2
posted by guest
Jul 07, 2009 11:07AM
Rihanna definitely went too far with this look. I don't really recall any other singer going this far for attention. At this point, it seems like that's what she wants to be known for. Fashion rather than her vocals. Yes she has her hits but she shouldn't let her outfits outshine her true talent. Lady Gaga embodies her personality in person, on stage, and in her music. Rihanna is a hot ball of confusion.
6
posted by nycshoegal
Jul 07, 2009 11:14AM
are you fucking kidding me???
I'm sorry this is BEYOND tacky. Rihanna, Hugh Heffner called, he lost a playmate. come on! and Abby, not even a garter! those are UNDERgarments, ladies, jesus fucking christ. and then we complain we get objectified and treated like sex dolls? well, if you're gonna walk around wearing something like this in public - who have we to blame?
i am NOT the most prude gal out there, trust me, but this is just the verge of poor taste in my opinion.
can we leave something to the imagination? i guess not. this is just gross, no matter what a great pair of tits or legs one's got. save it for the boudoir.
7
posted by nycshoegal
Jul 07, 2009 11:21AM
#2 , Lil Kim in something lilac w/a pasty. MTV something or another circa 199..-you call it, can't remember. different decade, same horror except that at least it was MTV back then and not Dior in Paris.
8
posted by etoilee8
Jul 07, 2009 11:26AM
NYC shoegal you took the words out of my mouth. I was just about to refer to Lil Kim nad her pasty. Bad then, bad now. Even though Rihanna has great boobs, I still think this look is a bit desperate. It's almost like she's using T&A to take the attention off her personal life. Sad, sad.
9
posted by guest
Jul 07, 2009 11:30AM
I agree with #6's point about this totally objectifying women. Why would you expose yourself like that to people; you're just giving them way too much. Doesn't she have any self-respect? And you don't have to be a prude, but come on -- a little modesty is in order here. Seriously. Otherwise you just look like you're prostituting yourself.
10
posted by guest
Jul 07, 2009 12:08PM
Am I the only one who is not disgusted by this? I do agree with the other comments that it's desperate and tacky, but it's been done! It's an old look and Rihanna is the latest to recycle it.
There's a shot of supermodel Izabel Goulart wearing those sequined pasties in the June '09 issue of Vogue Homme Brazil.
13
posted by guest
Jul 07, 2009 12:22PM
rihanna looks desparate for attention. But frankly I never thought her style was genuinely her style but costumes her stylist put together. Most of her looks now are cries for attention and to deflect being seen as a woman who probablu got knocked around by her man for some bit and was embarrassed it got out to the public the one time he seriously beat her down. I enjoyed rihanna's early transformation because i thought it was someone looking to find herself and experiment and it was different - but lately it hasnt been experimentation or even a solidifying of her style taste but a desperate grab to be noticed. She doesnt have much in the talent department...but yes I do enjoy looking at her.
14
posted by guest
Jul 07, 2009 12:27PM
I think one of the best parts of being a pop/rock star is the risk you can take with fashion. I would absolutely not wear pasties or go pantless in public now, but if I was famous with talent to spare, you betcha. I have always felt that class is determined by how you treat people, not how much you cover up your body, and I find it amusing that women think we have to hide our sexuality to be taken seriously. I'm not playing by those rules, sorry.
The reason I love the couture shows is because designers really embrace fantasy. I mean, would any of you wear the gown pictured in the Lacroix post (from Joe Zee's Tweet)? Doubtful. It would look ridiculous at the Oscars, and even if you could time travel back a few centuries, people still may think it's a bit over the top. But that doesn't stop it from being gorgeous and ingenuis! My point is, I don't think Galliano is encouraging women to wear lingerie in the streets. I interpreted it as a peek into men's imaginations when they see beautiful women all dressed up, like, "Ooh, what is she wearing under there?" That's just my take, but I see couture as art, and therefore subjective.
Have a lovely day! xo
KateDarling.Blogspot.com
15
posted by guest
Jul 07, 2009 12:30PM
poor thing...does she realize that at this rate she will have nothing to show when she is 24? And she will be considered old, used up, and a physical has been just like britney spears....?
when you show it all or most...there is NOTHING left to the imagination....not avery smart move in the maintaining star mystique game.
