The way to a designer's heart is now through the stomach

Is the midriff the new cleavage?

At last year’s Emmys, Gwyneth was the talk of the town, and Twitter, thanks to a particularly revealing Pucci gown — a preview from the spring 2012 collection that had yet to hit the runway.

The headline-grabbing ensemble was considered revealing thanks to a band of exposed flesh around the midsection. There was no deep decolleté or thigh-high slit. Instead of laying bare erogenous zones, the exposed belly appeared more erotic, due simply to its rare presence on the red carpet.

While strapless, low-cut gowns rarely earn a second look these days, Gwyneth’s intricate sheer gown with its cutoff top seemed all the more risqué.

What’s the allure of this new trend?

Numerous designers felt the lure of the bare midriff for spring/summer 2012 — summer, after all, being the season of baring all. Yet for all its boldness, the trend possesses a coquettish reticence — at once provocative and virtuous. Though sexy, the bared midriff lends itself a wholesome athleticism, as though harking back to the sporty cuts of the ’50s.

At Roland Mouret, minimalist cutouts provide a striking effect, particularly when paired with that decisive display in the middle.

A folksy asceticism at Miu Miu and a folksy bohemianism at Missoni resulted in midriff-revealing ensembles at opposite edges of the spectrum, thanks mainly to Missoni’s maximalist stance for S/S 2012. The Missoni family is not afraid of a flounce or two — or 20.

Visions of gypsy trustafarians powered the Pucci collection, a seductive mix of cropped form-fitting blouses and full skirts. The pockets hidden in the skirts’ luxurious folds made it all the more tangible, more approachable — as though to say: “Here is exoticism made modern.”    

Versace’s glam approach paired metallic rivets along the hem of bandeau tops. Mariah would appreciate them sans jacket, all the better to reveal her post-baby bod.

At Prabal Gurung, slivers of flesh just above the hip, in triangular cutouts swathed in sheer fabric-peeked out between hyper-abstract florals or blocks of color.

Playfulness ruled at Blumarine, Frankie Morello and Opening Ceremony, a celebration of impish hues and fanciful prints.

Even Narciso Rodriguez offered a sporty-slouchy take on the trend, unveiling the midsection through a sheer paneled tank with a low-waist skirt.

It takes a certain woman — with a flat abdomen, naturally — to take on the new style.

For those wary about approaching the trend, the only requirement is a strong stomach.