Gen Z’s latest ‘cheeky’ fashion trend is raising eyebrows: ‘Cracks are back’
Bum cleavage was recently declared “back” in fashion – but while many are happy to flaunt their natural curves, some Aussies have decided you don’t need to flash the flesh to achieve the look.
Catwalks and social media feeds have been flooded with women donning the eye-raising style since a popular magazine boldly announced “cracks are back”, a style once reserved only for tradies and scantily-clad celebrities.
But while various renditions have come in and out of fashion over the years, the most recent wave of women adopting the look has shown there is more to it than just flashing your booty.
Australian model Jess King explained the trend is a celebration of a woman’s body.
“We are in an age where we see so many different representations of beauty,” she told news.com.au.
“I for one love seeing a variety of women, in ALL shapes and sizes, adopt a new fashion trend and feel good about themselves.
“I feel empowered when I am embracing my body, meeting life with a smile and in an outfit that champions my curves.”
Australian fashion designer to the stars Donny Gallela said the exposed bum trend has evolved from the celebration of “curves” which was popularised in the 2010s, largely influenced by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé, and JLo.
“Over the years, society has moved away from the ‘one-size-fits-all’ beauty standard and embraced different body types, which has allowed people to feel more confident in highlighting their natural features,” he told news.com.au.
“Style is about expressing your personality and the clothes you wear should make you feel confident, and if a client feels empowered by showing a bit of skin or enhancing their curves, I’m all for helping them achieve that.”
While stars such as singer Katy Perry, who rocked a bum-flaunting red dress at the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards in March, are comfortable flashing skin – others are embracing look without flaunting their bare butts.
Popular Australian shapewear brand Nancy Ganz recently launched its “Ultimate Backless Strapless Slip”, offering a “bum cleavage” for those who want to achieve the desired appearance without ditching their undies.
“We wanted to create a solution that provides support without compromising the body’s unique, natural contours, a spokesperson told news.com.au.
“Our design focuses on accentuating the lower back with a subtle, flattering reveal – what some call ‘bum cleavage’ – that highlights and enhances your natural shape.
“This trend represents a bold step forward in creating pieces that not only sculpt but also celebrate individuality and natural beauty. It’s about embracing what your body has to offer and confidently showcasing it.”
King, who recently starred in her first campaign for Nancy Ganz, shared a video showing off the slip’s booty-enhancing feature on Instagram where its “sculpting” finish blew followers away.
“Date night and I thought I’d wear this little number from @nancyganzau underneath my outfit,” she wrote.
“My fave features, it’s supportive without that compressed feeling (yay maximum pasta), and has a snap opening so no getting naked in the bathroom stall just to wee after too many cocktails.”
She also explained that the product, which retails for $199.95, instantly captured the eye of her other half.
“It has this design feature on the butt, which actually lifts and sculpts, and it was the first thing my BF noticed when I put it on for good reason,” she told news.com.au.
“This piece doesn’t just ‘smoosh’ your body like any other shapewear that’s designed to make you look as small as possible. It accentuates and celebrates your individual curves and shape.”
Gallela said the “next level” trend was definitely having a moment, adding it was great there are so many options for fashion lovers.
“The shapewear industry has also evolved alongside this trend, focusing less on ‘flattening’ and more on enhancing,” he said.
“Today, people are not only proud of their curves but are actively celebrating their curvy booty.
“The desire to accentuate and highlight a fuller bum has become mainstream, with fashion and shapewear embracing designs that lift and support the bum rather than hide it.”
