It showcased a drastic change from their previous singles, with R&B influences, brass solos and funk guitar riffs, in addition to a Prince-style falsetto from lead vocalist Simon Le Bon.

It nonetheless continues to see radio airplay and was commended by both critics and fans as one of the best songs from Notorious, with praise for the production and performances.

A prominent brass section played by the Borneo Horns was featured, with elements of funk guitar and scaled-back synths.

The original French and Canadian "bum" sleeves for "Skin Trade" with gold lettering for the titles were withdrawn after retailers refused to distribute it due to its depiction of nudity.

Cash Box praised Le Bon's "Prince like vocal" and Nile Rodgers' production calling the song, "the most compelling, funky moment of the band's Notorious LP".

[4] William Shaw of Smash Hits called the song "fairly magnificant" and praised Le Bon's performance.

Footage of the three-piece band performing was treated with a rotoscope, adding vivid colors to details like a person's eyes or jewelry.

Drummer Steve Ferrone and guitarist Warren Cuccurullo, who would later become a full member of the band in 1989 after the tour supporting Big Thing, appear in the video but are rarely seen.