1.19 // Trend: Fringe Benefits

Ah, such a cliche title. But hey, it works.

Fringe is usually directly associated with the druggies and hippies of the 60s and 70s, but this season it’s been revamped. Well, partially. Many of the looks featuring fringe also hail back to the Roaring 20s and 30s - when the Flappers ran rampant through the streets. More designers looked to that style of fringe than the 60s and 70s, I think it’s safe to say.

There are fringes on dresses, tops, bags, and shoes… mostly in a good way. I think fringe is good, but only used sparingly - if applied too heavily, fringe can kill a look. Go with one fringe item per outfit - a bag or shoe usually; if you’re feeling adventurous, try one of the fringe looks from the runway.

Two looks from Jil Sander // Spring 2009

Jasper Conran // Spring 2009

Nathan Jenden // Spring 2009. When you wear this, you bring your own disco ball! Although why you’d need a disco ball, I’d like to know…

Both, Alberta Ferretti // Spring 2009. A much more glam approach to fringe than usual… I like it, though. The first is a bit more 60s/Native American; the second, more flapper-esque. I prefer the second look; since it’s a bit shinier, it has a bit of modernization to it as well. Plus I think it’s just more wearable.

Alessandro Dell’Acqua // Spring 2009. This look has a more Native American feel to it too, especially paired with the boots and with that beaded belt. Not sure how I feel about it. I mean, it’s good, but wearability?

Gareth Pugh // Spring 2009. As always with his mix of futuristic sculptural jackets but added with a Victorian twist, GP has produced something completely unwearable (not with that collar, anyway) but totally amazing to gaze at in wonder. Love the shoes, too.

So if you don’t want to wear a half-revealing fringe dress, Indian tunic, or futuristic fringe shift dress, here are a few simpler choices.

Suede fringe bag, Forever21, $32

Silence & Noise flapper skirt, Urban Outfitters, $58

Purple fringe sandal, Gojane.com, $20

I have yet to invest in any fringe pieces, but I’ve been eyeing this purple fringe bag at F21, just because it’s so… you know. 60s.

Forever21, $22.

So unlike anything else I own.

Look du jour:

Doo.ri // Pre-Fall 2009

Haha, can you tell I’m procrastinating from studying?

I’m terrible.

~ r