TOO MUCH TASSEL?
Bags are showcasing a little extra trimming this season. Sarah Young tracks down the best buys to nail the trend
It might not be a new trend but with a touch of bohemia, 1970s lustre and the Wild West, it’s definitely one we’re glad to see making comeback. Leading the way this season, fringed bags are one of those enduring styles that cyclically return to the fashion fold and, with Western-inspired fare riding high on the runways its revival should come as no surprise.
A brand that habitually embraces an all-American vibe, Coach’s teeny leather bag called The Dinky came loaded with images of Elvis, masses of fringing and tooled hardware that felt Western with a 1970s tinge. A sentiment that continued at Elie Saab, the fringe trend met metallic materials with silver and gold tassels that hung from the bag.
“It’s about dancing – the disco, the Seventies!” the designer said backstage. At Giorgio Armani, fringing was absolutely everywhere, accessorising everything from graphic dresses and crochet tops to galaxy print clutch bags while Altuzarra opted for a more reticent approach. Crossing the pond: Coach embraced an all-American vibe with masses of fringing
Here, small snakeskin carriers were adorned with colourful tassels in a bid to bring back bag charms and dress up dreary carryalls. No longer the reserve of your nanna’s floral curtains, it’s time to fully immerse yourself in all the fringe benefits that come with tasselled accessories this spring and luckily, there are so many options to choose from.
For an everyday look, invest in a fringed saddle bag that drapes across your body or take your cue from the disco divas at Elie Saab and choose a metallic style for a night on the town. The key here is to remember that less is definitely more. The fringe bag might be one of the quickest ways to jump on the bohemian trend but to avoid looking like you’ve roamed a little far from your home it’s important to stick to just one piece.