From 1969 to 2026: The Enduring Runway Appeal of the Breastplate

Yves Saint Laurent introduced the breastplate to fashion in his fall 1969 couture collection, collaborating with sculptor Claude Lalanne to create molded bodices worn by models. Since then, designers including Thierry Mugler, Alexander McQueen, and Jonathan Anderson have repeatedly reinterpreted the form. Mugler sent Jerry Hall down his 1980 runway in a molded corset; McQueen featured breastplates across his collections for Givenchy and his own label. In 2022, Anderson offered muscleman abs and gold-plated organic sculptures at Loewe. Celebrities have embraced the trend: Zendaya wore a magenta Tom Ford body cast to the 2020 Critics Choice Awards, Rihanna performed in a Loewe molded creation at the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show, and Greta Lee attended the 2026 SFFILM Festival opening night in a glossy mahogany Issey Miyake piece. The breastplate remains popular on runways from Issey Miyake to emerging talent Grace Ling. The 2026 Met Gala, themed "Costume Art," positions fashion alongside fine art, and the breastplate exemplifies this hybridity. A slideshow of 25 looks from 1969 to 2026 accompanies the article.