The History:
1860s
Fringe first appeared on the intricately designed clothes of Native Americans. Whether it was a top, dress, or moccasins, Native Americans often designed their suede garments with fringe.
1920s
Fringe was not really a mainstream trend until the 1920s - the age of flappers and independence. This look was inspired by parties and dancing that went on at the time. Women were having a good time and wanted their clothes to show it.
Vogue 1926 cover
1960s/70s
Fringe took a long break after the 20s and didn't come back until the late 60s and 70s. This was a big time for the fringe jacket - many musicians wore this look. As hippies and events such as Woodstock came into style, so did these jackets.
Elvis' famous fringe jacket
Elvis performing in 1970
Janis Joplin
Jimi Hendrix
1980s
Fringe was not as big in the 80s and what was popular were total opposites. There was the trendy side - this acid washed jacket. And there was a classier side - Tina Turner's flapper-esque dress.
Tina Turner
1990s
In the 90s, fringe makes a comeback and it is nothing but classy. Many designers were embracing the elegant side of fringe - shown through delicate dresses and tops. These looks give fringe a classy, yet fun and flirty makeover.
Vogue Italia, January 1990
Vogue Italia, August 1999
Vogue Italia, July 1991
TODAY
Today, fringe has been combined to encompass the edgy side as well as elegance. Two designs that really demonstrate this are YSL's Jacket and Proenza Schouler's dress from Spring '15. Both of these designs have the ability to be either extreme or classy. Not only has fringe really been embraced in clothing, but it has also made it's way into accessories - handbags, shoes, even jewelry. This is something that we haven't really seen in the past
Yves Saint Laurent Jacket
Proenza Schouler, Spring '15
Now that we have taken the time to see where fringe and tassel is in its history, I think it is time we discuss where it is in the fashion cycle.
I believe that the overall trend of fringe and tassel is in the peak stage. This trend can be seen on celebrities and bloggers, but now it is also appearing throughout the masses. Brands are producing it at affordable prices and people are buying it. It has reached fast fashion producers such as Zara, Forever 21, and H&M.
Fringed Jackets, on the other hand, are not quite there yet. This is due to weather. I predict that fringe jackets will reach the peak stage sometime in the fall/winter of 2015. This prediction is backed up by the designers that showcase fringe jackets on the runway for Fall of '15.
If you want to see more of what fringe looks are on the runway, check out this post.
Also, check out this post to see Miranda Kerr rocking the YSL jacket.
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