Navel fetish
Navel fetish, also called belly button fetish, is a sexual attraction to the navel. It can involve its appearance, touch, piercings or clothing that leaves the midriff exposed.
Sensation and theories
Some believe that the navel and genitalia can send sensory information to similar parts of the brain, but this should not be treated as an established explanation for navel fetishism.
There are several anecdotal reports about navel stimulation and female orgasm. US Big Brother 3 winner Lisa Donahue has been quoted in connection with this, but she clarified in a 2006 chat that she could not achieve orgasm through her navel and simply enjoyed having it touched.
The bellybutton is a miniature image of the vagina, according to a theory attributed to anthropologist Desmond Morris. This is an interpretation rather than an anatomical fact. Navel fetishism is not limited to heterosexual attraction and also exists in gay and bisexual communities.
In some cultures, the belly is a symbol of female fertility and sensuality.
Belly button piercing
Many navel fetishists associate the navel piercing trend with the Aerosmith music video Cryin', where Alicia Silverstone had a fake ring "pierced" into her navel. Navel fetishists also blamed celebrities in the 2000s such as Britney Spears, Jessica Alba, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan for making the navel ring trend as popular as it became.
A few navel fetishists think navel piercing is a good thing, interpreting it as a sign that women want attention drawn to their navels. It also gives an excuse to talk about navels openly. However, a piercing does not itself indicate interest in sexual attention.
Other navel fetishists think that navel rings ruin the natural beauty of the navel or completely block the view of the navel.
Films and popular culture
The older film Bring It On is mentioned among navel fetish fans for the various bare-midriff outfits worn by the film's actresses. The costumes made Kirsten Dunst and Gabrielle Union familiar names in discussions of midriff fashion.
