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AT WORK?HR EXPERTS DISH OUT ADVICE

ON CLEAVAGE ETIQUETTE

MIC

A(P

)094

/11/

2009

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10 2010

SHOULD YOU

HOW

BoobyTRAPS

After being under wraps forthe past few seasons, the bustis busting out this fall fashionseason. It was cleavage,cleavage, cleavage on the

runways and the clothes have nowmade their way to the racks here.

Well-endowed women will enjoycelebrating their curves with this trend.Those whose cupcakes have not risen –a situation that many with slenderAsian frames find themselves in – canget creative with toppings (see Page 14).

Designers going for decolletageincluded Marc Jacobs, whose collectionfor Louis Vuitton put the emphasis onthe “V” with scooping bustier tops.Miuccia Pradatook the plungewith New Lookdresses withbustline rufflesthat made itlook like themodels did notwear bras, butbalconies.

The latestlook could spelldouble troublethough. Thereare two issuesbouncingaround: How much is too much toflaunt? And is flashing your assets atwork a definite no?

WORK EXPOSUREMs Cecellia Telkes, an associateconsultant at image consultancyImageworks, says: “Socially, a hint ofcleavage is much classier than letting itall hang out. As a general rule, theexposed area from your chin to the endof your cleavage should not be longerthan your head.”

Cleavage at work, however, is abooby trap for your career, she warns.

Declaring that “it is simplyinappropriate to flash any cleavage inthe office”, she points out that93 per cent of communication isnon-verbal.

“Unless you are a ventriloquist andcan project verbally through yourcleavage, chances are only about7 per cent of your message is gettingthrough if people’s attention is on yourchest,” she says.

Most employers share her stand.Ms Jacqueline Goh, the human

resources and administration director atSuntec Singapore InternationalConvention and Exhibition Centre,says: “Clothes that reveal too much area distraction. The way you dress affectsyour credibility and professionalism.”

It is no wonder some well-endowedwomen view their assets as liabilities.

Take former office manager Cecilia

Ng, 33, who found herself – and herwell-filled 34C cups – the object ofunwanted attention at previous jobsdespite dressing modestly.

“It came to a point where I had tosay ‘no’ to sleeping with the boss,” saysMs Ng, who is now an interior designer.

In an e-mail interview, Americanauthor Elisabeth Dale of Boobs: A GuideTo Your Girls, says the media hasconditioned people to believe that awoman must be “selling” a product ifshe bares her bosom.

“Every woman who has ever worn apush-up bra or a low-cut gownunderstands the power of breasts.”

BIG BOOSTThis mightexplain whymore womennow believebigger is better.Not only aremore going forbreast implants,they are alsoasking for biggercup sizes.

The averagesize of siliconeimplants inSingapore has

gone from 200cc in the past to above300cc, says consultant plastic surgeonTan Ying Chien of The Sloane ClinicPlastic Surgery Centre in NovenaMedical Center. 100cc of implants isroughly equivalent to an increase inone cup size.

Up to 20 per cent of his patients askfor cup sizes which he feels make themtoo “top heavy”, he adds.

Even without silicone aid, breastsizes have gone from buds to blossomsin the past 10 to 15 years, causing somebra fitters to declare that E is the new C.

In Singapore, where the average bustsize was a 75A about five years ago, thenorm is now 75B, with a 15 per centjump in the number of women withlarger sizes like D cups.

“70D bust size is becoming morecommon these days,” notes WileenChen, advertising and promotionsmanager for underwear giant TriumphInternational (Singapore).

Better nutrition is one reason for thebigger busts.

For those who are hung up abouttheir small bust size, Ms Dale has somereassuring words: “Many womenassume that men prefer larger breasts,when there is no such preference.

“Men are happy to be around anybreasts at all and know they are foundin a variety of shapes and sizes.”

imrjalal@sph.com.sg

Urban runs the three work outfits onthese two pages by the heads of arecruitment portal, an advertisingagency and a five-star hotel to seewhich low-cut look meets their officedress code

Mr Chris Chiu, group executivecreative director of advertisingfirm Leo Burnett Group Singapore“Perhaps it is because I work inadvertising, but none of these outfitswould seem out of place in ourindustry. If I have to choose, Look 3might be seen as a tad sexy but that iseasily fixed with a cardigan should shehave to meet a conservative client. Ithink we would have to show a lotmore skin before eyebrows would beraised.”

Ms Emma Meyer, director ofhuman capabilities, humanresources and training of TheSt Regis Singapore“Looks 1 and 2 are equally appropriatefor the hospitality industry. They areboth feminine without goingoverboard. The distance from the collarbone to the chest is just about right,exuding confidence, free spirit andelegance. All these elementscomplement the familiar warmth andready smiles of St Regis staff.

