Millennials are divided over the new ‘camel toe’ beauty trend, with one claiming pictures of the style statement have the power to ‘ruin’ their day.
If you’ve ever worn form-fitting leggings or shorts while working out, then you may have experienced what is known in slang terms as a ‘camel toe’.
This common phrase describes a visual effect that takes place when a person’s pants cling tightly to their crotch, showing the outline of the labia.
The camel toe has been shunned in the past, with some websites calling it an ‘embarrassing’ fashion faux pas.
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However, it appears Gen-Z is embracing it in a big way… But probably not as you would expect.
Staff at online outlets like Allure, The FADER, and Vogue have all reported on how the controversial look has finally made its mark on the beauty world.
People attending New York Fashion Week earlier this month were spotted sporting a camel toe manicure - essentially nails with a big split in the middle.
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Images of different versions of the beauty trend have gone viral, and everyone has been having their say.
“Try running fingers in your hair with those,” typed one Twitter user.
Another commented: “This seems like a terrible idea.”
A third remarked: “This just ruined my day.”
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However, not everyone agrees, with some social media users branding the nail art trend as ‘so cute and creative’, while someone else said: “Camel toe never goes out of style.”
Camel toe manicure inspired by Tabi shoes
The polarising manicure trend is seemingly inspired by the beloved Tabi split-toe shoes.
Tabi shoes typically feature a split between the hallux and the rest of the toes, promoting balance and stability for natural movement.
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Inspired by the traditional 15th-century Japanese sock of the same name, the modern-day thonged footwear has been made popular again by Parisian haute couture house Maison Margiela.
Its designer, Martin Margiela, released the first Tabi boot in 1988, according to Vogue, and celebrities have been going gaga for the freaky shoe ever since.
Fans of the avant-garde footwear include Kylie Jenner, Barcelona and Spain footballer Alexia Putellas, Dua Lipa, and The Last of Us’ Pedro Pascal.
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In a 2019 interview, Margiela branded the cult footwear as ‘the most important footprint’ of his career.
“It’s recognisable, it still goes on after 25 years, it has never been copied."
How to do the camel-toe Tabi nail trend
As reported by the New York Post, artist Ramon Duran explained exactly how long your nails should be to sport the viral, animal-esque trend.
He claimed it would look best on people with medium-length, rounded or oval nails because ‘you need that extra space for the design to really come through’.
“You can technically do them shorter,” he added, “but the look feels more elevated with a bit of length.”
Duran told the publication that the signature split-toe cut can be made by drilling a needle bit into the top of each nail, and that he seals ‘everything’ - including anything like bows or glitter - with a top coat.
This way, edges remain smooth and clean, according to the expert.
Topics: Beauty, Style, Fashion, Social Media
Ella Scott