In a series of seaside Instagram posts shared on July 30, Dua Lipa not only reminded us that she’s actually a Mermaid Barbie in real life but that the controversial exposed thong trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
In her new vacation-inspired pics, Lipa wears a red see-through crochet dress with a long train, her dark brown hair fittingly styled in beachy mermaidcore waves. The real star of the outfit, though, was the simple black thong that was clearly visible under the knit gown.
This isn’t the first time that the singer has hopped onto the cheeky exposed thong trend either. In fact, she’s sported different versions of the divisive style on several occasions over the past few months, including a few weeks ago at the Barbie movie premiere in Los Angeles.
Lipa looked the part of Mermaid Barbie in a custom crystal chainmail Bottega Veneta gown that had an almost wet appearance. Due to the look’s semi-sheer nature, the pop star’s sparkly underwear was on display.
While Lipa has mastered the art of the exposed thong, she’s just one of the celebs who have hopped on this trend in recent years. One of the first modern reinventions of this audacious look can be traced back to Hailey Bieber‘s 2019 Met Gala outfit. Bieber was giving Barbie before Barbiecore was even a thing in a bubblegum pink Alexander Wang look that she paired with a high ponytail and pearl earrings. The long-sleeve gown featured a super low back which, of course, exposed a light pink thong that was adorned with the word “wang” in sequin block letters.
And, according to her most recent New Year’s Eve outfit, Bieber is seemingly still a fan of the exposed thong. To ring in 2023, she sported a little black Mugler dress that featured several cutouts, including one that appeared to show off matching black undies.
Not one to shy away from a bold outfit choice, Miley Cyrus also rocked the bold trend to usher in the 2023 New Year. While co-hosting NBC’s Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party with her godmother, the one and only Dolly Parton, Cyrus sported a little black dress with strategically placed side cutouts that appeared to display the singer’s underwear.
Other stars have sported the look for more casual occasions, such as Bella Hadid’s 2019 street style look where the model wore low-rise blue baggy jeans over a high-cut black thong.
While these are all recent examples of celebs putting their spin on showing a little skin, the exposed thong trend was a staple of Y2K fashion. In the late ’90s and early 2000s, the fad was commonly referred to as a “whale tail” in which one’s thong would be worn just high enough to peak out above a pair of low-rise jeans. Stars like Britney Spears,Paris Hilton,Halle Berry and Christina Aguilera helped popularize the trend at the time, and now, the exposed thong is having a renaissance along with countless other Y2K fads that have been revived — whether we like it or not.
Everyone who has played with dolls has a Weird Barbie origin story. Maybe you tried to give your doll some layers with dull kitchen scissors. Perhaps you were going for a sophisticated makeover by colouring her lips red with Sharpie. Before you knew it, your Stereotypical Barbie became Weird Barbie, and she was relegated to the bottom of your toy box. In the Barbie movie, we finally see her side of things. And it’s possibly the most important perspective to understand.
Alongside Margot Robbie clad in impeccable vintage Chanel outfits as the main character Barbie, Kate McKinnon’s Weird Barbie is the antithesis of an aspirational doll. Her roughly chopped hair juts out in every direction. Her face is tattooed with squiggly colourful pen marks. She wears paint-splattered clothes, she’s permanently in the splits, and she smells like “basement” (make of that what you will). Living in a lopsided house on the fringes of Barbie Land, Weird Barbie is a local outcast because, well, she’s no longer perfect.
Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures
Compared to the other Barbies, whose costumes often stayed true to the Mattel catalogue, Weird Barbie’s style is…experimental. She wears two chaotically clashing ensembles: a puffy pink dress with a bright tulle hemline and yellow snakeskin boots during the first half of the movie, and a jacket with silver detailing and kaleidoscopic trousers in the second act. Unlike the cookie-cutter dolls, Weird Barbie’s aesthetic was described by costume designer Jacqueline Durran as “very high fashion and conceptual.” Playing with exaggerated proportions and loud colour blocking, her wardrobe looks like it was dreamed up by a child. It’s also reminiscent of something you might find on a fanciful couture runway. Visually, she’s hard to understand, so the other Barbies write her off. But her character — and everything she represents — is crucial.
The thing is, even though she’s seen as “ugly” (the worst imaginable insult if you’re a Barbie), she’s the doll with the most critical thinking skills, foresight, and knowledge of the real world. After being socially discarded for losing her once-ideal image, she’s gained wisdom that helps the other Barbies navigate the film’s conflicts. Not to mention, she’s the only doll not to be brainwashed when (spoiler!) the villainous Kens briefly take over. Despite making her a reject, her kookiness makes her great. The same goes for all the mangled Barbies lost in basements.
