After hitting the 70’s with trendy low-rise jeans and taboo-breaking exposed belly buttons in the 80’s, the controversial bare midriff celebrates its big comeback in the SS15 collections — both ready-to-wear and couture. From Dior, Oscar de la Renta and Fendi to Balmain, Mugler and Diane von Furstenberg – fashion designers have once again succumbed to the bare belly temptation.

You may love it, doubt it or hate it but you should definitely pay attention, as crop tops and peekaboos have become the new definition of woman’s sexuality. In this age of total liberation and fit obsession, questions arise about the standards of beauty and perception of femininity. Is “too much” too much? Where is the “too much” line?

This season’s bare skin lines are all over the place. Although belly buttons are peeking out here and there, the high-waist and upper abdomen are the target areas, as seen in Balmain’s high-rise ensembles and Diane von Furstenberg’s Bardot style separates. Oscar de la Renta, Christian Dior and DKNY also advocate the high-waisted garments tastefully revealing a narrow strap of bare skin.

Mugler, on the other hand, makes a bolder statement with daring cuts and lines that audaciously strike the eye and attract the attention, not only to the waist, but to the whole woman’s silhouette: elongated and elegantly sculpted (just look at Karlie Kloss below!).

What’s arresting in the Balmain SS15 collection is the waist highlights: peeking through a sequence of straps, or marked with an eye-catching twist, as in the show-stopper worn by Kendall Jenner, above.

Crop tops may not be for everyone, but those proud of their gym-sculpted body will revel in the pieces by Dries Van Noten, Alberta Ferratti, DVF and Mugler. If it seems “too much” for you, try the subtle peekaboos from Loewe and Oscar de la Renta or, perhaps, Fendi’s caged cutouts that leave more to the imagination.

Sensational skin flashers and discrete peekaboos have fearlessly conquered the SS15 runways and are now heading to the streets as spring starts spoiling us with long awaited warmth and sunshine.

So, which “bare” do you dare to wear?

Have a fashionable day everyone!