Alex Scott joins other celebs to showcase the latex dress trend
Alex Scott is one of several stars spotted rocking the latex dress trend, having slipped into a skin-tight rubber number to present Soccer Aid for Unicef 2023 at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The sports presenter, 38, looked incredible in the body-skimming dress, which she teamed with a pair of black stiletto heels and chunky gold jewellery.
Despite the tightness of the dress, the former Arsenal and England footballer was still able to show off her on-pitch skills as she successfully kicking the football back to one of the star goalkeepers.
Of course, the choice of attire caused quite the buzz on social media, with many commenting on how well she pulled off the bold look.
Read more: Who is Alex Scott? Everything you need to know about the BBC Sports presenter, Yahoo Life UK, 8-min read
"Appreciation post for our Queen," one fan wrote.
"@Alexscott looking incredible on @ITV @socceraid," another agreed.
"Alex looking absolutely sensational," yet another fan wrote.
Watch: Alex Scott defends covering Qatar World Cup
The rise of the latex dress trend
Latex has been having a moment of late.
Previously the preserve of the dominatrix, PVC, vinyl and rubber have seemingly shrugged off their risqué image to become the fabrics of choice for many an A-lister.
From the Kardashian-Jenner's rubber dresses, to Bella Hadid's high-gloss trousers, the the rubber trend is well and truly happening, whether we're ready for it or not.
Whether it's on the red carpets or the runway, many a celebrity has opted to make a bold fashion statement in a skintight latex number and the craze is showing no sign of abating any time soon.
Just ask Amanda Holden.
The presenter recently joined the celebrity latex fan club after wriggling into a hot pink rubbery number for an early round of Britain's Got Talent auditions.
Holden's stylist, Karl Willett, revealed on his own Instagram profile that the dress was a bespoke piece by designer William Wilde.
On his Instagram account, Wilde describes himself as a creator of "fantastical fashion". His company's website explains they specialise in beautifully hand made latex clothing.
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So how did latex go from fetish to fashion?
The rebirth of the divisive material could perhaps be traced back to some notable pop-culture moments in the 90s and noughties – that unforgettable jumpsuit Britney Spears donned in her Oops! ... I Did It Again video, Rihianna's notorious S&M outfit and Lady Gaga opting for latex to meet the late Queen.
But since then, rubbery-clad models have squeaked down the catwalks of Balmain, Gucci, Thierry Mugler (RIP), and Vivienne Westwood, bringing the fabric to the forefront of fashion and swapping its fetish associations for something much more akin to female empowerment.
The Kardashian-Jenner wardrobe staple has also now become beloved by musicians such as Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj and Rita Ora, earning it a place as a go-to material for many a red carpet event.
"The days when wearing latex was saved strictly for fetish clubs, and the bedroom are long gone," says fashion expert, Miranda Holder.
Holder says the fabric has graduated from being used for the 'shock factor' via costumes used by recording artists in their videos to being incorporated in many leading designer collections from Marc Jacobs to Versace and Saint Laurent.
"Designers, stylists and photographers love to play with colour and texture, and as latex can be such a vivid and vibrant option it was only a matter of time before it fell into the mainstream," Holder continues.
"There is no better way to show off your curves, grab attention and make a statement than wearing Latex; Kim Kardashian has used it to great effect on many occasions and we quickly saw other celebrities follow suit."
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While latex, with its high shine and ultra-smooth texture still makes it a sensual choice, Holder says it is also luxurious and opulent, as the fashion houses have demonstrated.
"But it is challenging to source, expensive and a difficult textile to work with, which is why we haven’t seen it splashed all over the high street," she adds.
Interestingly, and perhaps surprisingly, latex is also a vegan-friendly material choice.
"And because it comes from a renewable source and cannot be produced quickly, it’s an ecologically sound option too – something the fashion industry could certainly do with more of," Holder continues.
If you're interested in trying the look, but are afraid to go for a full-on skintight dress a la Kim Kardashian, Holder suggests making like Bella Hadid and opting for a pair of latex leggings.
"Their incredible shine really elevates an outfit – you do have to watch the squeaking though!"
