Influencer Cartia Mallan’s dress has gone viral after fans pointed out an unexpected optical illusion in its design. The Australian content creator, who lives in London, recently shared a photo of herself in a white and red ombre gown for a London Fashion Week fitting. However, many quickly noticed that the red pattern resembled a period stain.
Mallan, who has nearly 500,000 followers, initially praised the dress, saying it made her “feel like a mermaid princess.” But commenters were quick to joke about the design, with one calling it a “period nightmare” and another asking, “Girl, do you need a tampon?” Others quipped, “Free bleed, but make it fashion,” while some praised the design as an artistic statement about womanhood.
After seeing the reactions, Mallan joined in on the humor, responding with the hashtag #freetheperiod and laughing at the unexpected attention her dress received. Some fans defended the look, calling it “ethereal” and a “powerful statement” about normalizing menstruation.
While it’s unclear if the design was intentional, the moment has sparked a conversation about fashion, art, and body positivity. Whether controversial or empowering, the dress has certainly captured public attention.
