Have you ever read about trend cycles? Once we learned about micro and macro trends, how often they stick around, and how often they’ll come around again, so many of our favorite fashion and design eras suddenly made sense. There’s also the rise and fall of trends: Those with a discerning eye may notice those like the bow trend becoming more and more popular, and others may feel like they blinked, and suddenly bows were everywhere. And as is characteristic of trends, every fade away, sometimes before you even know it or have time to prepare (RIP, skinny jeans).
I don’t know when bows will be out—something so intricately woven into the fabric of modern life (no pun intended) can never be totally obsolete, but at some point we’ll stop wearing them on our sweaters or dressing up our candlesticks with them. Until then, I remain head-over-heels for bows big and small, silk and organza, hand-painted and hand-tied. And here are a few reasons why:
Sandy Liang Hair Ribbon + Ribbon Runner | Emi Jay Bow Sweetheart Clip | Red Blazer with Pink Bow Belt | Baby Blue Porcelain Bow Stud Earrings | Pink Bow Fashion Print by Annie Naranian | Delphine Bow Top | Noa Black Moiré Bow Flat | Glitter Red Bow Sandals | Meri Meri Birthday Candles
Sandy Liang is quite possibly to credit for the entire bow blow-up of the last couple years, for which we’ll forever be grateful. From this floor length hair ribbon (hair bows could be this long? this is allowed?!) to the iconic bow runner, this is why such trends take off.
“Chapeau Lime Green Et Pink Bow” by Annie Naranian (can’t decide if I prefer this version or her) channels how chic we all feel when adorned in oversized bows.
Dylan bow cords from the queen of trends in dopamine dressing, Lisa Says Gah.
Emi Jay’s sweetheart claw clip for a coquette take on the trend. I’d scoop up the cherries too (and more on both of those later).
Love a simple hair bow too, like the brand’s bow barrette in oyster.
Hand dyed silk scarf with bow illustrations by noemiah
This rare 80s sweater with an oversized collar reminds us how often these trends come and go! It’s too good.
I have tons of beads (all of the above kinds, actually!) from my many unrealized plans to learn jewelry making… So for next year I’ll definitely be making these DIY beaded bow ornaments from Collective Gen. They’d look amazing as gift toppers or on a garland as well. I just hope they’re as easy as they look!
Mixed media artist Brianne Squillante of Little Creative Company makes these glossy ceramic wall bows in pretty pastels.
The biggest of bows… Adorning Willow & Wolf‘s storefront… Obviously in England.
The best part of a trend taking over? Seeing it in unexpected places… Like pie! Or cookies, like here.
Back on the ceramic front, how darling are these ceramic bow tumblers from Lila’s Clay Playground? Love these lil’ cups so much!
Love Lydia Bolton’s work… all of her accessories including these scrunchies and bows are upcycled from textile waste. She even teaches workshops so you can rework your own salvaged fabrics into trendy fashion.
More bow hair accessories, because you just can’t go wrong here. These hair bows are by Lelet.
I think in the end, seeing illustrations of bows might be my favorite way to see this trend! These bow escort cards by Ten Story Stationery are so charming and chic. Beautiful as save the dates, too!
