Was Bench’s “The Naked Truth” Fashion Event too Provocative and Degrading?

Last Saturday’s “The Naked Truth” denim and underwear fashion event by Bench drew much controversy that kept the web abuzz for days. The celebrities who participated in the fashion event flaunted their beautiful bodies while wearing the best creations from the homegrown clothing line.

Why has it become Controversial?

First off, there were a number of stars who made provocative gestures while walking the runway. There’s Tom Rodriguez who pulled down his briefs, leaving just enough material to cover his manhood. He and Dennis Trillo also figured in a scene where they watched two beautiful ladies make out right before their eyes.

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There was also Martin del Rosario who passed his right arm inside his briefs, reaching his left upper thighs.

Of course, who would ever forget Jake Cuenca’s bare-bottom underwear? Only he could pull that one off; despite criticism over his ‘bulging fats’, it could not be denied that he was among the sexiest and most confident of the men who walked Bench’s runway that night.

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Degrading Portrayal of Women

The woman-to-woman action on the catwalk elicited cheers and claps from the audience, especially because Dennis and Tom were there, watching the ladies make out.

Several blogs, however, feel that this was already quite degrading, especially because the men seemed to enjoy it – yet didn’t lock lips with each other. Hmmm now, that would look weird, right?According to the blog writers, that’s the culture we live in, wherein most of us feel like it was alright for women to display sexual acts such kissing each other in front of a large audience, yet we would bash those who portray some man-to-man action.

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There was also that moment wherein Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez kissed each other passionately on the catwalk. C’mon, guys, get a room!

The real-life sweethearts’ actions also drew cheers and screams from the crowd but it was too bad that it made some people uncomfortable, especially because it had seemed like Sarah loves to initiate passion. I don’t think there’s something wrong with a woman initiating lovemaking, but doing so in front of such a large audience? Ugh…some things are really just meant to stay in private, right?

There was no match, however, to Coco Martin’s number. Wearing a red jacket and a pair of long pants, he was among the very few fully clothed men at the fashion event. He wouldn’t even pass our notice, perhaps, if not for the fact that he was holding a woman on a leash. This woman crawled on all fours across the catwalk, in a sensual manner, of course.

Many sectors cried foul over this demeaning portrayal of a woman as a dog, a sexy slave.

Bench Issues Apology

After public outcry over the “degrading and demeaning” show, Bench had to issue a public apology.

Was There a Need for a Public Apology?

Netizens are torn as to whether the clothing line had to issue an apology over the issue. After all, it was an underwear fashion event – there’s bound to be some raunchy sexual behavior to be expected, right?

Those who attended the event knew they would be watching men and women who would walk down that runway while wearing just a few small clothing articles. With so many of those people parading across the catwalk, the event’s atmosphere would surely be sexually charged.

So, was there a need for a public apology? Well, as a respectable clothing line, they really should. Still, many netizens believe that we, Filipinos, should stop being too prude and star having an open mind about things issues such as this one.

How about you? What are your thoughts about Bench’s show?