19
posted by guest
Jul 07, 2009 1:25PM
she looks she's about to go work her street corner.
and i totally agree about then whole objectifying thing. if rianna doesn't have enough respect for herself TO WEAR A DAMN SHIRT then why should anyone else?
there's a diffrence between hiding your sexuality, as one poster said, and putting it all out there. i dont think that girls should be running around in lon demin skirts and button up tops, but this is just sad and desparate.
21
posted by guest
Jul 07, 2009 2:52PM
there is a huge different between men going shirtless and women - get real.
breasts are an erogenous zone...compare erogenous zones - we dont walk out with our crotches and asses out and think thats ok. but yes she beautiful breasts and perhaps they should have been captured in a photo session or painting but out on the street casually walking by? I DONT THINK SO.
22
posted by Jac
Jul 07, 2009 2:52PM
rihanna lost it when it became known chris beat her and she stuck with him. any of the excuses that plague normal women, and that are completely legit (note my critique of her is not one of abused women as a whole), do not apply to rihanna. she has bodyguards, money, a myriad of people telling her to leave him. Universal adoration if she kicked him to the curb. No reason to be dependent on him or afraid of him.Shes trying to be a badass, when we all know she is just a weak, vapid puppet. And I used to LOVE her.
23
posted by nycshoegal
Jul 07, 2009 2:54PM
dear #18 and 20... really? and when is the last time you saw a man shirtless at a fashion show exactly? or any other major get-together (rock concerts excluded) ?
and yes, body is beautiful. putting it out there like this is anything but.
should we assume that girls gone wild is a totally acceptable form of social behavior to you as well? just because "boobs are pretty"?
there is a time and place for everything and this one got it all wrong.
And yes, it objectifies women. period. whether you like to admit it or not.
24
posted by guest
Jul 07, 2009 2:57PM
preach #22
she was walking around like a badass and thinks laying it all out there all nonchalant makes her a badass....image and reality are colliding and no amount of spiked collars, pasties and exposed boobs with a nonchalant look is going to counter the reality. Weak minded women use their sexuality as a shield against their true selves because they are afraid. Cough cough Xtina. Tired of dumb women covering up their insecurities with overt FAKE sexuality.
genuine appreciation of sexuality does not notice a line between asexual and sexual...everything is sensual whether it is covered up or not.
25
posted by guest
Jul 07, 2009 3:07PM
NYCshoe gal, you can period all you want, but no, it doesn't objectify women. I won't admit it. Ever.
The feminist movement was supposed to free us, but instead we have just become enslaved by a new set of rules. I do not feel that women showing their sexuality negates their intelligence, strength, or independence. There are men who respect women, and men who don't. It doesn't change depending on how a woman dresses. Do you really think that a man who views women as sexual objects will want to sit down and have a conversation with one because she's covered up? Doubt it. This is the same old "blame the victim" mentality, like a woman deserves what she gets if she dresses a certain way. Pray tell, what exactly is empowering about that?
In order for women to truly be empowered, throw the rules and assumptions out. Dress how you feel, get an education, pursue your dreams relentlessly, and support other women. Worrying about what others think holds you back.
Clothes don't make the man, and they don't make the woman, either.
KateDarling.blogspot.com
p.s. I'm not even addressing the Girls Gone Wild reference. That was a useless comparison.
26
posted by guest
Jul 07, 2009 3:09PM
24 you are so right on!
i never saw exposing yourself like this as empowering and sexy. to me, it always comes across as desparate, insucure pleas for attention. real women don't need to be running around without pants( gaga) or garterbelts and bra tops (pussycat dolls) to be noticed and sexual.
28
posted by lauraloveslagerfeld
Jul 07, 2009 3:36PM
this only works because if you look closely (but not SO close haha) you can tell that rihanna's skin is so peachy and perfect that she can pull this off
29
posted by guest
Jul 07, 2009 4:17PM
#25 said "There are men who respect women, and men who don't. It doesn't change depending on how a woman dresses."
Uh... have you talked to any males lately? A woman going around near-topless *will* receive a different reaction, and it will affect a man's level of respect for her. Shoot, some may respect her more for being so free, but MANY will say, "No thanks" and be turned off.
And the Girls Gone Wild reference *is* kind of valid, isn't it? People baring themselves for attention? What's different in Rihanna's case? Maybe only that she's sober.
Lastly, Lil Kim, I believe, had one pasty but was otherwise covered up in a dress. Is it different. Sorta. One boob was shocking, but baring both breasts below an open blazer is a bit more exhibitionist.
