This development doesn't mean the end of cleavage. It's the one fashion statement that's more about men's desires than women's vanity, so breasts will always have a place in the modern-day style file. In fact, curvy silhouettes in classic, tailored apparel are very on trend right now - the Mad Men look embraced by both high-end designers and fast-fashion retailers. Look at actresses Christina Hendricks, Kerry Washington, or Kim Kardashian. Just last week, supermodel Kate Upton's full, firm breasts were the stars of Miami's swim week runways.
Yet the emphasis these days is less about unnatural, impossible-to-attain perkiness and more about respecting curves - one of the reasons this week's section is dedicated to breasts and how they are faring in fashion.
Whether you - OK, me - were born with just a little (thank goodness for the push-up) or were blessed by the universe's magic wand, it's all right to either celebrate or seek assistance when necessary.
One place you will see fashion's newfound respect for subtle cleavage is the advances made in bras, said Mona Lisa Jackson, owner of Center City's Coeur boutique.
"The bras this season are not so low-cut," she said, referring to top labels La Perla, Cotton Club, and Prima Donna. There are a lot of lace embellishments.
"These companies are keeping up with fashion. They know breasts will be seen, but the customer is not interested in so much exposure."
