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Op-Ed | Sex Doesn’t Sell. Voyeurism Does.

‘Look, don’t touch’ is the ethos that pervades fashion’s exhibitionist post-pandemic look, argues Eugene Rabkin.
Retailers are getting on board, snapping up bodycon dresses, mini-skirts and sheer tops from brands including Nensi Dojaka.
Retailers are getting on board, snapping up bodycon dresses, mini-skirts and sheer tops from brands including Nensi Dojaka. (Courtesy)

In recent years, the evolution of culture has challenged the marketing adage “sex sells.” A new generation, so the dominant narrative goes, sees traditional female sexiness as objectifying and exploitative. Exhibit A was the decline of Victoria’s Secret, still the world’s largest lingerie player, but dethroned as a cultural leader after sliding sales and a series of scandals culminated in its fashion show, once a major televised spectacle, being deemed so outmoded that it was swiftly killed off.

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Further Reading

Milan Gets Physical

Sex and the body were the main topics on the Milan runways this season, reports Angelo Flaccavento.

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