30
posted by bighugforfashion
Jul 07, 2009 4:58PM
Any lover of fashion knows that these risks are part of the fashion and definitely the fantasy aspect of fashion. I loved the sequin pasties but they were editorial. There is a major difference between editorial fantasy and real life. I admire that she is willing to take risks but I think that would have been better for a photoshoot not the club. People fail to realize that once these paparazzi-exposed fashion choices reach the public, there are always going to be people who think it is a good idea to do it too; the problem is that it is often teenagers or worse people with really bad bodies. I would rather none of them attempt some of these looks because I surely don't want to see it on either. As for those of you who think along the feminist lines....while the ideal of feminism is wonderful we live in the real world where men are lustful creatures and some are crazy. Women have to be cautious in protecting themselves and that includes wardrobe choices, sorry to say. The average girl wearing something like that does not have security guards.
32
posted by guest
Jul 07, 2009 5:35PM
Wow, I have to say I am really bummed that people, and more shockingly, women, judge other women based on what they wear. Sad.
#29, yes, I talk to men every day, including my bf, my father, my brother, and close guy friends. None of them judge women based on what they wear. I think the reason I am so grounded in this, in fact, is that my parents allowed me to grow into womanhood without the usual fears and guilt, as long as I focused on my education first and foremost. My high school principal was not quite as progressive, lol.
I can't change your minds, but I will say that some of my closest friends are gorgeous girls that I have met at clubs or parties where they were dressed to kill. How easy it would have been for me to write them off as desperate-for-attention whores because they were in a mini or something of the like. I looked beyond the surface, and I met intelligent, talented, gifted women who happen to like flaunting it. You should try it sometime.
Since my friends and I aren't stars who get to live out fashion fantasies in photo shoots, we get tables at clubs and throw our own theme parties, i.e. lingerie, 80s, etc. And-brace yourself-men don't treat us differently! They already know we're writers, lawyers, makeup artists, and if they are interested in us, it's as a person. If they're not, we're having fun dressing up; it's for us, not them.
So while you judge people, I'm going to have fun getting to know them, and I'm going to dress for myself and no one else. Furthermore, I'm going to rock out over-the-knee boots this fall, and walk over anyone who thinks they're too provocative.
Peace.
Kate Darling
33
posted by guest
Jul 07, 2009 7:08PM
i hate the argument "don't judge a person by what they wear!" why not? they choose it, so its safe to assume that its an extension of who they are. i mean, your not gonna see a more conservative girl in a mini are you?
this is too much, period. when will girls draw the line? if your gonna show that much skin, why even bother with the pasties?
just overall pathetic.
34
posted by Jac
Jul 07, 2009 9:00PM
Its not about saying "women should not show skin, its degrading". We're not about limiting their CHOICES. The problem is, choosing to show lots of skin or "flaunting it" is often born out of the conscious or subconcious desire to be percieved as attractive. It's certainly not bad, but it isnt as if they chose to do this free od any sort of societal normality. They want attention, they want to look hot because society says that is how you should be. Choice is entirely subjective and can be dependent upon things that are still super negative for women. Youre playing right into objectification which is one of huge counterpoints to equality.
35
posted by guest
Jul 07, 2009 10:40PM
"Kate Darling" --
If your parents let you wear pasties as a means of growing into womanhood, more power to you/them...?
Also, you say men don't treat you differently, but I'm not exactly sure what you're using as a basis for comparison. Do you go out some nights with pasties, some nights in dowdy turtlenecks, and get the same reactions? I might suggest writing that up and submitting to Cosmopolitan -- who knows, maybe turtlenecks and long jean skirts will be the next feature in a "how to really turn your man on" article. It'll be a study showing that covering up elicits the same reaction and level of respect as baring 98% of your breasts in a public setting. A few people might write in to disagree, though.
In the meantime, "provocative" knee boots are irrelevant to the discussion. Posters haven't been railing against provocation (duh, who doesn't like to get dressed up and have fun), but discussing when it goes too far. So rock your knee boots -- and try pairing them with a turtleneck, I hear that's going to be a fall trend.
