Over the past season, over-sized clothing has got slightly out of control as the tops get bigger and bigger. Whilst this makes "fat-days" a lot less traumatic, what about all those women that slog it out in the gym on a daily basis?
What's the point in all that hard work if nobody can see how toned you are?
It's not very chic right now to reveal your midriff (see Britney's latest attempts for proof) and with the waist line rising up there isn't much scope for revealing your abs any time soon so the attention has shifted upwards, to the collarbone.
Shoppers are now opting for a low, but not plunging, neckline to show off their collarbone, shoulders and neck area. It's a bizarre trend which has not really been seen before. It seems to spiral from the scary desire to be very skinny where by a protruding collarbone is testament to how skinny you have become. For example, the endless images in the press of Nicole Richie including that infamous bikini beach shot.
However, this trend does not have to be interpreted in such an unhealthy way. The focus of attention in clothing is changing and revealing your shoulders could make a so-called "normal" sized woman look slimmer. It's an elegant way of revealing a bit of flesh.
Consuelo Castiglioni, head designer of Marni, told the New York Times, “I think it is clear from my designs that deep cleavages, tight silhouettes, visible tummies or behinds are not part of my aesthetic...What I try to express is elegance and femininity and a more cerebral, hidden sensuality.”
Essentially, it is a way of being alluring in an effortless, almost accidental way. Perfect for the Kate Moss generation. It's a backlash against extremely revealing clothing which seems so tacky and in bad taste.
Recently, an FHM poll revealed that men don't find Kate Moss attractive, they like curvy page 3 models. This desire to reveal your collarbone is further proof of the enormous growing distance between what men and women find attractive. Let's face it, a sleazy workman is never going to shout at a passing girl, "Oi lav, nice collarbone". I am not suggesting that this is what any woman should strive for, I am merely highlighting the differences.
All that aside, there are some beautiful dresses and tops available which accentuate your clavicle. There is no denying that it is a chic way of revealing a bit of flesh and worn correctly could be very flattering, but is it just encouraging size 0?
[dress: Cacharel, £380 at netaporter.com]