India, April 28 -- In Mumbai, city known for its heat and humidity, pop icon Rihanna's high-gloss Mugler look from Miguel Castro Freitas' Fall/Winter 2026 collection felt almost counterintuitive. The outfit, a flowing mock-neck top paired with a mermaid-style skirt, leaned into latex's sculptural shine and high-impact finish. Visually, it delivered. Practically, it sparked a bigger question: why is latex still making its way into summer wardrobes, despite being notorious for trapping heat, causing discomfort, and even triggering skin issues? Fashion designer Rina Dhaka says, "Most of these looks come from fall collections, celebrities and stylists are sourcing what is available. Wearing latex in Mumbai or Delhi isn't climatically right. Celebs are wearing it in settings where the temperatures are controlled. Fashion has no rules if you're willing to compromise on comfort." Not just RiRi, but other notable Indian celebs have also been spotted wearing latex at multiple outings this season. Actor Kriti Sanon recently wore an Atsuko Kudo latex look at an event, while Nimrat Kaur and Shanaya Kapoor have also embraced the trend. Globally, American rapper Megan Thee Stallion is leaning into sculpted latex bodysuits, while singer Addison Rae experiments with bold colours. The look is striking and high-gloss, but it's still the same clingy, heat-trapping fabric underneath. "Though latex is high-impact and fashion, but it's not breathable," says fashion designer, Nachiket Barve, adding, "In summer, especially in India, it can feel uncomfortable and may even cause skin irritation." Stylist Vikram Seth, adds, "It traps heat, increases sweating, and can get uncomfortable very quickly in hot and humid weather. As a stylist, I always advise dressing for the climate and comfort." Despite this, celebrities still pick latex. Explaining this, Manjari Mishra, personal stylist, shares, "With its high-shine, second-skin effect, it instantly grabs attention. In a time where standing out has become increasingly difficult, that kind of instant visual pull matters. It's something both celebrities and designers are naturally drawn to." With inputs from Aadrika Sominder...