Weird Barbie is so much more than a doll you light on fire as a kid drunk with power. Branded in the film as a toy that has been played with “too hard,” she’s emblematic of childhood whimsy. “It’s imagination,” McKinnon said in an interview discussing the process of mutilating a doll. “It’s a way of expressing your innermost desires and things that you’re exploring about yourself and the world.” At her core, Barbie bears the built-in expectations of womanhood: impossible body proportions; an always-amazing sense of style; effortless popularity. Tossing her in the microwave and dunking her hair in Wite-Out is certainly one way of pushing back on those pressures.
After all, we’re all closer to being Weird Barbie than Stereotypical Barbie. Her experiences — feeling like you don’t belong, being ostracized for your differences, blurting out awkward comments at the wrong time — are gloriously relatable, unlike Barbie’s commercialized image. Weird Barbie, in all her “unladylike” traits, is a symbol of rejecting beauty norms and framing femininity on your own terms. In the film, she’s been received as an allegory for those who have intersecting identities — with some women who are queer, plus size, and neurodivergent sharing that they feel a kinship with her.
Ultimately, every Weird Barbie is deeply personal. She’s not just some rare collector’s item like Allan or Midge. No one buys a Weird Barbie, you make her. She’s the manifestation of unbridled creativity, a dash of frustration, and, yeah, a bit of freakiness. The Barbie movie invites us not only to reconcile with the doll we once disfigured and tossed aside, but to also find her in ourselves.
Levi’s is putting the planet first with the launch of the Plant-Based 501 Jean. After 150 years of production, this iconic pair of denim has been reconfigured to minimize the use of synthetic materials derived from fossil fuels. Instead of finite resources, the jeans are made of at least 97 per cent plant-based materials, like certified organic cotton and natural dyestuff, with a plant-based patch and ink made from wood waste.
“We have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to continually interrogate the process by which these jeans are made,” VP of design Iinnovation Paul Dillinger shared in a press release. “These jeans build on past efforts to create more circular jeans and in turn give us a foundation for future innovation.” The Plant-Based 501 Jeans will be available in store at the Toronto Eaton Center and online at levi.com starting on July 31.
Silk Laundry’s bridal collection is simple yet elegant
Photography courtesy of Silk Laundry
Calling all modern brides. Whether your big day involves a simple civil courthouse or an intimate ceremony, Silk Laundry’s relaunch of The White Series is an undeniable fit. From understated dresses to pared-back tailoring, each item is made to order, making sure your look is as special as your vows.
Boss taps F1 champion Fernando Alonso as an ambassador
Photography courtesy of BOSS
BOSS is living life in the fast lane after tapping two-time F1 champion Fernando Alonso as a brand ambassador. The label, who is already a major sponsor of the Aston Martin F1 team, will be dressing Alonso for all official events taking place off the racetrack, so expect to see snazzy BOSS signatures when tuning into any and all motorsport affairs.
Canada Goose launches a circular program in Canada
Photography courtesy of Canada Goose
Canada Goose’s “life” purpose involves two things: to keep the planet cold, and to keep the people on it warm. In an effort to bring this ambition to fruition, the brand has launched Generations in Canada, a recommerce platform that allows consumers to trade-in and purchase pre-loved Canada Goose garments. How does it work? Once you’ve sent in your parka, for example, it will get assessed and authenticated — then you’ll receive a Canada Goose gift card for your enjoyment. Here’s to ensuring quality pieces stay in circulation for decades.
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Fenty Beauty just dropped limited-edition makeup kits in collaboration with Jazzelle
Photography Courtesy of Fenty Beauty
Whether your glam style brings the heat or keeps it cool, Fenty Beauty’s icy-hot collaboration with longtime brand muse and model Jazzelle can match your energy. With a unified vision of creating “beauty for all” that pushes the envelope, Rihanna and her muse have come together to create a curated collection of makeup that celebrates the duality of Jazzelle’s personality in the form of two contrasting and limited-edition kits. Both sets include universally gorgeous face, eye, and lip classics, plus never before seen drops like a burnt orange-red Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color dubbed “Unhinged,” in the XXXTRA HAWT kit, and an icy blue new Flyliner Longwear Pencil Eyeliner in the shade “Baby Blue$,” in the XXXTRA Icy Set. Talk about hot ‘n cold!
Herbivore releases a plant-powered exfoliating serum
Photography Courtesy of Herbivore
Herbivore has a plant-based solution for your every skincare concern, and its latest product offering comes in the form of a milky exfoliating serum. Formulated with 10% AHA, the Milky Way serum is a one-of-a-kind exfoliator that smooths the appearance of uneven skin textures to reveal a new, glowing complexion with no irritation involved. And at the same time, a hydrating blend of oat, ceramides and hyaluronic acid keeps the skin’s moisture barrier protected. What more could we ask for?
