A Tight spot

Kim Kardashian has never shied away from going above and above for the Met Gala. She said “breathing was an art form” in the waist-cinching ensemble, “but I got it.”

Kim channeled the “Garden of Time” theme in a Maison Margiela corseted gown. Zendaya appeared to be having difficulty breathing and walking and had almost passed out during “Dune: Part Two” press run wearing a 1995 Thierry Mugler robot suit, which she described as making her feel dizzy. Singer Tyla stepped out at the 2024 Met Gala wearing a Balmain gown and had to be helped up the stairs due to the structural construction of her “fit” that was literally sculpted to her body.

Dua Lipa, who attended the 81st annual Golden Globes in a custom Schiaparelli gown, shared a video of herself struggling to sit in the dress to social media.

Actress Taylor Russell attended in a bespoke Loewe corset made to look like wood

Challenging the norms

Kylie Jenner stated the waist on her Versace dress for one of the Met Galas was “really loose.” Demonstrating how tight she wanted it to be, she said, “It needs to be like this, like, where my body looks crazy. Like, I need to kind of suffocate.”

During Milan Fashion Week in 2024, Anne Hathaway wore a red Versace dress with a corset. On Instagram, she shared a video showing how impossible it was to sit normally in the dress. “The stars are stopping at nothing to turn heads,” says Raghavendra Rathore, the titular “Maharaja of Jodhpur” and an Indian luxury lifestyle designer.

“Celebrities often choose outfits that push the boundaries of conventional fashion to stand out during these events. The choice to wear tight or structurally complex clothing, as seen with figures like Kim Kardashian, Zendaya, and Dua Lipa, is a testament to their commitment to the art of fashion.”

But are they going too far? Says Raghavendra, “These choices are not merely about wearing something eye-catching but are also about participating in a larger dialogue about creativity, self-expression, and even the physicality of fashion. Such fashion statements challenge the norms and invite discussion, which in turn amplifies the visibility of the event and, by extension, the fundraising potential.”

Natasha Poonawalla: A Muse for Raghavendra

Discussing one of his favorite red carpet fashion choices, he says, “Figures like Natasha Poonawalla highlights the importance of individuality and patronage in fashion. Poonawalla’s consistent support of innovative and emerging designers not only propels her personal style but also enriches the fashion ecosystem by bringing fresh perspectives and talents to the forefront. This kind of patronage is crucial for the evolution of fashion, making it not just about trends but also about fostering art and talent on an international stage.”

The corset couture

Celebrities have donned too rigid red carpet attire, leaving one to wonder: why?

Renowned fashion designer Rina Dhaka, believes caricature couture has always piqued people’s interest. “From the Victorian era, whalebones were used to make corsets to give ladies a defined waist. This has been the norm for centuries, and in the modern era, people go to a certain doctor who gives them a certain massage that flattens them out, or models and actors go on certain diets, detox diets, a few days before their appearances, just to easily fit into skin-hugging clothing,” says Rina.

The red carpet is a big test for these celebrities. “It’s like when we say in our show, all eyes are on you. There’s a lot of speculation about them, and some celebrities, like their stylists, don’t always get it right,” adds Rina.

Zendaya: Rina’s muse

Discussing her favorite red carpet fashion choices, she says, “Zendaya’s ensembles, whether on or off the red carpet, are always stunning. In fact, over the last few years, the actress and singer has quickly become one of the most-anticipated participants at award presentations and fashion shows alike, routinely arriving in eye-catching outfits that go viral on the internet.”