The Dictator | Don’t tell me conical bras are back in fashion

The latest version of the 1950s conical bras made famous by Marilyn Monroe, and decades later by Madonna, is all about making a statement

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The latest version of the 1950s conical bras made famous by Marilyn Monroe, and decades later by Madonna, is all about making a statement

The Dictator

Published: 8:00am, 30 Mar 2017Updated: 12:33pm, 30 Mar 2017

Pop star Madonna wore a Jean-Paul Gaultier conical-bra corset during her 1990 Blonde Ambition tour. Picture: AP.

I saw some photos from the latest fashion shows presenting the kind of pointy bust shape that Marilyn Monroe made famous. Was it just for show or is it a sign of things to come?
What’s the Point? Po Hing Fong

The Dictator rules: One designer. Just one designer showed 1950s-inspired torpedo bras under some pieces. That does not a trend make. And it certainly doesn’t signal an era-shifting concept of the female form. After all, Madonna famously wore cone bustiers by Jean Paul Gaultier circa 1990, but we didn’t then see women walking down the street in them.

The designer in question here, Stella McCartney, presented conical bras under sheer tops or cone-shaped constructions sewn into knit tops, dresses and jumpsuits for her autumn-winter 2017 collection at Paris Fashion Week last month. If you can stomach intellectualising fashion, McCartney was making a statement about female empowerment and femininity. It would be tricky to draw extra attention to that part of your body and feel empowered, but we welcome you to try.

Marilyn Monroe, who made the pointy bust shape famous.

Lingerie brand What Katie Did not only offers a vast selection of bullet bras (HK$339 to HK$582; whatkatiedid.com), it also provides a fitting guide. Find similar items at such sites as pinupgirlclothing.com and herroom.com. Start with the less dramatic cones then work your way up, if desired.

For something a little bit more up-to-date, try a gorgeous Fleur du Mal bullet bra in rose-pink or black silk satin, or black sheer tulle with stitched satin cups (HK$917 to HK$971; fleurdumal.com). Matching thong or hiphugger undies and garter belt are a must (HK$350 to HK$583). It will take more than that, though, to make you look like Marilyn Monroe.