Rhode unveils a peptide lip quartet
Photography Courtesy of Rhode
Ready for a new Rhode launch? Here’s one to get excited about: the just-dropped Peptide Lip Set! Gone are the days of trying to choose between one of the brand’s best-selling Peptide Lip Treatments scents — Rhode vanilla, salted caramel, watermelon slice and unscented — this lip kit is equipped with all four of your favourites so you don’t have to settle for just one tube of glossy, glazed goodness. Now the only decision left to be made is, between your purse, car, makeup bag and bedside table—which one goes where?
Quo Beauty makes a sustainable splash
Photography Courtesy of Quo Beauty
Quo Beauty is making big strides in the world of sustainability with the development of over 50 new products designed to combat climate change and limit the amount of plastic packaging in landfills. Mascara, blush, lip gloss, dry brushes, sponges, reusable makeup wipes — you name it, Quo has got it in recycled plastics, mono-materials, and reduced plastic packaging. With this new shift in design, the brand is on the path to meeting the Golden Design Rules and having a product portfolio comprised of entirely recyclable and reusable plastic packaging by the year 2025.
Minori is now available at Free People
Photography Courtesy of Minori
Minori is the San Francisco-based beauty brand with a “makeup for people who don’t wear makeup” ethos that minimalists adore. Offering up a pared-back selection of clean essentials from cream blushes to buttery lip glosses, it’s got a laidback approach to beauty that makes it the perfect addition to Free People — the aesthetically pleasing one-stop shop for boho clothing, accessories and beauty products. As of this week, you can officially head to the Free People website to shop Minori makeup!
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A taste of Italy was brought to Downtown Toronto on July 18 at Malfy Gin’s aperitivo-themed patio party. Co-hosted by FASHION and Toronto Life at the stylish VELA on Portland Street, this breezy night overflowed with delicious Malfy cocktails and decadent bites that transported guests to the Amalfi Coast.
Malfy Gin, an aperitivo premium gin produced in Italy (with local Italian ingredients), is on a mission to inspire Canadians to step out of their mundane routines and bring the dolce vita lifestyle to their homes—and this chic event was meant to be the inspiration to jumpstart that journey.
To help guests taste and experience the beauty of the sweet life, the mixologist prepared three expertly crafted cocktails featuring each of Malfy Gin’s signature spirits. The Malfy Lemon Cocktail featured their classic Malfy con Limone (lemon), along with white vermouth, wormwood, fresh lemon and sparkling rosé. The Negroni-inspired Malfy Rose Cocktail was mixed with Malfy Rosa, fino sherry, Campari and strawberry. Finally, the refreshing Malfy Arancia was made with lemon sugar, fluffy orange juice and Malfy con Arancia.
As guests mingled, a delicious assortment of appetizers was passed around, including crispy maitake mushrooms; octopus and shishito skewers; prosciutto and melon skewers; black truffle and parmesan arancini balls; and tomato tartlets. There was also an impressive oyster bar for guests to truly live out their coastal fantasies, along with a luxurious caviar and blini board.
Beyond the refreshments, the Italian-inspired ambiance was set with colourful decorative touches, including baskets of lemons, drapes of flowers and a bright blue statement door wrapped in vines of flowers and lemons, which served as a backdrop for guests to have their Polaroid portrait taken. The mood was fun and flirty, especially thanks to the Italian beats playing in the background. Guests also didn’t play when it came to fashion. From bright and bold hues to fun summer prints, the city was hit with a much-needed splash of vacation—everyone was ready for a getaway at the end of the night.
As a memento for the unforgettable evening, guests were given summer cocktail recipes to try at home, a Malfy Gin postcard and a stunning silk scarf to help everyone live out their Italian fashion dreams.
Decades of questionable makeup trends have come and gone, but at the end of it all — lipstick has never failed us. Whether it be a tried-and-true shade of classic red or an understated nude hue, a single tube of lipstick holds the power to transform your entire attitude. With National Lipstick Day swiftly approaching (on July 29th), we can think of no better time to show some love to our ride-or-dies. Plucked from the purses and vanities of FASHION‘s very own editors, scroll on to shop a curated selection of our favourite lipsticks — bare, bold, and all.
Bernadette Morra, Editor-in-Chief
Photography Courtesy of Hermes
“I keep a lot of moisturizing neutrals in various rooms around the house because I hate the feeling of dry lips. One of my faves is Brun Yachting, a limited edition shade from the Rouge Hermes spring ’23 collection. It’s just a hint of colour — like my own lips, only shinier.”
