Fringe and tassels have a long history in fashion, with evidence of their use in ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians and the Aztecs. In modern fashion, fringes and tassels are used to create glamorous and dramatic looks with its roots dating back to the 1920s. They are used to add texture and movement to garments, as well as to create a sense of bohemian or Western-inspired style. With their popularity waxing and waning over the years, they remain a timeless and versatile decorative element that can be used to add interest and movement to any outfit. Fringes and tassels are making a comeback in recent years. Tomorrow.events foresees the trend to be all the rage in the summer and fall of 2023!
Fringe Fashion History
Fringed dresses, skirts, and accessories were seen as a symbol of liberation and rebellion against the conservative fashion of the previous era. The fringes moved and danced with the wearer’s movements, creating a sense of freedom and excitement.
Fringe in the ’20s
During the Roaring Twenties, fringe became a symbol of the decade’s youthful exuberance and rebellion. Fashion designers such as Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin incorporated fringe into their designs. The style was characterized by short, fringed dresses that often featured tassels. Hollywood films, such as The Great Gatsby (1926), helped popularize the flapper style and its use of tassels in women’s fashion.
Fringe in the ’30s
During the 1930s, tassels were popular on evening gowns and opera coats. Elsa Schiaparelli incorporated tassels into her designs, and actress Marlene Dietrich was often seen wearing tassel-adorned garments in her films.
Fringe and the Bohemian Times
Tassels were popular in the 1960s, particularly on accessories such as handbags and belts. Yves Saint Laurent, who was famous for his bohemian-inspired designs, incorporated tassels into many of his collections during this decade. Hollywood and the music industry, both played a vital role in making fringe mainstream. The Beatles’ iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover also features tassels on their military-inspired jackets.
The 1960s and 1970s were a time of great social change, and the counterculture movement of the time had a significant impact on fashion. Clothes and accessories with fringes and tassels were often handmade, emphasizing the DIY ethos of the hippie movement.
Woodstock, the documentary film about the legendary music festival featured several musicians wearing fringed clothing, including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Joe Cocker. The film helped to cement fringed garments as a symbol of counterculture fashion.
From Festivals to Global stage
Yves Saint Laurent often used tassels in his collections, particularly in his bohemian-inspired pieces. Designers such as Halston, and Ralph Lauren incorporated fringe into their collections. It became a popular trend among music icons such as Stevie Nicks, Janice Joplin, Joni Mitchell and Cher.
Stevie Nicks – The singer, known for her bohemian style, often wears fringed shawls and dresses on stage. Her iconic look helped to popularize the trend in the 1970s and 1980s.
The B-52’s wore tassel-covered outfits not only in their videos but also during live performances.
The ’10s!
In the 2010s, fringe took over again, particularly in the form of festival fashion. Designers such as Isabel Marant and Saint Laurent incorporated fringe into their collections. Consequently it became a popular trend among celebrities such as Kendall Jenner and Vanessa Hudgens at Coachella. Speaking of fringe fashion, how can one forget Madonna live performing her super hit track Material girl!
Beyoncé has worn several fringed outfits in her music videos, including “Crazy in Love” and “Single Ladies.” Her performances and videos have helped to make fringed garments more mainstream. Its not possible to mention Beyoncé without reminiscing about her 2013 Super Bowl performance (where she also sported the fringe fabulously)!
Western-Inspired Fringe
In the American West, fringes and tassels have been a staple of cowboy and cowgirl fashion for decades. Similarly fringes and tassels are prominent in western-inspired jackets, boots, and accessories.
Fringe on the Runways
Western-inspired fashion has always had a place in mainstream fashion, with designers like Calvin Klein and Tom Ford incorporating western elements into their designs.
At New York Fashion Week 2022, Proenza Schouler showcased their Spring/Summer 2023 collection, that featured several amazing designs with frringe benefits.
Fringe and Street Fashion
Street fashion has been a major source of inspiration for fashion designers and brands for many years, and fringes and tassels are no exception. One example of this influence is evident in the work of French designer Isabel Marant, who is famous for her bohemian, effortless style. Fringes and tassels are prominent in her collections. She attributes her use of fringes and tassels to her travels around the world and her love for vintage clothing.