36
posted by guest
Jul 08, 2009 12:19AM
In more educated/entertainment/refined circles this may get a raised eyebrow and a lot of backtalk chatter....IN THE REAL WORLD where most people are not educated or refined...this screams sexually harass me, rape me, ogle me, touch me...because if you didnt want me to look, touch, feel...why would you be wearing it? Karla needs to stuff it - maybe the men she hangs with are neutered or are omegas - BUT any red blooded male is going to give you the kind of reaction that alone or without some guards is going to make you feel uncomfortable. In the real world, teen girls will wear this. Ive seen 8th graders walk to their graduation ceremonies in stripper platform heels and stripper dress with slits up to their hipbones..NO JOKE. I saw a girl wearing a bikini top for a top at union square. Ive seen women with their ass cheeks hanging out of their shorts (white/black/hispanic/asian)....
Most especially dont act pissy when the WRONG guy decides to give you the attention you want from someone else....outfits like this are open access to all...you wore them like that right?
AND i believe women can dress sexy if they want to. But this isnt sexy - its sleezy.
40
posted by grammyweezy
Jul 08, 2009 1:09PM
the responses to this post are so disappointing. some responses to things people have said: 1. men who award or revoke respect toward women based on what they are wearing do not truly respect women. 2. while it may be true that wearing something provocative will elicit potentially dangerous attention in public, the answer is NOT to make women cover themselves from head to toe in turtlenecks and jeans, the answer is to teach men to truly appreciate and respect women, and that a revealing outfit is NOT an invitation to rape or assault. 3. i happen to think that this look isn't very interesting or inspired fashion-wise, but i completely defend rhianna's right to wear something like this WITHOUT being called classless, a prostitute, or a slut. shame on you ladies. 4. kate darling isn't crazy.
41
posted by guest
Jul 08, 2009 2:47PM
I dont think anyone is making the exaggerated claim that people are advocating burkas. but that outfit was not sexy or appropriate for a night out. women who tend to dress like that in general are usually: prostitutes, porn stars, escorts, and strippers. They are sending the message they are sexually available to ANYONE for the right price. Maturity and responsibility goes on both ends. Dont dress like a sleaze and men wont treat or consider you one. See how easy that was.
42
posted by guest
Jul 09, 2009 2:56PM
I think that "Kate Darling", (who I'm pretty sure is also the person who signed her comments as “kate.blogspot.com”) is intelligently insightful. Provocative clothing or the women wearing them is not to blame for the objectification of women. It is the people who chose to objectify women who are to blame. Yes, I will get a different reaction walking around in pasties versus dressing as a Mormon. But does that dressing modestly will earn a women respect? No. Should a woman have to dress humbly in order to earn a person's respect? NO.
However, there is a difference between principal and reality. In principal, a woman should not be objectified no matter what she's wearing. In reality, provocative clothing is just that: provocative, as in provking sexual enticement. A woman wearing pasties should expect to get reactions along those lines. And is there anything wrong with that? No. If you put it out there, people will look.
Ostentatious sexuality encourages sexual reactions. Ostentatious sexuality also should not determine how a woman is valued. These two ideas are not incompatible. A man may gaze lustily at a woman's chest, but when that woman converses with him, he should also be able to listen intelligently to what the woman says - rather than passing her off as an airhead slut. We should all learn to appreciate a women's exposed decolletage, and appreciate her mind at the same time.
43
posted by guest
Jul 09, 2009 7:01PM
She's exposing less skin than Jlo did in that green v-to the belly-button dress. And I think the blazer balances out the provocativeness enough that she pulls it off. It looks more costumey than sleazy.
2 - have you heard of this singer called Madonna? Do you remember what she did to get attention, back in the day?
36 - I can't believe that you are justifying rape by saying that women are asking for it by dressing provocatively. That is disgusting.
44
posted by duvs33
Jul 10, 2009 6:27PM
I think Rhianna is beautiful and the pasties are fine. What if she didn't have the pasties on with just the jacket buttoned or pinned to the point of exposing the cleavage? She does not have much to begin with, so her boobs are not that "in your face." I can't see someone with huge boobs trying to pull this off. So, really, if I looked as beautiful as she does in pasties, hell yes, I WOULD WEAR THIS LOOK TOO!
Go Rhianna!
46
posted by guest
Jul 12, 2009 9:16PM
I personally don't like this outfit, but Rhianna's style can't be all that bad because she's the only black celebrity "Fashionista" I know of that gets the same continuous fashion press as the white ones (because she dresses in high-end designer fashions). So love it or hate it, your all taking time to discuss it. Mission accomplished Rhi-Rhi!
posted by guest
Jul 07, 2009 10:56AM
abby, you know i heart you, but i can't get on the pantless train.