Feel the Fringe

We all remember how cowboy boots line danced their way into the fashion craze thanks to the movie, Dukes of Hazard. But ladies and gentlemen, the cowboy boot doesn't have to be the only western inspired look. Make room in your summer wardrobe for Zara’s new brown fringe shorts. This staple piece is for the strong, confident, fashionable women – adding a little western Indian glam to her outfit. Designers such as Giambattista and Alexander Wang are leading the frontier with their fringe pieces in their collections.

It can be tricky to match your clothes with fringe. Since it does stand out (in a good way) so match it with anything simple, such as a white, grey, or black colored shirt. Throw on your gladiator sandals and some bangles and you have yourself a unique summer look.

Not only is fringe on clothes – but jewelry and shoes as well. Canada’s own Norwegian Wood is a jewelry design company that create fringe pieces, like necklaces using aluminum, brass and wood. Canadian designer Erica Giuliani has a footwear accessory line that features a fringe strap you can attach to any pump, this will look great in the office or a night out with the girls.

Fringe is extravagant enough to stand out, yet simple that it won’t be considered weird – but hey, when is different ever considered a bad thing?


By: Jessica Moy

Let all the strings hang down.

Seventy years and once again fashion proved the age old saying that history always repeats itself. 1929 has left its mark on the summer of 2009 with its flapper inspired fringe trend. If there is one thing every girl should be partying in this summer, it's the perfect fringe piece.

I personally think the fringe trend is fabulous. It reminds of me of when I was younger and running around in my dance costumes. It reminds of me of time when I was in the spotlight and all eyes were on me and the fringe dancing around me as I moved. Wearing it now allows to me to remember what it felt like to be in the spotlight. Maybe I'm a little bias but I am totally for the fringe outbreak.

So how does one wear fringe? Fringe can be worn in many different styles. It works with anything from scarves to dresses to shoes to shirts. It is also making a lasting impression on jewelry.

When shopping for an excellent fringe piece the best advice I can give you is to seek after a fringe in a bright colour. I'm loving blue and orange for the summer.

Fringe is a piece of history that should stuck around for awhile. It's sleek, sexy and feminine. The modern day fringe is a little more sophisticated than the 1929 version. This makes it easy to wear now.

If there is one staple item in your wardrobe this summer it should definitely be something with fringe! Let your strings hang down this summer!

- Erin Jones