“Humiliating For All Women”: Influencer Under Fire For “Period Nightmare” Dress

Making bold statements is vital for fashion influencers however, Aussie content creator Cartia Mallan’s latest dress baffled her viewers with9 its particular choice of color.

The gown, designed by famous fashion designer Dimitra Petsa, abandons its pure white presentation around the crotch area, shifting into what appears to be a “blood-colored stain” that extends to the back and flows into the legs.

Viewers were quick to label the design as a “period nightmare,” with fans of the designer applauding it and detractors dismissing it as “positively ridiculous.”

The dress comes as a collaboration between Petsa and various influencers, Mallan included, who attended her “Wetness Workshop” during the 2025 London Fashion Week.

Australian fashion influencer unveils her latest dress, featuring a bold color choice that viewers dubbed a “period nightmare”

Influencer in a wetlook dress with lace detail, brown boots, posing outdoors amongst trees.

Image credits: cartiamallan

While many netizens were put off and felt the design was made “in bad taste,” those who had been following Dimitra Petsa’s brand since its inception in 2019 knew exactly what the gown was trying to convey.

The womenswear brand, called DI PETSA, was founded by the Greek designer to explore the relationship between women and water.

Seeking to portray each model as a Goddess born out of a painting, the brand’s creations function as artistic statements first and foremost, rather than pieces for everyday wear.

Influencer wearing a pink dress by a poolside with a flower in her hair.

Image credits: cartiamallan

Self-described as an “ecofeminist,” Dimitra Petsa uses her creations to explore different facets of the female experience, including motherhood, pregnancy, self-acceptance, lust, love, and, as her latest piece shows, periods.

While initially describing her particular style of fashion design as “Wetlook,” Petsa is currently exploring what she calls “Ethereal Pregnancy,” incorporating esoteric research into her works.

Several celebrities, models, and singers have worn similar outfits from fashion designer Dimitra Petsa, who seeks to highlight women’s “bodily fluids”

Influencer poses in a wetlook dress with a pink stain effect, standing in a dressing room.

Image credits: cartiamallan

By featuring the controversial outfit on her Instagram, Australian influencer Cartia Mallan joined a long list of famous models, singers, and celebrities who have worn Petsa’s dresses.

The list includes the likes of Shakira, Bella and Gigi Hadid, FKA Twigs, Lizzo, Doja Cat, and Nicki Minaj, among others.

Influencer wearing a "wetlook" dress with red stain design, looking in a mirror, sparking online outrage.

Image credits: cartiamallan

While all of her pieces are unique, they share a common theme of being partly see-through and incorporating flowing fabrics that stick to the skin, hence the “wet” look they’ve become known for.

Influencer wearing a white and red "wetlook" dress in a stylish setting.

Image credits: cartiamallan

DI PETSA’s collection features items that retail from anywhere between $6,900 runway-ready creations to more affordable options like $800 mini-skirts, tops, and bras.

“Wearing a Wetlook dress in public is a commitment to your self-birth and re-birth, the growth and healing that comes from letting go of the shame around our bodies and bodily fluids,” Petsa wrote on her website.

Experts explained that the goal of designs such as the one worn by the influencer is to convey very specific messages

Woman wearing a "wetlook" pink dress with draped design and gold accessories, posing in a studio setting.

Image credits: dipetsa

Speaking to Bored Panda, Toronto-based fashion designer and makeup artist Romina Sotelo wasn’t surprised by the adverse reaction a segment of the public had towards the dress.

“Designers unleash all of their creativity at events such as Fashion Week, and most of the creations they show intend to deliver a message,” she explained.

Model poses in a revealing wetlook dress.

Image credits: dipetsa

“Some wish to shock, others to surprise. Sometimes, it can be messages about who they are or about a societal issue they deem important.

“At the end of the day, it’s always important to analyze the designer’s history and trajectory before making any judgments,” Sotelo added.

Influencer posing indoors in a patchwork outfit.

Image credits: cartiamallan

Dimitra Petsa took the chance to unveil her latest collection at London Fashion Week, dubbed “Reflections of Desire.” It’s set to debut today (February 21) on the NEWGEN Catwalk Space at 17:00 London time.

Despite the controversy,  fans of the influencer defended the dress, valuing it as a form of art and praising its message

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cartia Mallan (@cartiamallan)

“Goddess period vibes, though, and I love it. It’s art,” one user wrote.

“This is exactly how I look when I freebleed,” another said.

“It’s so ethereal, and I love how the period stain makes it feel so feminine and powerful,” a reader explained.

“Menstruation goddess!” another said.

“Humiliating.” Some netizens took offense to the design, regardless of the message it was trying to communicate

"Comment criticizing influencer's 'wetlook' dress as tasteless and unnecessary.

Comment criticizing influencer's wetlook dress, highlighting outrage and societal impact of social media influencers.

Comment criticizing influencer’s wetlook dress, comparing it to Bianca Censori's outfits.

Comment criticizing an influencer's wetlook dress, questioning integrity and limits.

Comment expressing outrage over influencer's wetlook dress controversy.

Comment reacting to influencer's wetlook dress, suggesting it's related to a "period nightmare.

Comment reacting to an influencer's wetlook dress similar to a "period nightmare.

Comment on influencer's wetlook dress, criticizing creativity for attention.

"Comment by James Andrew about an influencer's wetlook dress sparking controversy.

Comment criticizing influencer's "wetlook" dress as humiliating for women.

Comment on influencer’s dress, discussing fashion boundaries and attention.

Comment on influencer's dress, described as interactive art and a conversation piece, sparking debate.

Social media comment about an influencer's "wetlook" dress causing controversy and public reaction.

Comment by Stephanie Jane Smith criticizing an influencer's "wetlook" dress.

Comment criticizing influencer's wetlook dress, stating "Free bleed but make it fashion," with 11 likes.

Comment about influencer's "wetlook" dress evoking a period stain, described as feminine and powerful.

Comment reads: "It’s giving period chic" with a fire emoji, discussing influencer’s wetlook dress.

Comment reading "period nightmare" referencing influencer's wetlook dress, with 470 likes.

Influencer's wetlook dress comment on Instagram: "Goddess period vibes though and I love it. It's art.

Comment on influencer's "wetlook" dress: "It's giving hey girl can u check me.

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