In order to lure fashionistas back from a recession-inspired withdrawal, couture design houses such as Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, and Giambattista Valli are producing runway collections packed with details. In addition to the bows, clothes are rich with ruffles and ruching on classic pieces that range from mid-thigh pencil skirts to fitted, three-quarter-sleeve jackets.
Pair the details with simple silhouettes in neutrals and monochromatic jewel tones (absolutely no bows on florals, ladies), and a staple piece such as a cap-sleeve sheath dress turns into an architectural gem.
Essentially, it's the same extras on 1980s goofy prom and froufrou wedding dresses that are key to today's simplistic modernity.
"A bow is about happiness, but today [it] represents a certain maturity," said Amy Schaeffer, publicist for Saks Fifth Avenue in Bala Cynwyd. "Who doesn't want to look like an expensive present during the holidays?"
But let's be clear: You can't just buy an outfit with a bow and exude class. A big, lazy bow is best perched on shoulders. A bow with stiff loops and a big square knot looks sweet at the center of a strapless dress. And tiny bows make good buttons on a cardigan sweater.
And you don't have to limit your bows to clothes. A bowed patent-leather clutch, in metallics or black, can brighten up any outfit. Little studded earrings with bow posts have a lot of holiday pizzazz, and this season we're seeing wrist cuffs with embossed bows. (But we suggest you wear only one.)
"Basically, I think women want to feel pretty," Dollak said. "And bows help women feel happy, fun, and flirty. See, it all ties together."
Some pun intended. I
Contact fashion writer Elizabeth Wellington at 215-854-2704 or ewellington@phillynews.com.
