The high-fashion breastplate is having a moment—these are the best celeb looks and how to replicate them

Ah, high-fashion breastplates, we've spotted a number of celebrities wearing these armor-like accessories lately—from Rihanna during her Super Bowl half-time performance to some of Zendaya's red carpet outfits, like that pink Tom Ford molded bodice. But what defines a breastplate and how can you style them IRL?

The sculptural tops are swiftly taking over from the age-old corset look and we'll likely see them more and more, gracing the red carpets, award shows and blockbuster premieres as we approach the 2023 Met Gala.

As an ensemble, they work to either perfectly mold to the wearer's form—for a flattering and elegant greek statue-esque look—or as an abstract addition to elevate an otherwise simple fit, like Bella Hadid's Schiaparelli breastplate-like tree necklace from the 2021 Venice Film Festival.

But are they just a celebrity fad that only belongs on the runway or red carpet or are they a statement piece we should all be adding to our capsule wardrobes? Here's a full guide to the high-fashion breastplate and how, if at all, we mere mortals can style them ourselves...

What is a high-fashion breastplate?

Think armor, but make it fashion. A breastplate is effectively a piece of hard, smooth material (like acrylic or metal) molded around a person's torso or chest to create something like an anatomical cast. Exhibit A...

As we can see here, Rihanna is wearing a rest breastplate literally over her breasts and her red jumpsuit—to create a bold, statue-esque effect. Recently we've also seen celebrities wearing pieces that are very reminiscent of nude, greek statues—take Zendaya's pink Tom Ford breastplate for instance.

Nick Drewe, Trend Expert at Discount Platform, Wethrift (opens in new tab) says that so far: “The demand for ‘breastplates’ has increased dramatically, with searches for the product up by 202% on Google in the last week alone. While over on TikTok, the hashtag #breastplate has amassed a colossal 26.6 million views, proving that it's a top fashion trend of the season."

As for where the breastplate originated from, Drewe says it has, "greek origins," adding, "the breastplate was created as a protective armor to shield the torso from injury. It has since become a signature piece that has been incorporated into modern fashion throughout the 20th century and beyond. "

In the fashion world, Drewe says: “the breastplate made its debut appearance in 1969 in the Yves Saint Laurent’s fashion show, when the designer collaborated with sculptor Claude Lalanne. It then became a signature piece in the Alexander McQueen SS96 collection and the Thierry Mugler AW80 runway show.

“It’s not surprising that the breastplate is considered an iconic piece by many style icons, as it portrays ultra femininity and plays homage to the female form by embracing its toughness. The idea is that the breastplate is molded to fit the body, challenging the perception of female beauty standards that have been set by centuries of modern fashion trends."

As Drewe notes, the high-fashion breastplate is a power piece of clothing, as “it represents the strength of the feminine figure, and is a piece of armor for the body, in the literal sense to represent body positivity."

How can you wear a high-fashion breastplate IRL

So, how can we incorporate these armor-esque pieces into our daily lives? Well, here are some ways to wear it:

• Pair it with a satin skirt or cigarette trousers—this "will create a more sophisticated fit," says Drewe.

• Pair it with oversized trousers or cargo pants—do this "for a more contemporary take," advises Drewe, "to show a clash in outfit structure between the sculpted look of the top to the baggy fit of the trousers."

• Consider your color scheme—"Whether you prefer a muted color palette or more bold tones, like pinks, greens and blues, the key is to ensure that colors complement each other.”

Drewe also advised on accessories, adding: “Accessories can remain minimal and toned down, or they can be bold and daring, to add character to the finished outfit. When Kim Kardashian wore the couture Schiaparelli gown and breastplate for Christmas Eve 2020, she finished the piece with bauble-style earrings, topped with gold snakes, to complement the look.

"Accessories can take the fit to the next level or they can make the full outfit feel overcomplicated and distracting. With this type of garment, it’s all about trial and error, seeing what fits within the moment and what items complement one another."

The best celeb high-fashion breastplate moments

If you're planning to rock a breastplate or recreate the vibe with a fitted corset, we've rounded up all the celebrity inspo you'll need to wear your statement fit with confidence...

1. Rihanna's Super Bowl outfit

During her recent Super Bowl performance in February 2023, Rihanna debuted this red breastplate moment while simultaneously revealing that she and A$AP Rocky are expecting their second baby together.

Definitely a fashion reveal for the history books!

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HOUSE OF CB Edetta cropped mesh top

RRP: $119/£79

Alas, currently our go-to retailers aren't keeping up with our need for high-fashion breastplates dupes, but a few styles can replicate the look—case and point, this red corset top from House of CB.

This top has ribbing detailing over the chest and waist to create a flattering silhouette.  Wear it on its own, or over red long sleeve, to create a Rihanna-esque look.

• View at Nordstrom in the US (opens in new tab)
• View at Selfridges in the UK (opens in new tab)

2. Zendaya's Tom Ford breastplate

We think about this Zendaya fit at least once a week! Zendaya wore this pink Tom Ford breastplate to the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards in 2020, pairing it with a long skirt in a matching pink shade.

According to British Vogue (opens in new tab), the top was actually made to fit Zendaya's chest, as she told the publication: "I stood topless in my living room while they [the Tom Ford team] had this machine that scanned my boobs."

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Pretty Little Thing Hot Pink Bandage Hook and Eye Structured Corset

RRP: $48/£25

A pink corset is another good way to recreate Zendaya's look. Opt for a hot pink and pair it with a midi skirt (like Zendaya's and a blazer for a perfect date-night look.

• View at Pretty Little Thing in the US (opens in new tab)
• View at Pretty Little Thing in the UK (opens in new tab)

3. Bella Hadid's Schiaparelli necklace

Bella owned the red carpet at Cannes 2021, debuting this bold Schiaparelli gold necklace top.

She wore it paired with a plain black slopping, V-neck dress and let the gold tree-shaped breastplate take centre stage.

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Pull & Bear Metallic Bralette With Rhinestones 

RRP: $29.90/£19.99

Now of course, Bella's designer necklace/breastplate probably isn't within most of our budgets, but you can channel her look with the help of a metallic bralette, which also gives chainmail vibes.

Either wear it with a plain triangle bra or wear it over a t-shirt or bodysuit for a very chic, statement look!

• View at Pull & Bear in the US (opens in new tab)
• View at Pull & Bear in the UK (opens in new tab)

4. Sydney Sweeney

Euphoria's Sydney Sweeney wore this futuristic, silver breastplate with a long black dress, while matching the statement top to her eyeshadow!

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MIAOU Mara slim-fit vegan-leather top

RRP: $295/£215

This is another good alternative for Sydney's futuristic fit! With its leather look and halterneck strap, this corset top can act as the focal point of your look. 

Either pair it with a black midi skirt or go casual and wear it with black trousers or jeans!

• View at Nordstrom in the US (opens in new tab)
• View at Selfridges in the UK (opens in new tab)

5. Zendaya again in her Loewe breastplate

Zendaya truly is the queen of breastplates, as she pulled out this torso number at the Women in Film's Annual Award Ceremony in 2021.

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Embellished Disc Detail Halterneck Scarf Top 

RRP: $61/£35

While this isn't a very close swap to Zendaya's, like the rhinestone bralette, it does give chainmail vibes—which relates to the whole armor-like style that breastplates originate from.

This top also gives disco in the best way, making it perfect for a statement night out look! 

• View at ASOS in the US (opens in new tab)
• View at ASOS in the UK (opens in new tab)