Décolletage (or décolleté, its adjectival form, in current French) is the upper part of a woman’s torso, comprising her neck, shoulders, back and chest, that is exposed by the neckline of her clothing. However, the term is most commonly applied to a neckline that reveals or emphasizes cleavage. Low-cut necklines are a feature of ball gowns, evening gowns, leotards, lingerie and swimsuits, among other fashions. Although décolletage does not itself prescribe the extent of exposure of a woman’s upper chest, the design of a décolleté garment takes into account current fashions, aesthetics, social norms and the occasion when a garment will be worn.

My oh my, oh my, oh my… The “Shoes: Pleasure & Pain” exhibition at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum is enough to make any girl weak in the knees!

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