Bare market

Perhaps it's a reaction to the growing social and environmental pressure against its very existence but fashion is making its diktats ever more strident. Pants as in knickers, briefs, grundies - are now considered an outer-wear outfit.

- Jane Clifton

Admittedly, hopping on the bus in just one's kecks and a T-shirt has yet to go mainstream, but celebrities now increasingly step out in their smalls. Actress Emma Corrin recently fused the internet appearing in a knitted pair with matching cardie.

It's no longer considered outlandish, if you speak Vogue, to spend NZ$1200 on a single pair of Miu Miu underdungers and wear them, with or without tights, with a pair of clunky brogues and an air of insouciance.

Let's hastily clarify: people bold enough to rock this look wear their actual underwear underneath. They're not barbarians. The commercial point beyond the obvious "look at me!" - is to alienate and to reinforce a sense of exclusivity.

A tiny proportion of the population would profess to "get" this look, let alone have the daring to wear it. Fashion thrives on this perversity.