Latex has gone through several rebrands sine its invention in 1834. The rubbery fabric was originally used as a protective material, living in the domain of gas masks, gloves, and boots. But soon enough, it became synonymous with the BDSM community as a common material in fetishwear, thanks to its unconventionality in everyday life, high sheen, and bodycon qualities. Eventually though, the material found its way into fashion.
Lady Gaga, Emma Watson, Kim Kardashian, and Kylie Jenner are all notable latex fans over the years. The sexy material can be used in a variety of ways, from a high-necked, puff-sleeved dress—like the one Gaga wore to meet the late Queen Elizabeth II—to opera gloves, and, of course, in an interpretation more in line with its—ahem—kinky origins.
In 2023, latex graced the red carpet everywhere from the Met Gala to the Grammys. It’s a subversive look that has clearly caught the eye of A-Listers. Salma Hayek wore a crimson Gucci dress on the first Monday in May, the bodice made of a shiny cherry latex. Timothée Chalamet touched down in Japan to kick off the Wonka press tour in a floor-length Matrix-esque latex trench coat. Madonna amped up the drama with a pair of black, full-length latex gloves with a furry stole. And who can forget Sam Smith’s puffed up suit at the Grammys? The look has also been pioneered by Maya Jama, Kate Beckinsale, and Julia Fox.
Below, see how the stars style their slickest latex looks:
