BOW AESTHETIC

Bows are back, and this time, the adults are joining in. As for the bow aesthetic, we are from 2 parts to introduce, the history of bow, and the famous designers of bow dresses.

Bows originated in Europe during the "Battle of the Palatine" in the Middle Ages. Many soldiers used silk scarves around their necks to fix the collars of their shirts. The fashion leader Louis XIV noticed that, then a bow tie was designed. This kind of bow tie was quickly introduced from France to England, and then spread to Europe, becoming a symbol of nobility and elegance.

In the 17th century, the "Baroque style" was very popular, ladies and gentlemen begin to decorate their clothing with handmade lace ribbons. During this period, bows were used to decorate silk and satin garments, royal uniform, military honor medals, gold jewelry, etc.

In the 18th century, the "Rococo style" swept to Europe, and this period was also the "glorious age" of bow decoration. From Louis XIV’s bow tie to Queen Marie’s jewelry collection, bows have always been one of the favorite styles of European royal families.

In the 20th century, the bows began to appear in many designers' works. Bows are not only a display of women's imagination and charm, but also one of the most beloved design elements of fashion designers. Different brands have different interpretation styles.

In the 1950s, Jacques Fath, one of France's three fashion leaders, his 1950 spring exhibition caused a big sensation. Jacques Fath's is not limited to bow shape in his designs, but integrates its abstraction into fashion. This also laid the foundation for the bow to become an enduring design element in fashion.

Gabrielle Chanel also had a special feeling for bows. In her designs, bows symbolized elegance and nobility.

In 1927, Elsa Schiaparelli's famous work "Dislocated Visual Bow Knit Sweater" was born. This design was a bold innovation that transformed the bow from a three-dimensional shape into a flat two-dimensional decoration.

The bow element has been throughout the history of Christian Dior, from high fashion to perfume packaging, perfectly combining the elegance and playfulness of the bow.

Cristóbal Balenciaga likes to describe the female figure as a butterfly with spreading wings. Through various structures and lines, the models are hidden in these huge dress , as if they can fly high at any time.

So far, bows, which symbolize romance, cuteness and elegance, bows are still one of the common elements in modern women's clothing design. They are constantly changing their appearance under designers' willing, and plays an important role in garment aesthetic.

Rei Kawakubo (Comme des Garçons) has a special feeling of bow elements. Her style is Ignoring rules and breaking traditions. In the 2022 spring and summer exhibition, she presented bow in the form of printing and three-dimensional, this way breaks away from the traditional way of exaggerating the shape of bows, printed and 3d bow created a strong visual impact. Printing or three-dimensional embroidery techniques are used to decorate large areas of bows, flowers, leaves and other patterns on a simple silhouette. Repeated printing 3d bow pattern, and "two-dimensional" resin hair styling bring a strong visual impact.

Giambattista Valli was a famous designer from Ital, and he built a brand with his name in 2004. Bows, tulle, ruffles, waistbands, and 3D floral decorations are the signature elements of Giambattista Valli. The designs of Giambattista Valli's uses the classic large bow,and smooth lines, full of artistic sense. The splicing of gauze and floral flowers is layered, giving people a hazy and dreamy feeling. The design with black creates a steady and mysterious atmosphere. The solid pink makes the dress more simple and elegant. The dress designs with sweet bow and exaggerated hem has won hearts of the audiences for its visual appeal. Most of the patterns are in the form of flowers, and lace fabrics, creating a harmonious and unified effect.

Alexis Mabille is a famous brand founded by designer Alexis Mabille in 2005. The bow is the best symbol of this young designer. He said that the "bow tie" is a symbol of a neutral concept, which can not only be connected with men's bow ties, but also express the feminine elegance. In Alexis Mabille's 2022 autumn and winter series, the bows appearing in different locations on the clothing: on the shoulders of off-shoulder dresses and suit jackets, on the sides of lace jumpsuits and on the waist of evening dresses. The designer used gauze and satin fabric and make bow shape in the clothes, and the bow design adding a romantic atmosphere to the dress.

MING MA's 2022 autumn and winter series is called "Dream Back to New Romance", which is inspired by the "New Romantic Cultural Movement" that emerged in England in the early 1980s. The designer claim the spiritual of free ourselves. On the basis of European classical culture, this design integrate mysterious oriental aesthetics, combine gorgeous style and neutral beauty, and opens a new chapter with modern fashion language.