“Many people are becoming increasingly confident in showcasing their natural forms, seeking fashion that allows them to express their unique identities and personal confidence,” says Popova. “It seems to be a collective response to shifts in social movements, deeply rooted in a cultural embrace of body positivity and a celebration of body diversity — making room for bold statements like bumsters that highlight the body in unconventional ways.”
“There’s a noticeable trend towards greater confidence in showing skin, evident in the prevalence of cut-out and sheer designs,” agrees Katie Rowland, womenswear, kidswear and fine jewellery buying director at Mytheresa. “We’re definitely noticing a shift towards more low-rise styles, particularly in pants and denim, although not quite the full-on original McQueen bumster. We have observed its influence incorporated somewhat in dresses, especially in eveningwear, with designers like Aya Muse and Tom Ford showcasing very low backs on some of their pieces. The consumer for this trend is fun, confident and sexy.”
Will the bumster sell?
NSFW, skin-centric styles might be trending, but will consumers be brave enough to actually buy in?
Perhaps with a few tweaks they will. “The foundational concept of our bumsters, much like our initial jeans design, allows for various styling options that can either accentuate or downplay their distinctiveness,” explains Popova. “By pairing bumsters with different undergarments, one can control the level of exposure and adapt the look to suit various settings and personal comfort levels. This versatility ensures that bumsters can transition smoothly from a bold statement piece to a more subtly edgy item suitable for a wider array of occasions.”
