Latex in May: Eva Herzigova, probably most famous of the numerous models/actresses sporting latex at May’s Cannes Films Festival, wearing Avellano, the latex designer of choice at this year’s event. (On Instagram: Eva Herzigova; Avellano)

LATEX IN MAY: THE MONTH THAT JUST KEPT ON GIVING        

The month just gone was an unusually fertile one for spotting celebrities out and about in our favourite fabric, with the Cannes Film Festival in particular boosting the head-count of models, stars and fashionistas deciding to wear latex in May.

Unsurprisingly perhaps, the majority of those papped in latex during the 12-day festival on the French Riviera had chosen to wear designs by Paris-based Avellano, the hottest new name in celeb-friendly latex fashion since Paris Fashion Week (featured by us in March here).

Among the diverse disciples of Avellano, perhaps the most recognisable face was that of Czech model/actress Eva Herzigova (above) wearing Avellano’s black halter-neck latex gown. And wow — hard to believe she’s 50 now!

It’s also good to be able to report that London latex designer Atsuko Kudo, a longtime favourite with the Hollywood set, was also chosen by some Cannes attendees. But for the celebrity hive mind, driven as it is by never-ending FOMO, there was only one brand that really mattered this year.

Kim Petras (far left) and Nikki Minaj (in Vex latex) in the shiny video for their single ‘Alone’, which was premiered on May 2

(Watch ‘Alone’ on YouTube; Vex Clothing on Instagram)

MAY 02: Cannes might have been May’s main event, but significant appearances of latex in May began well before the Film Festival started, with the première of the music video for Alone, the new single by Kim Petras and Nicki Minaj.

The striking latex outfits worn by Nikki were provided by Vex Clothing, one of America’s major players in the celebrity-dressing stakes. Kim opted for shiny wetlook this time although she has also favoured Vex latex in the past.

Real Housewives star Erika Jayne in Venus & Violet latex, left. Right, Katy Perry in Vex latex as The Incredibles’ Elastigirl

(On Instagram: Erika Jayne; Katy Perry; Venus & Violet Latex; Vex Clothing)

MAY 10: Erika Jayne, star of reality show Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, popped up on Instagram in a shocking-pink corset dress with contrast cream bib detail complete with collar and tie, from LA-based mother-and-daughter design team Venus & Violet.

MAY 14: Not to be outdone for televisual latex, well-known rubber-lover and American Idol judge Katy Perry turned up on the show in a full latex outfit by Vex Clothing. To mark the show’s Disney-themed night, Katy appeared as Elastigirl from The Incredibles.

Cindy Bruna (left) and Isabeli Fontana were among the models helping to make Avellano the latex designer of choice at Cannes

(On Instagram: Cindy Bruna; Isabeli Fontana; Avellano)

MAY 16-27: the 2023 Cannes Film Festival provided a fantastic opportunity for some people who might or might not normally be seen in latex to give it a go while on the French Riviera.

Among those who are no stranger to latex was French model Cindy Bruna who wore Avellano’s black latex Shoulder Dress at the festival. In November last year, she’d looked equally stunning in a floor-length pink latex gown and matching opera gloves by the same designer.

If you prefer your latex with a bit less sheen and a bit more texture, Brazillian model Isabeli Fontana was the living proof that it’s just as sexy. Isabeli wore Avellano’s high-necked backless Straight Snake dress, so called as it features the designer’s ‘Snakeskin’ (chlorinated latex).

Girls about Cannes, left: Mia Regan in Avellano’s Snakeskin Chrome dress. Right: Natasha Poonawalla flies the flag for Atsuko Kudo

(On Instagram: Mia Regan; Natasha Poonawalla; Avellano; Atsuko Kudo)

Fashionista Mia Regan (aka Romeo Beckham’s girlfriend) used Cannes as the opportunity to swap her more usual style for a body-hugging Avellano chlorinated latex Slip Dress in Snakeskin Chrome, which she wore with matching stiletto-heeled silver boots.

Meanwhile, Indian businesswoman and fashion enthusiast Natasha Poonawalla reminded us that Atsuko Kudo is still a latex force to be reckoned with. Natasha, 40, carried off AK’s Joy Belle sleeveless latex gown and opera gloves with the grace and poise of a professional model.

Left: French model Ophélie Guillermand in Avellano Backless dress. Right: Indian actress/singer Shruti Haasan wears Atsuko Kudo

(On Instagram: Ophélie Guillermand; Shruti Haasan; Avellano; Atsuko Kudo)

French model Ophélie Guillermand daringly bucked the Cannes trend for black latex while not diverging from the trend for Avellano. At Cannes, she wore the designer’s turtleneck Backless Dress in Nightshade Blue latex.

Last but not least among our Cannes offerings of latex, Indian actress and singer Shruti Haasan chose black latex by Atsuko Kudo. Her elegant outfit comprised Kudo’s Puff Sleeve blouse with Kitty collar, teamed with Alejandra midi-length flared skirt.

In this yellow Atsuko Kudo latex ensemble, Britain’s Got Talent presenter Amanda Holden both wowed and confused tabloid pundits

(On Instagram: Amanda Holden; Atsuko Kudo)

MAY 29: Back in the UK, Britain’s Got Talent presenter Amanda Holden could hardly have failed to wow the show’s judges, television viewers and the breathless pundits of Britain’s tabloid media with the canary-yellow Atsuko Kudo ensemble she wore for the most recent BGT.

Years of perving over women in latex still doesn’t guarantee that those hacks will recognise rubber when they see it. And even when they do correctly identify it, chances are they’ll miss obvious detail.

After all, how good does your eyesight need to be to see that for our final example of latex in May, Amanda was wearing a corset-top over a skirt, and not a dress? Are the suspender straps not the teeniest clue? For aficionados, it’s Kudo’s Paris Cup Bustier over her Ariel Skirt with Train. Some people really should’ve gone to Specasavers!