Nipple-Forward Looks Are Trending at New York Fashion Week

We spotted some very creative nipple covers and pasties on the runways.

It's not uncommon for designers to free the nipple on the runway. (See: Saint Laurent Spring 2017.) We've seen many models strutting down in sheer clothes or even bare chests. But the latest collections coming out of New York Fashion Week take it a step further, with designers incorporating creative pasties and other barely-there nipple covers into their designs.

Several nipples were clad in egg yolks and resin roses at Puppets and Puppets' Fall 2023 show, while others were adorned with peach emojis at Melke. At Area's Spring 2023 debut, cupped pasties served as the backdrop for a banana-shaped gold corset and dark blue jeans. Bronx and Banco went for bedazzled, opulent take. These approaches on the style are far from minimalist, offering a way to not just adorn, but also celebrate the chest.

Exposed nipples on the runway might not make anyone blink an eye, but these kinds of looks can feel impractical or out of reach by the time they hit market. Between this and the pantsless looks trending across runways in New York, we foresee the next year in fashion to really push the envelope for what customers are comfortable with.

See some particularly creative nipple covers from New York's Fall 2023 runways below.

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