As Rita Ora and Kim Kardashian showed in London recently, looking good in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is almost inhuman.
Not only do synthetic dresses look and feel uncomfortable, but they can also be unflattering and tacky. Fashion critics often wonder why celebrities even bother trying. We’ve looked at 10 stars who have been attempting to wear PVC outfits without much success.
1. Kim Kardashian’s Sausage-Pink Latex Look (Full Story)
The 34-year-old ShoeDazzle shoe club founder wore a sleeveless “Joy” dress from Atsuko Kudo styled with a large beige fur coat and Manolo Blahnik sandals.
Kim Kardashian in a sleeveless “Joy” dress from Atsuko Kudo styled with a large beige fur coat
Kim Kardashian leaving the Dorchester hotel with husband Kanye West on February 26, 2015 (Credit: WENN)
2. Kylie Minogue’s Bold Black Latex Cocktail Dress
The Australian singer, songwriter, and actress somehow decided to wear a one-shoulder dress from London latex designer William Wilde.
Kylie Minogue styled the asymmetrical black latex cocktail frock with black heels.
Kylie Minogue at the Brit Awards 2014 held at the O2 Arena in London on February 19, 2014 (Credit: WENN)
Kylie Minogue in a one-shoulder dress from London latex designer William Wilde
3. Katie Waissel’s Sultry Red Latex Statement
The English singer-songwriter showed off her cleavage in a figure-hugging red latex dress styled with black peep-toe pumps and a chunky necklace.
Katie Waissel at BRIT Awards – Universal Music Brits after-party hosted by Bacardi at Soho House Pop-Up in London on February 19, 2014 (Credit: WENN)
Katie Waissel shows off her cleavage in a figure-hugging red latex dress
4. Rita Ora’s Edgy Black PVC Crop Top and Skirt
The British singer, songwriter, and actress sported a black PVC crop top and skirt from Meat Clothing’s debut collection. Rita Ora accessorized with quirky gold sunglasses, her trademark ‘Rita’ necklace, blonde curled tresses, and a pair of Nike Air Jordans.
Rita Ora rocks a black PVC crop top from Meat Clothing’s debut collection
Rita Ora turns up the heat in a flame-print PVC crop top and skirt paired with Air Jordans at HMV Whiteleys in London on August 28, 2012 (Credit: WENN)
5. Heidi Klum’s Eye-Catching Tight PVC Ensemble
The German model, television host, businesswoman, fashion designer, television producer, and occasional actress dressed in a short, tight PVC dress paired with white pumps.
Heidi Klum at Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show after party at M2 Ultra Lounge in New York City on November 19, 2009 (Credit: WENN)
Heidi Klum shows off her feet in white platform pumps
6. Katie Price’s Bizarre Silver iPod Dress
The English television personality and glamor model dressed as a giant silver iPod and accessorized with Nanos as earrings.
Katie Price at Boutique iPod Range Photocall held at the Worx in London on August 20, 2010 (Credit: WENN)
Katie Price dressed as a giant silver iPod and accessorized with Nanos as earrings
7. Chloe Sims’ Stunning Low-Cut Black PVC Gown
The English television personality, glamor model, and entrepreneur flaunted cleavage in a floor-length low-cut PVC dress.
Chloe Sims stuns on the red carpet in a curve-hugging black PVC gown, paired with sleek heels and vintage Hollywood waves for ultimate glam appeal at the 2015 National Television Awards held at the O2 Arena in London on January 22, 2015 (Credit: WENN)
8. Paris Hilton’s Shiny Black PVC Party Look
The American socialite, television personality, model, actress, and singer did her best to look sexy in a shiny, skin-tight black dress styled with a studded hat and freaky spats.
Paris Hilton rocks a studded black hat
Paris Hilton at the Pussy Cat Dolls’ after-party following the American Music Awards in Los Angeles on November 22, 2008 (Credit: WENN)
9. Nicki Minaj’s Risky Red PVC Bondage Ensemble
We would love to know what the American rapper and singer-songwriter was thinking when she decided to wear this bondage ensemble. It consisted of barely-there shorts, buckled boots, and, of course, PVC.
Nicki Minaj leaving her hotel in London on April 18, 2012 (Credit: WENN)
Nicki Minaj goes bold in a red PVC bomber jacket paired with a daring bondage-style mesh dress, buckled boots, and her signature fearless attitude
10. Katy Perry’s Quirky Blue PVC Mini Dress and Candy Boots
The American singer and songwriter styled a blue mini dress with a crazy pair of candy-striped boots.
Katy Perry at her concert at Postbahnhof am Ostbahnhof in Berlin on September 5, 2010 (Credit: WENN)
Katy Perry shows off her candy-striped boots
Who do you think was the worst dressed?
Exploring the Appeal and Challenges of PVC Fashion
PVC fashion offers a unique blend of modernity and edge, but it comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to comfort and versatility.
For instance, Christian Louboutin’s ‘Nosy’ pumps creatively combine transparent PVC panels with patent leather, resulting in a bold yet sophisticated design. However, as seen with Emma Watson’s Cannes Film Festival experience, PVC footwear can sometimes lead to discomfort due to trapped heat and moisture.
If you’re considering adding PVC elements to your wardrobe, check out our guide on styling clear heels for practical tips to elevate your look. Additionally, understanding the different types of heels can help you choose designs that strike the perfect balance between comfort and style.
By considering aesthetics and practicality, you can confidently embrace PVC’s unique appeal in your fashion choices.