The space that drives men crazy

It is simply air, of a shape and place defined by that which surrounds it. The larger the depth of absence, the more desirable the presence of that which defines it. It is celebrated, augmented, displayed, and featured by fashion. It is an emptiness of remarkable desirability. It is frequently not only created by fashion, but a true fashion accessory; when the regions above it and below it are suitably adorned by expensive diadems, they draw more attention to this delicious gap, and when it is suitably displayed, it draws more attention to the diadems as well. It can be deepened, deepened dramatically, and even plunged.

This non-existence is instantly recognizable, dutifully acknowledged, and strongly admired. It demonstrates exposure, and the more of it that is shown, the more that the diminishing hidden remainder is desired. The curvature of this enchanted space is utterly unique, and for that reason it holds a place of honor and attractiveness beyond its intrinsic value, for it is a gap, a location between the physical objects which create it and mold it.

It can be a place of pleasure and enjoyment for both the male and the female of the human species, and when such pleasure is mutual, it verges upon the sublime. And yet it can also simply be a resting place, filled by love and innocence.

I am speaking here of decolletage or cleavage, the lovely space defined between a woman's breasts. Cleavage can be subtle or obvious, barely glimpsed or obviously visible, displayed so as to show if its upper side, its middle, or even (rarely) its lower regions. There are a few different words in different languages for it, but most words primarily are related to decolletage. (Actually, to be precise, decolletage is also about a garment that reveals the space between the breasts, and can also refer to the upper surfaces of the breasts.)

Here are four outstanding examples (in order, Jennifer Love Hewitt; Rachael Neiberding; Salma Hayek; Bar Rafaeli, and Melissa Satta):