Gillian Anderson’s appearance at the 81st Golden Globes on January 7 made waves not only for her elegant Gabriela Hearst gown but also for a unique and subtle detail – embroidery depicting a part of the female anatomy. Media outlets, including Anderson herself, initially referred to the design as “vaginas,” but the clarification from healthcare professionals reveals that it was depicting vulvas.
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Gillian Anderson’s Ivory Golden Globes Gown: A Closer Look
Delving into the details of Gillian Anderson’s strapless white ballgown by Gabriela Hearst reveals subtle vagina-inspired embroidery on the voluminous skirt. Anderson, when asked about the design, cited it as “brand-appropriate” and mentioned that it took more than three hours to complete each intricate design. The raw-edged skirt featured numerous floral patterns, and despite initial interpretations, Anderson clarified that it was not vaginal but floral embroidery.
Comfort and Candidness Off the Red Carpet
While Anderson graced the red carpet in a stunning gown, her off-the-carpet remarks about comfort and fashion preferences provide a glimpse into her candid personality. The actress, known for her role in “The Crown,” candidly shared her preference for going braless, citing discomfort. Her stay-at-home outfit of choice involves comfortable black sweats and a black hoodie, emphasizing her laid-back approach to fashion.
Ob-Gyns Weigh In on Correct Terminology
Obstetricians and gynecologists, such as Dr. Jill Krapf, emphasized the importance of using accurate terms for female anatomy. Dr. Krapf expressed frustration over the media’s tendency to avoid the term “vulva” and called for a more informed approach to discussing female body parts. Dr. Mary Claire Haver and Dr. Karen Tang, both ob-gyns, joined the conversation, highlighting the need to use precise terms when discussing female anatomy.
Anatomy Lesson: Vulvas vs. Vaginas
A quick anatomy lesson clarifies the distinction between vulvas and vaginas. The vulva constitutes the external genitalia, including the labia, clitoris, vaginal opening, and urethral opening. In contrast, the vagina is an internal, flexible, muscular tube connecting the vulva to the cervix. Despite this clear division, the term “vagina” is often misused as a catchall phrase for the entire female reproductive anatomy.
Persistent Confusion and Historical Misuse
Women’s health expert Dr. Jennifer Wider acknowledges the consistent misuse of the term “vagina” over the years. Contributing factors include a lack of complete understanding, the use of nicknames, reducing all female anatomy to a singular term, and societal shame. Dr. Shieva Ghofrany points to a lack of education, media reinforcement of incorrect terminology, and historical confusion around female sexuality and anatomy as reasons for the ongoing confusion.
Importance of Accurate Terminology
Women’s health experts stress the importance of using correct terms when discussing female anatomy for several reasons. Accurate identification aids in better healthcare communication, diagnosis, and understanding of potential issues. Dr. Ghofrany highlights that patients often mix up the terms, necessitating specific questions and examinations by healthcare professionals. Moreover, teaching children accurate anatomy terms has been linked to lower rates of sexual abuse.
Normalization Through Fashion
Despite the debate over the design of Anderson’s Golden Globes gown, experts agree that such fashion statements contribute to normalizing discussions around female anatomy. Dr. Wider sees Anderson’s dress as empowering and believes it can reduce stigma while triggering important conversations. Dr. Ghofrany views dresses like Anderson’s as subtle educational tools, helping to normalize discussions around female anatomy in everyday contexts like movies and music.
Gillian Anderson’s Golden Globes appearance not only showcased her fashion statement but also ignited a conversation about the importance of using accurate terminology when discussing female anatomy. The intersection of fashion, anatomy, and public discourse highlights the ongoing need for informed discussions to promote understanding and reduce stigma.