Look 3, while appealing, is toolow-cut for women in this industry. Aneckline like this may draw unnecessaryattention and can be a distraction whenyou interact with clients and guests.

Perhaps it is acceptable for morecreative industries, especially whenpaired with bold, chunky accessories orslim, layered chains to direct attentionto the elegant look instead of thecleavage.”

Mr Tay Kok Choon, head ofstrategic sales development ofonline job portal JobStreetSingapore“We acknowledge a growing trendamong women to ditch power dressingfor tighter clothes with lower necklines.However, you can dress to impress butnot to reveal. Hence, Look 3 is nice butnot appropriate for an officeenvironment.

The shirt and skirt combo of Look 1is great and comes across asprofessional yet personal. Look 2 is alittle too casual, but would be great fordress-down Fridays.”

Revealing too much cleavage canhurt your career. Urban finds outhow low your neckline can go

CAN LOW CUTSMAKE THE CUT?

Look 1: Shirt by Sportmax, $449, fromMaxMara; petticoat skirt, price uponrequest, from PradaLook 2: Allaire jacket, $409; Halle tanktop, $99; Karlie pleated pants, $209, allfrom Club MonacoLook 3: High shine twist top, $159, fromTed Baker; petticoat skirt, price uponrequest, from Prada

Photographer ASHLEIGH SIM;Stylist IMRAN JALAL;

Hair CARMEN YOON, kimrobinson;Make-up BENO LIM, M.A.C,

using Fabulous Felines Collection;Nails Pink Parlour;

Model YERI K, Looque Models;Special thanks to The St Regis Singapore

for the use of its Presidential Suite

‘CLOTHES THAT REVEALTOO MUCH ARE ADISTRACTION. THE WAYYOU DRESS AFFECTS YOURCREDIBILITY ANDPROFESSIONALISM.’Ms Jacqueline Goh, director of human resourceand administration, Suntec InternationalConvention and Exhibition Centre

12 13

MS NADIA DAENG, 27,PUBLIC RELATIONSCONSULTANT

Are you for or againstshowing cleavage?I’m all for it. A woman should beproud of her body. Showingsome cleavage does not have tobe vulgar. It is about the wholepackage – the way you speak,your body language and yourdressing.

How low would you go?I would not dare to reveal anycleavage during family occasionsout of respect for my elders.There will be no bra peek-a-boosituation at work either. For play,I like showing a bit of cleavage.

What do you think of yourmakeover?I feel like a bombshell. I’d say thelook suits my line of workbecause we handle events forlifestyle and consumer clients,who tend not to be soconservative.

Stylist says“A bustier boosts awoman’sconfidencebecause itenhances thebody shape. Thejacket makes itsuitable for theoffice. She cantake it off afterwork.”

MS LINDA LAU, 52,DIRECTOR OF A PRINTINGCOMPANY

Are you for or againstshowing cleavage?It really depends on the occasion.It is acceptable when you attendsocial functions like a dinner anddance. If a woman has theconfidence to show off hercleavage, why not?

How low would you go?It is fashionable to show a bit ofskin. Of course, I won’t wear topsthat let everything spill out. Imostly wear pants at work with aspaghetti top under my jacketsometimes, but I make sure Ilook professional.

What do you think of yourmakeover?The look works fine with orwithout a jacket, but the colourand design seem a bit dressed upfor me.

Stylist says“This is age-appropriate and

something that Linda willbe comfortable in. Theblack and white sheathdress is classy.”

MS HARASHA BAFANA, 36,FOUNDER AND COACH OF ACOMMUNICATIONCONSULTANCY

Are you for or againstshowing cleavage?Against. Your body should notbe a distraction. Sexiness comesfrom within.

How low would you go?I usually use a long scarf to covermy neckline. When I conducttraining, I will not wear low-cuttops because I don’t want toattract the wrong kind ofattention. For nights out, I maywear a top with a lower cut butwith a lace overlay to cover thecleavage. I love the fact that lacehints doesn’t reveal too muchskin.

What do you think of yourmakeover?I feel comfortable. The look istasteful and does not reveal toomuch. I would wear this to workas it is not too fussy.

Stylist says“Harasha is not comfortablewith revealing tops. I chose a

look that shows her necklinewithout baring too much

skin.”

On Ms Marie Teo (left): Top, $269, from Karen Millen; belt, $119, and skirt, $269, both by Marellafrom Isetan Scotts; heels, $229, from Zara; On Ms Linda Lau (right): Dress, $89.90, from Zara; heels,

her own

CLEAVAGE FOR EVERY AGE

Forget about going under the knife: all ittakes to get that va-va-voom cleft is deftmake-up skills and strong adhesive.

