THE last time we saw this many frills David Bowie was wearing them in his Ashes To Ashes video. Now, more than 20 years on, his sad clown has come back to life – on the high street of all places.
But don't expect full-on theatrical get-ups or historical nods, for this time around ruffles have had a chic makeover.
It's all thanks to the designers. Ralph Lauren's latest collection was the embodiment of femininity, with airy ra-ra hemlines an
d sexy tie necklines that harked back to the beloved Pierrot posters that hung in most teenagers' bedrooms 20 years ago. Christopher Kane, Lanvin, Marchesa and D&G also paid homage to the frill, injecting that all-important sex factor.
Clown-like collars, pussy-cat bows, billowing frill tops and sassy frill dresses are now prominent on the high street, with most retailers jumping on to the flirtatious and modern dandy look.
Luxurious shapes, such as Lanvin-inspired tiered dresses, make eye-catching silhouettes, and pops of enviable ruffle finishes are among summer's most coveted fashion features.
"It is a great summer look and bang on trend," says fashion graduate and Edinburgh stylist Jo-anne Lavin.
"Over-the-top ruffle tops are very Christopher Kane and perfect for those who are looking to create curves up top. Team with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt to balance out the silhouette."
Linea at House of Fraser, Jenners, Marks and Spencer, Matalan, Zara and Coast have some of the best curve appeal ruffle tops. Tongue-in-cheek takes on this trend include details like Mariachi style bow ties and elegant Edwardian frilled blouses, available from Mango, French Connection, Whistles and Anne Fontaine on Multrees Walk.
Complement waspish waistlines with a tiered ruffle skirt, worn to the knee or thigh-high. Reiss, Topshop, Warehouse, Miss Selfridge, Kookai and Zara have some of the best around, which can be dressed up or dressed down.
"For a bold statement, you can't beat a ruffle tiered dress," says Jo-anne.
"The mini dress versions work best on those with long, lithe pins or the slim, as they instantly add width. Sleeker silhouetted versions are available for those not blessed with perfect genes. The key here is to let the dress do the talking and under-accessorise. Reiss, Zara, Harvey Nichols, Cruise and Warehouse have an amazing selection."
Wear a frill under a sharp suit and take the trend to work. A puff-sleeved blouse is soft under a fitted waistcoat, yet tailored when partnered with suit trousers. Or a regal ruffle neck top can be worn day or night and dressed up or down accordingly. A graphic skirt gives the look a modern edge and is far from girlie. A frill-chested blouse is an attention grabber, so keep it simple with some sexy pale jeans and a tassled bag.
So think Bowie not boho this summer, and swap your hippy beads and maxi gypsy skirts for crinkled collars and frilly minis. Go on, you know you want to.
The full article contains 507 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
