Take a bow in style, ladies!
In the ’60s, pussy bows were seen in collections by Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent, two fashion houses that were trying to inject a dose of feminity and class into every woman’s wardrobe. A tie-up at the neckline, it resembles the bow that’s tied around the neck of a kitten, which is why it got the fancy moniker.
In the 1980s, after Margaret Thatcher became the UK’s first female Prime Minister, pussy bows emerged as a key part of her political image, making them desirable and popular.
Today, we see glam interpretations of the trend on international and Indian runways. Recently, at the Paris
Haute Couture Week, Chanel, Alexander Vauthier, Giorgio
Armani and many other fashion houses showcased their version of the bows. In the pandemic, as waist-up fashion mattered the most, bows showed up in ready-to-wear collections. “The pandemic changed how people dressed. The WFH lifestyle, zoom calls and quarantine parties impacted fashion. Pussy bows are formal yet comfortable enough for zoom calls and look feminine and a bit dressy in an otherwise gloomy atmosphere. They add a little bit of effortless grace and detail to an outfit and enhance the look,” says
designer Shruti Sancheti.
STYLE IT RIGHT
“Any basic garment with bow on the shoulder or neckline looks elegant. Keep accessories minimal and avoid anything around the neckline such as scarves,” says stylist Eshaa Amiin. For a relaxed look, chiffon and georgette tops with pussy bow work best. Metallic ones are great for an evening look.