SECRET WEAPONThe secret weapon of celebrities likeNicollette Sheridan, the strapless NuBraOriginal Silicone adhesive paddings(right) are great for strapless gowns andcome in varying thickness. For a deeperplunge, simply tighten the front clasp.$99, from NuBra Shop, 01-38 SunshinePlaza

STICK THEM UPThe transparent and waterproof Bring ItUp Bra Tape lets you go au naturel withsome lift. Stick the tape above the

nipples and pull the adhesive flap up forinstant lift.From US$19.99 (S$27) for eight pairs,from www.bringitup.com

FAKING ITMr Beno Lim, a senior artist from M.A.C,shows how you can fake a cleavage:1 Apply a face and body liquid

foundation – in a shadethat matches your skintone – to the chest areathat will be exposed.2 Using the 168 LargeAngled Contour Brush($57, right), applyM.A.C’s MineralizeSkinfinish Natural powder($46, far right) in a darkershade than thefoundation to the samearea. The curved brush tipallows for even blendingas it follows the naturalcountours of your bosom.Apply the powder fromyour cleavage and moveupwards and out alongthe circumference of yourcups. Stop at the highest

part of your breasts.3 Spread a lighter shade of theMineralize Skinfinish Natural powder onthe highest part to give athree-dimensional effect.

~ IMRAN JALAL

In your 20s...“You can getaway withrevealing moreskin at this age.But here is a rule:If you are baringyour cleavage,cover up yourlegs,” says fashionstylist JoshuaCheung.

MS MARIE TEO, 42,COMMUNICATIONSCONSULTANT

Are you for or againstshowing cleavage?I’m for it. If God gives you a gift,then use it. How much you showreally depends on the occasion.Of course, you would not bewearing a low-cut top toreligious events or when pickingyour kid up from school.

How low would you go?It depends on my mood and theoccasion. When I’m meetingclients who are conservative, Iwould not show any cleavage.Clients in entertainment andhospitality, however, are finewith it if it is done tastefully.

What do you think of yourmakeover?This outfit complements myfigure, but I won’t wear it whenI’m conducting meetings with,say, a construction companybecause the neckline is too low.The bosses tend to be men andyou want them to look you inthe eye and not at your chest.

Stylist says“The chiffon sleevesbalance the low necklineand make this a tastefuloutfit that can take herfrom work to play.”

Fashion stylist Valerie Jiang shows four women of different ages how to dress tastefully for work

In your 30s...“Go only as low asyou are comfortablebut dressappropriately for thesituation. You don’t

want to wear aplunging neckline if youare in the office.Remember to wearpretty lingerie because ifyou do show a bit of bra,it should be pretty,” saysMr Cheung.

In your 40s...“Start to tone it down.Opt for peek-a-boostyles such as cut-outdesigns or one that hasa sheer material coveringthe bustline to give a hintof what is underneath.The result is asophisticated yet playfuloutfit,” says fashion stylistNeo Lirong.

In your 50s...“The skin onthe decolletageis thinner thanthat on the face,

so it tends to giveaway your age

more than otherparts of the body.

Ditch tops that exposetoo much of thebosom,” says

Ms Cecellia Telkes,associate consultant ofimage consultancyImageworks.

On Ms Nadia Daeng (left): Blazer, $199, from Zara; skirt, $289, from Karen Millen; bustierby Valisere, $399, from Tangs Orchard; heels, her own; On Ms Harasha Bafana (right):Draped top, $519, and pants, $509, both from Marina Rinaldi; heels, $199, from Zara

AFTERAFTER

BEFORE

IN YOUR 40S

PhotographerASHLEIGH SIM;

StylistVALERIE JIANG;

Hair SHA SHA OH,Kimrobinson;

Make-upBENEDICT CHOO

(9682-9590),using M.A.C

BEFOREBEFORE

AFTERAFTER

IN YOUR 20S

PACK THAT RACK

PHOTOS: M.A.C, FILE

The first modern bra, made of two handkerchiefs, a pink ribbon and cord, is patented.

1914

15th century to 19th century Decolletage is a focal point of the wardrobe.

American lingerie manufacturer Warner’s introduces cup sizes A, B, C and D.

1935

Silicone breast implants are invented.

1962

English models like Jean Shrimpton (left) make natural, unfettered

breasts hot again.

Mid-1960sThe rise of waif-thin models like Kate Moss (right) puts the bosom out of favour once more.

Mid-1990sFor fall, designers like Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton (right) and Miuccia Prada play peek-a-boob with low necklines.

Brazilian-born model Sheyla Hershey has multiple implants to achieve the world’s largest breasts measuring 38KKK, but will have to remove the implants due to an infection.

2010

2010The era of the supermodels sees the likes of Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer (right) flaunting their curves, thus celebrating the womanly figure.

1980s to 1990sThe first push-up bra, Rising Sun, makes its debut.

1948

The Wonder-bra is born.

1964

IN YOUR 50S

IN YOUR 30S

BEFORE

14 15