The back is making a comeback!

Fashion-goers at Australian Fashion Week flaunting backless-inspired pieces at MCA Sydney

Whilst roaming the streets of Sydney CBD for the past week to uncover the realities of Australian Fashion Week, it became undeniably clear that the back has become fashion’s newest focal point.

A trend that stood out for not feeling gimmicky or overtly attention-seeking was the playful interpretations of exposed-back silhouettes seen on fashion-goers waiting outside the MCA in Sydney’s persistent drizzle.

Usually we want the strongest elements of our personal style on display at the front of our body, where the eye naturally lands when making connections with one another but this Fashion Week, the attention shifted elsewhere. Cut-outs across the back, contrasting ribbon corset structures, beaded jewellery that drapes just above the lower back dimples, and high halter necks with long draping bows were all on display. 

Kate Hudson in ‘How To Loose A Guy In 10 Days’

Image sourced via Pinterest

Like all fashion cycles, backless or open-back fashion didn’t just pop up out of thin air. Instead, this trend can be traced back to the 90s and early 2000s where bias-cut, high-neck halters, cowl-back and strappy silhouettes really dominated. Think of that now-iconic yellow satin dress that Kate Hudson’s character wore in ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ or Kate Moss rocking one of many naked back moments she has had over the late 90s.

Sarah Peart (20 May 2026)