Amanda Holden joins celebrity latex trend in rubber dress

·5-min read
Amanda Holden has joined the latex gang, wearing a skintight rubber outfit to attend Britain's Got Talent auditions in London. (Getty Images)
Amanda Holden has joined the latex gang, wearing a skintight rubber outfit to attend Britain's Got Talent auditions in London. (Getty Images)

Amanda Holden has joined the celebrity latex fan club and wriggled into a hot pink rubbery number for the latest rounds of Britain's Got Talent auditions.

Sharing an image backstage on Instagram, Holden's comments section quickly blew up as fans and friends showed their appreciation for the eye popping look.

"OMG this is epic," Davina McCall wrote.

Strictly professional Oti Mabuse wrote: "Oh stop it" with a fire and two heart eye emojis.

"Barbie ain’t got nothin on you hun," another user added.

While others simply left fire emojis and "Wow" under the star's candid snapshot.

Holden's stylist, Karl Willett, revealed on his own Instagram profile that the dress was a bespoke piece by designer William Wilde.

On his Instagram account, Wilde describes himself as a creator of "fantastical fashion". His company's website explains they specialise in beautifully hand made latex clothing.

Amanda Holden wore a hot pink, latex dress to attend BGT auditions, pictured in January 2022. (Getty Images)
Amanda Holden wore a hot pink, latex dress to attend BGT auditions, pictured in January 2022. (Getty Images)

Latex has been having a moment of late.

Previously the preserve of the dominatrix, PVC, vinyl and rubber has seemingly shrugged off its risqué image to become the fabric of choice for many an A-lister.

From the Kardashian-Jenner's rubber dresses, to Bella Hadid's high-gloss trousers, the the rubber trend is well and truly happening, whether we're ready for it or not.

Whether it's on the red carpets or the runway, many a celebrity has opted to make a bold fashion statement in a skintight latex number and the craze is showing no sign of abating any time soon.

Read more: Amanda Holden celebrates lookalike daughter's 16th birthday with photo: 'Total mini-me'

Lady Gaga chose a PVC-esque number to meet the Queen in December 2009. (Getty Images)
Lady Gaga chose a PVC-esque number to meet the Queen in December 2009. (Getty Images)
Hailey Baldwin opted for red latex for a red carpet event in July 2017. (Getty Images)
Hailey Baldwin opted for red latex for a red carpet event in July 2017. (Getty Images)

But how did latex go from fetish to fashion?

The rebirth of the divisive material could perhaps be traced back to some notable pop-culture moments in the 90s and noughties - that unforgettable jumpsuit Britney Spears donned in her Oops! ... I Did It Again video, Rihianna's notorious S&M outfit and Lady Gaga opting for latex to meet the Queen.

But since then rubbery-clad models have squeaked down the catwalks of Balmain, Gucci, Thierry Mugler (RIP), and Vivienne Westwood, bringing the fabric to the forefront of fashion and swapping its fetish associations for something much more akin to female empowerment.

Read more: Amanda Holden works laced-up dress trend at 'Britain's Got Talent' photocall

Who could forget this iconic Kim Kardashian look at the Tom Ford show in 2017? (Getty Images)
Who could forget this iconic Kim Kardashian look at the Tom Ford show in 2017? (Getty Images)
Kourtney and Kim Kardashian attend the Balenciaga show head to toe in Latex, pictured in March 2020. (Photo by Pierre Suu/Getty Images)
Kourtney and Kim Kardashian attend the Balenciaga show head to toe in Latex, pictured in March 2020. (Photo by Pierre Suu/Getty Images)

The Kardashian-Jenner wardrobe staple has also now become beloved by musicians such as Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj and Rita Ora, earning it a place as a go-to material for many a red carpet event.

"The days when wearing latex was saved strictly for fetish clubs, and the bedroom are long gone," says fashion expert, Miranda Holder.

Watch: Amanda Holden pronounces 'wasabi' in bizarre way in TV show clip

Holder says the fabric has graduated from being used for the "shock factor" via costumes used by recording artists in their videos to being incorporated in many leading designer collections from Marc Jacobs to Versace and Saint Laurent.

"Designers, stylists and photographers love to play with colour and texture, and as latex can be such a vivid and vibrant option it was only a matter of time before it fell into the mainstream," Holder continues.

"There is no better way to show off your curves, grab your attention and make a statement than wearing Latex; Kim Kardashian has used it to great effect on many occasions and we quickly saw other celebrities follow suit."

Read more: Amanda Holden hurts her leg running to her hot tub

Kylie Jenner opted for subtle PVC arm detailing at the Emmy awards in 2019. (Getty Images)
Kylie Jenner opted for subtle PVC arm detailing at the Emmy awards in 2019. (Getty Images)
Bella Hadid seen wearing a pair of latex trousers in 2020. (Getty Images)
Bella Hadid seen wearing a pair of latex trousers in 2020. (Getty Images)

While latex, with its high shine and ultra smooth texture still makes it a sensual choice, Holder says it is also luxurious and opulent, as the fashion houses have demonstrated.

"But it is challenging to source, expensive and a difficult textile to work with, which is why we haven’t seen it splashed all over the high street," she adds.

Interestingly, and perhaps surprisingly, latex is also a vegan-friendly material choice.

"And because it comes from a renewable source and cannot be produced quickly, it’s an ecologically sound option too - something the fashion industry could certainly do with more of," Holder continues.

If you're interested in trying the look, but are afraid to go for a full-on skintight dress a la Kim Kardashian, Holder suggests making like Bella Hadid and opting for a pair of latex leggings.

"Their incredible shine really elevates an outfit - you do have to watch the squeaking though!"

Watch: Amanda Holden explains leg injury