
Kim Kardashian has spoken: the nipple is back in. At least, it's back in artificial form thanks to her brand new nipple bra, which has raised a few eyebrows.
As the name implies, the latest bra release from Skims – Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand – features prominent artificial nipples, adding a little extra somethin'-somethin' to any tight shirt.
Kim announced the new product in a tongue-in-cheek video ad on Instagram, in which she portrays a kind of sexy scientist (nipples and all), who addresses the camera about the bra.
“The Earth's temperature is getting hotter and hotter," she says. “The sea levels are rising. The ice sheets are sinking. And I'm not a scientist. But I do believe everyone can use their skillset to do their part.”
“That's why I'm introducing a brand new bra with a built-in nipple, so no matter how hot it is, you'll always look cold,” she says, pointing to a diagram.
Some found this ad a hilarious bit of dark humour, while others thought it was a tasteless step too far — either way it has certainly generated plenty of discussion.
“Loving your work, babe,” wrote comedian Katherine Ryan in a comment.
“Is this a joke??? Please tell me it's a joke!!” wrote another. (Obviously, the video is a joke — but we can assure you, the nipple bra is one hundred percent real).
However, amongst the comments that either praised or questioned Kardashian's sense of humour, there were many comments that took on a different tone entirely: comments from survivors of breast cancer.
“AS A BREAST CANCER SAVIOUR 🎀 I THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I'M ACTUALLY CRYING RN 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭,” read one comment.
Another noted that it could also be a wonderful tool for the trans community. “To be honest, this is perfect for trans women who are in transition or women who had a mastectomy/double mastectomy from breast cancer,” they wrote.
Kim's initial intention with the nipple bra may not have been to help trans women or those who have been through breast cancer. After all, the Y2K fashion resurgence is in full swing, and many of us are taking inspiration from TV icons like Friends's Rachel Green and Sex and the City's Samantha Jones, both of whom did wonders for making nipple visibility cool again.
However, Skims' new nipple bra may also prove to be quite the game-changer. Many women with breast cancer undergo mastectomies. While some women opt to have breast reconstruction surgery, not all reconstructions involve the inclusion of an artificial nipple.
Kardashian's new bra design will make it possible for women who have had breast removal surgery to create the appearance of having a nipple while still wearing sexy shapewear. Maybe Kim Kardashian is a genius after all.
As one fan of the new bra wrote, “People who don’t understand this and why it’s amazing are very fortunate to not have known a loved one with breast cancer. This is amazing!!”
Nipple Push-Up BraThe Nipple Bra is now available at Skims for £52.
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