joints, creating a surreal and otherworldly aesthetic. Models strutted down the runway looking like characters from a sci-fi movie, challenging the idea of beauty in a refreshing way.
Celebrities like Troye Sivan, Demi Moore, and Naomi Campbell have all embraced Lantink’s unique designs, which exude a sense of confidence and power. Wearing one of his pieces is like stepping into a new identity, one that is bold, fearless, and unapologetically different. The funky aesthetic of Lantink’s collection is gaining momentum and is set to become a staple in the fashion world.
As we continue to move away from traditional beauty standards, designers like Duran Lantink are paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse fashion industry. Embracing the surreal and the unconventional is becoming a trend in itself, encouraging individuals to express themselves freely and confidently. The future of fashion is looking bright, bold, and beautifully bizarre.
