Fashion · The Debate
Pain Or Drip?
Does high fashion have to hurt to be hot?
By Alfredo Oveimeh-Brown
We've all heard the classic saying: "Beauty is pain." For decades, fashion culture convinced us that if you aren't slightly uncomfortable, you aren't doing it right. From towering six-inch heels and bone-crushing corsets to heavy headgear and fabrics that refuse to breathe, looking good often feels like surviving a major endurance test. But as fashion evolves and Gen Z takes over the style narrative, a major debate is brewing on the streets and online: does high fashion really have to hurt to be hot? Or can we finally embrace the drip without the distress?
Let's look at why the "pain for fashion" culture stayed around for so long. Historically, luxury and high fashion were all about drama, structure and status. Walking awkwardly in ultra-thin heels or squeezing into tight silhouettes was seen as a sign of dedication to the craft. Nowhere is this endurance test clearer than on major red carpets. Think about the snatched-waist corsetry made famous by top designers; stunning gowns that regularly spark viral commentary because stars look like they can barely breathe or sit down. We've seen gorgeous celebrities step out in structured, heavily boned dresses that look like architectural masterpieces on camera, but require three people to help them walk into the room. And if we're thinking traditional, add a tightly tied gele that triggers a headache before they even serve the party rice, and you'll realise that glamour has practically turned into an Olympic sport.
For a long time, the unwritten rule was simple: suffer for the look, post the photo, take the applause. However, the game is changing rapidly and streetwear culture is leading the revolution. Modern fashion lovers are proving that you can look like a million dollars while remaining completely comfortable.
Look at how sneakers hijacked high fashion. A decade ago, wearing chunky sneakers to a red-carpet event or high-end party was considered a major fashion crime. Today? That's the real vibe. Luxury brands like Balenciaga, Off-White and Nike have turned comfortable streetwear into high fashion. Oversized blazers, wide-leg palazzo trousers, cosy knitwear and breathable fabrics are dominating runways and street style worldwide, and Gen Z are loving it.
In Nigeria, young designers are also redefining high fashion by prioritising both aesthetics and functionality. Designers like Kenneth Ize, Adebayo Oke-Lawal, Tolulope Oye, Chukwukadibia Ezeanyawu and Samantha Adebayo are making simple futuristic streetwear, relaxed-fit agbada styles and lightweight contemporary pieces that let you breathe, dance and move freely without losing an ounce of sophistication.
So, where do we draw the line? Pain doesn't equal style; confidence does. If you're constantly adjusting your dress, struggling to take a single step or counting down the minutes until you can take off your shoes, it ruins the energy. True drip is effortless. When you feel good in what you're wearing, your posture changes, your attitude shines, and the vibe becomes even more magnetic.
“Pain doesn't equal style, confidence does.”
High fashion shouldn't feel like a punishment. You can serve killer looks, command the room and still be able to walk home without pains and blisters. So the next time you're choosing a dress, ask yourself: "Does this dress make me feel like my most comfortable and confident self?" Because if you have to sacrifice comfort for confidence, you might be needing a rain check!