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STYLE NEWS

Why Is Everyone Wearing Lips?Fashionistas have recently taken to sealing their style with a kiss. We tell you why this, why now

“There’s a heavy rock ’n’ roll energy in the fashion world right now with ’70s influences and graphic tees,” explains Stephanie Costello, head designer for the LA-based fash-ion line Stello. “And lips are a great visual element that lets designers add those same 1970s hedonistic vibes to everyday pieces.” But, she notes, lips make such a bold statement that less is definitely more — overdo it and the look can skew too erotic. Designers avoid this by down-playing lips with other designs for a more sassy twist, like the lip-and-ladybug mix Keltie wears. Or to give a piece just a touch of sensuality, they’ll sprinkle in a few kissers, like on Anne’s white blouse.

“The lip motif is a quirky way to add youthful attitude to any outfit,” says Anita Patrickson, who styled model Olivia Culpo in the lip-embossed sheer bodysuit at right. “And red makes for the perfect color pop on both black and white for a strong statement.” Patrickson adds that red lips on black clothing have a sexy-glam look, while lip-kissed white ensembles are flirtatious.

“Lip designs are a vehicle for women to assert them-selves and tell the world in no uncertain terms: ‘Don’t give me any lip,’ ” says Michael Solomon, Ph.D., a con-sumer psychologist in Philadelphia. How stars wear the lips also sends a message. Oversize lips on erogenous zones, like on Zendaya’s dress, signal someone who is seductive and in command. And smaller lips, like on Chiara’s top and Jamie’s skirt, show a playful innocence.

KELTIE KNIGHT The Insider co-host went girlie with a frilly lip-and-ladybug Giamba frock. A fuchsia clutch and heels help the kissers pop!

Lips on White Lips on Black

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The Designer Says

The Celebrity Stylist Says

The Psychologist Says

OLIVIA CULPOZuhair Murad, who designed this sheer bodysuit, said he was inspired by red lips being a strong symbol of femininity. Bonus points to Olivia for pairing the print with a bold NARS Kelly lippy!

CHIARA FERRAGNI

ANNE HATHAWAY

42 November 14, 2016