Why fringing is swinging back into our wardrobes
image via @capiaghisummer/instagram
WORDS BY DAISY HENRY
Fringe benefits.
While my first foray into fringed fashion came during the boho era of the 2010s (thanks Sienna Miller), it has deep roots. Fringing has long held meaning in American Indian forms of dressing, as well as 1920s flapper-style dresses.
The style has piqued and dipped over the past century, before eventually shifting back out of focus – until recently. Fresh off the Australian Fashion Week (AFW) runways, fringing has swung back around and begun sprouting in the collections of some of our favourite local designers.
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St. Agni and Maroske Peech were early adopters, each offering playful takes on the style, while Esse’s AFW collection showcased a range of delicate and layered tasselling.
Regardless of where you sit on the minimalist to maximalist spectrum, it’s a playful way to add dimension and movement to your outfit. And you only need to lean in as much as feels comfortable – for something subtle, you can opt for a pair of tasselled loafers, or you can make a statement in a full-length gown. If you’re finding yourself curious, we’ve rounded up some of our local labels below.
Leather belts, skirts and shoes
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One of the first places we spotted the style was late last year in St Agni’s Resort ’26 runway. Crafted entirely from leather, the knee-length belt-skirt hybrid comes in both black and white colourways. Adding a layer of dimension and movement, it can be worn on its own with a classic shirt or layered over pants.
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Capiaghi Summer is another label that has mastered the art of leather fringing. Its leather Sway Fringe belt cascades asymmetrically and fastens together with a silver buckle, while its Sway Fringe bag features a removable strap.
If, however, you’re looking for a more subtle way to introduce some leather fringing into your wardrobe, then we’d suggest starting from the ground up. Dr Martens Adrien Tassel loafer is adorned with a double tassel and kiltie fringe, while Alias Mae’s Dominique loafer offers a small nod to the style.
Delicate tasselling
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Fringing made a strong appearance in the AFW collection of Sydney label, Esse. Known for its sleek formalwear and tailoring, the brand opted for a more delicate approach, featuring long, thick tiers of Italian rayon fringing. Our favourite styles are found in its Cinca edit, from the Maxi dress to the halter Fringe necklace.
In a similar vein, Christopher Esber has a macrame-style take on fringe, with its hand-knotted Unravel top and matching shorts, and St Agni makes a reappearance with its silk tassel top and oversized clutch.
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If you’re on the lookout for a particularly unique piece, then you can’t look past Monphell’s Ren Sequin dress. Made locally in Melbourne, the full-length style is adorned with a sequin finish, balloon sleeves and electric blue fringing on the cuffs and hemlines.
Unexpected and playful
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One of our favourite takes on fringing is Maroske Peech’s Pony tights. A high-rise cut, the style features hand-cut black detailing sewn into the back leg seam, which cascades from the upper thigh. As the website reads, “this style is perfect for show ponies”.
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For another playful option, we love New Zealand label, Wynn Hamlyn. Part of its latest and final collection, the Corrine mini skirt and dress is full of unique detailing. Woven with a checkered pattern, both styles feature long fringe detailing on the side, with a woven panel draped through.
For more fringing inspiration, try this.
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