By | Frigillana Gomez
It’s no secret that women, regardless of their status or profession, have been shamed for embracing their sexuality, let alone facing the stigma surrounding strippers—better termed “exotic dancers.” As ironic as it may seem, given that dancers are known for wearing minimal clothing, the fashion influence of pole dancers and strippers extends further than one might think, and it is even prevalent today in women’s fashion. From Pleaser heels to “floss” (dancewear), money bags, and garters, each of these items serves a specific function that helps dancers maximize their earnings. Pleaser heels typically feature openings for dancers to stash their tips, whether through the clear platforms at the bottom of their heels or the zippers on the outside of their boots. Dancewear, also known as “floss,” is designed to showcase the body, allowing dancers to move easily while gripping the pole. Garters provide another spot for customers to stash bills while strippers are on stage or in the midst of a dance, serving as an accessory to their outfits.
Stripper fashion has significantly influenced how women dress today. Poster Girl, a dancer-focused fashion brand, has gained traction in recent years and features a pin-up girl in its logo. Their bodysuits went viral between 2022 and 2023, prompting brands like Fashion Nova to create dupes of Poster Girl’s expensive clothing. While this made it more accessible for women who want to flaunt their bodies, it remains a knockoff of Poster Girl, which was designed specifically for strippers. Poster Girl recently launched a campaign showcasing their newest clothing line in New York City, which highlighted the absurdity of making it a crime to be “c*nty.” The campaign featured rap artist JT, iconic model Cindy Wolf, and others, showcasing a variety of fishnet looks, micro clothing, and jelly corsets.
Sexuality and sex itself are key aspects of the fashion industry, as designers aim to focus on appeal and flattering silhouettes. Even if dancers are nearly naked and profiting from it, they undeniably impact how non-strippers wear Pleaser heels when going out or simply wanting to feel sexy. Strippers play an essential role not only in fashion but also in the music and film industries. From the costume design in "P-Valley" and "Hustlers" to the looks in the 90s movie "The Players Club" featuring Trix (Adele Givens) and Ronnie (Chrystale Wilson), it is clear that dancers possess serious style and an aura surrounding their craft. Musicians ranging from The Weeknd ("The Morning") to Partynextdoor ("No Chill" music video), Juicy J ("Bandz a Make Her Dance," "Bounce It"), Nicki Minaj ("I Endorse These Strippers"), Rihanna ("Pour It Up"), and Beyoncé ("Six Inch Heels") all express admiration for dancers who perform in clubs. Some of the most popular female artists today, such as Summer Walker, Cardi B, Lady Gaga, Azealia Banks, and Eve, have all emerged from the strip scene.
Although this may cater to the male gaze, there is something undeniably empowering about dancing in one’s body and feeling confident—something we all do in our rooms when no one is watching, let alone on stage in front of a crowd. Exotic dancing dates back to ancient times, and while the stripper scene has its disadvantages, the power of fashion endures. Six-inch heels can be either praised or condemned, depending on when, where, who, and why someone wears them—Pleasers or otherwise. Fashion designers like Vivienne Westwood, Marc Jacobs, and Steve Madden are known for their remarkably tall shoes. However, when these are worn as platforms compared to stilettos, it alters public perception. As iconic footwear designer Christian Louboutin once said, “The stiletto heel is a female weapon that men simply don’t have.” Stiletto heels are sharp; their purpose is not only to make women taller and more commanding but also to establish dominance over men in order to earn their money through looks and sex appeal.Video vixens of the 90s and 2000s often wore bikinis with heels, while women going out to clubs enjoyed dancing freely. So, who is to judge a woman for making money doing the same? After all, exotic dancers are muses. The strength it takes to climb up and down the pole and dance song after song should not be underestimated. The entire music industry has drawn inspiration from nightlife and from women embracing their sexuality in a world where they have long been denied the power to empower themselves as they choose. At the end of the day, you gotta respect the hustle.
Sources
Fitzpatrick, C. (2019, September 18). How Hustlers costume designer Mitchell Travers used stripper history to dress J.Lo and Constance Wu. Paper. https://www.papermag.com/hustlers-stripper-costumes
Lodi, M. (2019, August 23). The history of stripper heels and how they became iconic. BuzzFeed News. https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/mariemlodi/stripper-heels-history
Wiggle Club. (n.d.). The role of strip clubs in pop culture: From movies to music. Wiggle Club. https://www.wiggleclub.com/the-role-of-strip-clubs-in-pop-culture-from-movies-to-music/
Moore, C. (2020, July 5). Evolution of stripping. Medium. https://medium.com/@cmoore0362/evolution-of-stripping-a6024665e1d2
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