The Latinx Influence
Fashion and culture are closely interconnected, and the evolution of fashion is a reflection of the cultural changes that occur over time. Latinx culture has undoubtedly played a role in the resurgence of the fringe trend. Latinx fashion has been gaining mainstream attention in recent years, with designers and brands incorporating Latinx influences into their designs. For example the use of tassels in jewelry and accessories. Tassel earrings, necklaces, and bracelets have become increasingly popular in recent years. As a result many designers have taken inspiration from Latinx fashion in creating these pieces. For example, jewelry brand Lizzie Fortunato has incorporated tassels into their designs, with pieces like the “Frances Tassel Earrings” and “Greta Tassel Necklace” featuring tassels in bright, bold colors.
Luxury womenswear designer Christian Siriano has incorporated fringe into several of his recent collections. His Spring 2020 collection featured a number of pieces with fringe detailing, including a fringed denim jacket and a fringed black dress.
At the 2020 Grammys, Rosalia, who won a Grammy in the Category Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative album, stunned in an Alexander Wang belted red leather dress equipped with a draped fringe skirt and Alexander Wang heels.
The American fashion brand Rodarte beautifully features fringes and tassels in their Fall/Winter 23/24 collection, earlier showcased during New York Fashion Week earlier this year.
Fringe on the Red Carpet
Amal Clooney, bedazzled in a Versace dress at the Annual Gala of their foundation, The Clooney Foundation for Justice.
Salma Hayek looked stunning in a burnt orange sequined Gucci dress with Tassels to the 2023 Oscars.
Michelle Yeoh dazzled in a black Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown that featured yellow sequined fringe down to the bottom at the SAG awards 2023.
Jennifer Lopez stole the show by making a surprise appearance at the 2023 Grammy Awards sparkling in a deep blue Gucci gown donned in shimmering fringe.
Margot Robbie wore a sparkling pink halter top dress with a chevron pattern and large fringe trims on the skirt from Chanel at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards.
Naomi Watts looked breathtaking in a figure-hugging elegant beige Givenchy dress that dropped to the floor in tassels.
Elizabeth Olson also chose Givenchy, a 1920’s inspired black sequins dress with fringed detail and a sheer panel to the 2023 Oscars.
High-end brands like Chanel have also been influenced by the use of fringes and tassels in street fashion. Their ready-to-wear spring/summer 2023 collection has elements of tassels in some of their designs, that elevated the dresses even more
Festival Fashion
Music festivals like Coachella have also become a major source of fashion inspiration, and fringes and tassels are a staple of festival fashion. Attendees often wear fringed suede jackets, tasseled kimonos, and fringed boots in order to create a bohemian, free-spirited look. Additionally brands like H&M, Forever 21, and Topshop have all created festival-inspired collections that feature fringes and tassels.
Fringe Magic
In conclusion the versatility of fringe makes it an absolute must-have, as it compliments people across body shape. Moreover it can be worn in many forms; a dress with fringe furnishing the hemline, a fitted top with tassels as sleeves, or even on boots. Futhermore fringe tops easily pair with high-waist pencil skirts or formal trousers. Its best to compliment pieces with fringe hemlines with subtle accessories and casual shoes. You can also wear tassels on your jackets and trousers with simple and stylish tops. Fringe jackets also complement jumpsuits, and if you want to play around with fringes in a different style they look great on the sleeves or even wrists.
For those windy summer days or breezy autumn evenings, scarves with tassels compliment the simplest of outfits and for the approaching fall a fringe hemline sweater will be great in your closet and on you! Remember, the best way to carry fringes is by smart layering.
The Future of Fringe
From Western-inspired street style to festival fashion, from the counterculture movement to the Latinx culture influence, and beyond, fringes and tassels continue to be a versatile and stylish way to add a bohemian, free-spirited vibe to any outfit. With this in mind Tomorrow.events predict that this trend is now here to stay. So hurry up and get your fringe game on!