“My favourite bold lip colour is Charlotte Tilbury’s Limitless Lucky Lips in Red Wishes. The poppy hue really pops on Zoom calls and is an instant pick-me-up IRL. It’s also long-lasting and the slim tube fits anywhere, even in the tiniest evening clutch.”
“I’m not much of a neutral lipstick girly, but when I do take a breather from my go-to Fenty Gloss Bomb or Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment and I want a subtle kiss of colour, I reach for the Charlotte Tilbury cult favourite, Pillow Talk. With the matching liner, it really gives the ‘your lips but poutier’ look that TikTok says it does.”
“By a conservative estimate, I own 70 red lipsticks. I get at least 10 compliments every time I wear this luscious medium-red shade by Givenchy, with a satin finish that isn’t the least bit drying. So naturally, I continue to reach for it — it’s just math.”
“Normally my (totally arbitrary and based solely on preference) rule about lip products is to reach for a matte finish when I’m wearing red lipstick and go for a gloss when I’m wearing a nude shade. However, when the Armani Beauty Lip Maestro Satin Lipstick shades came out this past spring, all rules went out the window. I’m obsessed with shade Weekend Getaway, a really pretty and easy-to-wear nude/beige. The formula is described as a ‘watery vibrant lip colour inspired by the skin-on-skin satin feel.’ It’s a pretty wash of colour with a satin finish—so not quite matte but definitely not glossy, either—and the comfort of a balm. Perfect for everyday wear.”
“In the last ten years, I’ve come across maybe three red lipsticks—tops—that have totally won me over. You know, 10/10 no notes, etc. This Saie Beauty pick is on the list. I love the sleek black packaging, the sturdiness of the cap (it won’t fall off in your bag and ruin your purse lining — promise), and the finish, wear, and feel of the lipstick. I often reach for the shade Classic, a true red with blue undertones. These days, it seems like every product is described as buildable, but this one truly delivers. When you dab it on, you get a bright, sheer, popsicle-like stain. If you swipe it on, you’re left with a perfect red with a matte finish. And if you swipe it on some more (see: buildable!) you get a stunning burgundy shade that’s just as comfortable as it was two or three swipes ago. And while the colour isn’t completely smudge-proof, it fades evenly, so as the hours pass, the lipstick gradually transforms back into previous stages (burgundy>red>satin) rather than leaving you with a patchy mess.”
“My lips are naturally quite a bit darker than the rest of my complexion, so typical ‘nude’ shades tend to look a little chalky on me. Instead, I try to neutralize the natural shade of my lips (and make them cohesive with the rest of my makeup) by applying my cheek product to my lips as well, using a product like Milk Makeup’s Lip + Cheek Cream Blush. It’s subtle, but it prevents my lips from overpowering the rest of the look.”
“As a reformed matte-lipstick lover, my first question when trying any new lipstick is, ‘How will this make my lips feel?’ I’m no longer impressed by claims of waterproofness or hours of wear time — I’m looking for something that will make my lips look and feel happy, healthy, and hydrated, like this Lancôme Liquid Lipstick in the shade Rose Fugace.”
“As a committed nude lipstick wearer through and through, my purse is home to anywhere from approximately two to five nude lip products at any given moment. And although they may all look the ‘same’ to the naked eye (they’re not!), I’ve got my go-tos. My ideal nude lipstick is soft beige in tone and pairs well with a brown liner — but also glides over lips like a balm while delivering a swipe of long-wearing colour like a classic lipstick. In other words, it’s Chanel’s Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in the shade 206 Illusion.”
“On the rare occasion that I do depart from my beloved nude lipsticks, I take it all the way to the dark side and opt for a vampy shade of deep, chocolate brown. As far as lipstick is concerned, MAC Cosmetics has never done me wrong with their creamy, full-coverage formulas and high colour payoff — which is why I love this matte Antique Velvet shade. And can we just take a moment for that iconic MAC vanilla lipstick scent?”
“With nude peachy-pink tones, this everyday matte lipstick by Charlotte Tilbury in the shade Mrs. Kisses adds just the right amount of colour while staying subtle enough to wear on no-makeup days.”
“This NYX Cosmetics Soft Matte Lip Cream is my go-to for a night out because its rich, dark hue makes for a great evening look and it’s super long-lasting.”
“Glossier’s Ultralip High Shine Lipstick in Villa is the perfect everyday lipstick — a comfortable, hydrating formula that leaves the prettiest pink sheen.”
“I love the intense colour payoff of this Maybelline Super Stay Ink Crayon Lipstick in Make It Happen. It applies so smoothly and feels so incredibly lightweight!”
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