Scarlett Johansson

What is cleavage?

The Oxford Dictionary defines cleavage as “the cleft between a woman’s breasts”. They make it sound so simple, when it has been proved to be anything but. It is ironic, too, because the other definition of cleavage is “marked difference or division between people”. Cross the two definitions and you have the latest cleavage controversy all summed up: IPL’s pompom girls are causing a marked division between people because of the display of the cleft between their breasts!

Why flaunt it?

“Why not?” asks model Sreshthaa. Flaunting cleavage equals flaunting femininity. “And what’s the harm in flaunting your femininity?” Nothing we say!

Unless it belongs to a man. There is definitely something wrong with men flaunting too much of their cleavage — hairy or not, ample (please, no) or not!

“If a woman has a good figure and is comfortable with her body, then there’s every reason for her to flaunt her assets,” says actress Swastika. But it comes with a rider: “If a woman is very busty, she shouldn’t flaunt it.” Some men, at least, are all for a stylish flash of a cleavage. “I’m all for it,” says Burlington’s Ratul Sood. “If the idea is to titillate then it looks cheap, but elegantly done as part of a style statement like that of JLo or Liz Hurley, why not? A great body deserves to be seen. So go for it!”

We agree with the conditions — but only for the screen. In the real world, every woman should be allowed to show cleavage, at the right place and right time, if she wants to. Which brings us to…

Where to flaunt it?

In Calcutta, the only cleavage-friendly place is really the nightclub or a private party. These also come with challenges as the route to and from the party is always strewn with staring eyes and gaping mouths.

Fashion designer Abhishek Dutta suggests cleavage-revealing tops and dresses are best reserved for red carpet dos and glamorous parties. “One should take the call depending on the crowd and ambience. It also depends on the profile of the other invitees,” says Abhishek. So if you are afraid a conservative aunty or a lecherous uncle will be giving you the up and down, swap the sexy neckline for a less daring top or cover up quick with a scarf or stole.

Or, learn to ignore it. It is your body, and if you have the confidence, no stare should scare you.

How to flaunt it?

Just flaunting a cleavage ain’t enough. Like everything else, there is a proper way to take the plunge. Abhishek says that a sexy gown or a cocktail dress is the best way to show off. “You can choose a cowl neck but if your assets are inadequate, enhance your cleavage with a corset,” he recommends.

The girls have some insider tips. Swastika suggests you wear proper lingerie before trying to flaunt it. Push-up bras are a great aid to your natural form. “Often women end up showing their cleavage without paying much heed to the innerwear, which is so wrong. And most importantly, be comfortable if you are flaunting it. Don’t look clumsy.” Cleavage calls for a low-cut, balcony-style bra that doesn’t peek out of your top. “Heavily-padded bras are out. Plunging necklines look nicer with slightly loose clothes. It’s best to avoid very fitted clothes as you should accentuate one zone at a time,” says Sreshthaa.

Where not to flaunt it?

Workplace (unless you are an actress, model, or cheerleader, in some countries!), public transport, funeral, family get-together, interview, in the company of future in-laws, 60th birthday party, doctor’s chamber, morning walk, gym, vegetable market, cobbler visit, parent-teacher meeting, college, school, puja…. This is clearly an area to be handled with care. But as long as it’s not in-your-face or vulgar, Ratul says you can take some cautious liberties.

Actress June feels that Calcutta as a whole is a place where women just cannot flaunt it. “Men here are still immature and they lech and pass lewd comments. But in Mumbai people are less inhibited… For me it’s an absolute no-no. Women shouldn’t flaunt it even in the nightclubs, at least not in Calcutta.” Tollywood hero Jeet is also very clear about his verdict: “Definitely not in public places.”

t2 verdict on cleavage cleft: Stuff the stuffed shirts. Have it? Want to flaunt it? Just do it!

Controversial cleavages

Angela Merkel

German chancellor Angela Merkel’s cleavage created quite a flutter last month when she wore a black dress and blue bolero in Norway at the inauguration of the Oslo Opera House. Quite a change from her normally asexual style, she caught everyone’s eye. The final word came from her spokesman Thomas Steg: “She will continue to dress according to her mood and taste at gala events in the future.” Aye Aye Angela!

 

Hillary Clinton

When you think of Hillary Clinton, you don’t normally think of cleavage, or anything remotely sexual (except husband Bill). But Hillary had all the flashbulbs popping and tongues wagging last July when she wore a black top and pink blazer, which revealed an inch more than it should have. For anyone else, this would have gone unnoticed, but during the over-watched, over-analysed US Presidential campaign, it was sending a message – one we haven’t seen since.

 

Mallika Sherawat

Try-too-hard actress Mallika Sherawat wins the controversial cleavage queen crown hands down. She doesn’t seem aware that there are garments which have necklines that hang less than nine inches below the neck!
Jackie Chan obviously likes it, as do most of the boys. But the girls most definitely don’t because it is just two much!

 

 

Zeenat Aman

She was way ahead of her time, even in the swinging 70s. Zeenat Aman’s full figure and full-on display of it all received mixed reactions back in the day. Even today, when you say Zeenat, you think of her seductively popping cleavage from Satyam Shivam Sundaram. While our social censors seem to have finally taken on-screen cleavage in their stride, on field, on the dais and in the political arena, it is still a valley of contention.