In this post, we'll take a look at some of the most famous nipple cover moments in pop culture history. Nipple covers have played an important role in fashion and pop culture throughout history. From their humble beginnings as functional undergarments to their now iconic status in fashion, nipple covers have been a staple in women's wardrobes for decades.
Marilyn Monroe's Infamous Dress
Marilyn Monroe's white halter dress from the film "The Seven Year Itch" is one of the most iconic images in pop culture history. The dress, designed by William Travilla, featured a plunging neckline and a billowing skirt that blew up as Monroe stood over a subway grate. To prevent any wardrobe malfunctions, Travilla designed a custom-made bra with built-in nipple covers for Monroe to wear underneath the dress.
The dress became an instant cultural icon, and Monroe's career skyrocketed as a result. The dress sold at auction for $4.6 million in 2011, solidifying its status as one of the most famous garments in pop culture history.
Janet Jackson's Super Bowl Halftime Show
In 2004, Janet Jackson's Super Bowl halftime show performance with Justin Timberlake caused controversy when Timberlake accidentally exposed Jackson's breast on live television. Jackson was wearing a nipple shield, a type of nipple cover, during the performance. The incident, dubbed the "wardrobe malfunction," sparked a nationwide debate about censorship and indecency on television.
The incident had a significant impact on Jackson's career, and she faced backlash and criticism for years to come. The Super Bowl also implemented a five-second delay for all future live broadcasts to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Lady Gaga's Meat Dress
At the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, Lady Gaga wore a dress made entirely out of raw meat, including a pair of meat nipple covers. The dress, designed by Franc Fernandez, caused controversy and sparked conversations about animal rights and the use of shock value in fashion.
The dress has since become a cultural icon, with replicas on display in museums around the world. Gaga defended her decision to wear the dress, stating that it was a statement about human rights and equality.
Rihanna's CFDA Dress
At the 2014 CFDA Awards, Rihanna wore a sheer dress covered in Swarovski crystals and featuring a pair of custom-made nipple covers. The dress, designed by Adam Selman, caused a stir in the fashion world and was seen as a defining moment in Rihanna's fashion career.
Another iconic moment in pop culture history involving nipple covers is the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show performance by Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake. During the performance, Timberlake ripped off a part of Jackson's costume, revealing her breast adorned with a nipple shield. The incident sparked controversy and backlash, with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) receiving over half a million complaints. The incident also led to the coining of the term "wardrobe malfunction," which has since been used to describe any accidental or intentional exposure of body parts during a live performance.
However, not all instances of nipple covers in pop culture have been controversial. In recent years, celebrities such as Rihanna and Lady Gaga have incorporated nipple covers into their fashion statements. Rihanna, for example, wore a sheer dress to the 2014 CFDA Fashion Awards that featured a crystal-encrusted nipple cover. Lady Gaga has also been known to sport nipple covers during her performances, including a memorable appearance at the 2016 Met Gala where she wore a silver bodysuit with matching nipple covers.
In conclusion, nipple covers have played a significant role in pop culture history, both as a fashion statement and as a tool for activism. From Marilyn Monroe's iconic dress to Janet Jackson's controversial performance, these small adhesive covers have made a big impact. As fashion and societal norms continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how nipple covers continue to be used and interpreted in the world of pop culture.