Find yourself on the fashion fringes with this season's shaggy look. This ultimate luxe boho look is decorating everything from dresses and skirts to shoes and purses.
If you like to wear your outfits Pocahontas style, then this season’s fashions could be just right for you. Whilst some of this season’s fringed runway looks are comical and costumey, most are wearable in the form of tassels hanging loosely from bags, tops and flapper dresses or fringed-edging on footwear, bags and beach attire.
The Shaggy Look
According to Elle magazine’s online fashion report from the word’s runways, “On the Fringe”, "Giorgio Armani adorned everything from a one-shoulder drape top to a sexy pencil skirt in black silk fringe, while Christopher Bailey incorporated ruching, feathers, and fringe to create layer upon layer of well-defined texture at Burberry.”
In Milan, Dolce &Gabbana also showcased a shred-tiered, off-the-shoulder top, reminiscent of a shaggy dog. The Old English Sheepdog look is set to continue into fall with heavy-duty fringed leg warmers, yeti-like jackets and boots.
Fringe Benefits
Fringing for 2008, for the most part, is a sophisticated affair with a touch of fringe here and there, rather than a full on yeti look! Fringing can be seductive as “it's very sexy, the way it moves," said Genevieve Jones, (in the Huffington Post article, "Fringe is Back"), the accessories designer whose strappy black fringe satchel has become a favorite of fashion editors.
Fringed Footwear and Handbags
When it comes to bags and purses, fringing comes into its own. Typical examples are Prada’s Fringe Bag (worn by Eve Longoria) available from online retailier, Asos, or Robert Cavalli’s shaggy-fringed clutch (£775 Net-A-Porter). Whilst at first glance you may be excused for thinking this purse looks more like a Pekinese dog, the fringe detailing on this long clutch purse screams boho. For those on a budget who love a little luxe, Whiting & Davis have a shimmering fringed-frame purse ($108) available from Nordstrom.
Hobo and messenger bags lend themselves nicely to the adornment of fringes. The Juddy Fringe Bag by Antik Batik, (£145 Net-A-Porter) provides a versatile and more practical nod to the trend. Match it with some Antik batik, fringe flat sandals (£85 from Asos) for a more top-to-toe look.
In the shoe department there are fringed flats, slingbacks, pumps and boots. Take a pair of Cavalli fringed leather slingbacks (£370 Net-a-porter) to match with the Cavalli shaggy clutch, or if you have a passion for gladiators, then consider a pair of Veronica Etro’s shredded suede gladiators. With fringes on warrior boots, who knows where the gladiator trend will end?
Asos does a nice line in fringed bags and footwear for those on a budget, including seasonal shoe boots, fringed moccasins and over-body bags.
Fringed Flapper Dresses
Flapper dresses also shake and shimmer, taking fringing to the max. Paying homage to the fabulous starlets of Hollywood’s silent screen, this season’s modern twist on the flapper dress sees elegant at flamboyant luxury. One of the season's best examples is the flapper-style, hot little pink number from Salon Kitty – the Fringed Foxtrot Dress.
Finally as the summer season is almost amongst, there are fringed caftans, bikinis and swimsuits to tempt you. Inject a little luxe boho into your life with the sexy Tooshie Ibiza Shammy Bikini (£260), recommended by Fashion Kitty.
Keep Your Outfits "On The Fringe"
If you intend supporting the fringe trend this season then be careful to avoid overkill. When wearing fringing, keep it on the fringe by restricting it to just one item. Pair it with something simple, and let the fringe detailing shine! However, if you want to team your purse with some fringed-fashion footwear, remember to still keep in minimal to avoid the yeti look!
