Bows and Ballerinas: Ballet Core
What is Balletcore?
Taking the runway by storm, designers love for extravaganze has seen its new manifesto in the incorportaion of ballet-esque pieces. The newest craze draws a fine line where elegance meets exuberance and where bows, pink, glitter, softness, and maximalism, evoke the spirit of Marie Antoinette herself. This enchanting fashion trend has taken the style world by storm, with each brand infusing its unique twist, creating a captivating plié of creativity. The contemporary feminine look draws inspiration from the ethereal world of ballerinas, where legwarmers, bows, and tutus are used as accessories. On the runway, designers like Sandy Liang boldly embrace the funk of the balletcore aesthetic. With bows adorning every corner of their collections, this trend invites a maximalistic approach, infusing a touch of extravagance into the delicate allure of coquettish fashion. Welcome to a realm where history dances with modernity, and individuality reigns supreme.
Upandcoming designers such as Sandy Liang, and Marcelo Gaia of Mirror Palais have taken the fashion world by storm with their unique aesthetics that embody the female muse and bring to life fairytale fantasies. Miu Miu, Maison Margela and other big houses are monetizing on this hyperfeminene trend as well with their ballet flats becoming a fall staple in the closets of fashion influencers and celebrities alike.
Sandy Liang
Sandy Liang is a designer who is known for the excessive usage of bows in her pieces. In her recent article with the New York Times Sandy talks about the orgins of her love for bows, and the innocence of childhood which they represent for her. Spending hours doodling bows as well as other infamous childhood motifs such as flowers, hearts and stars, which have since also seen their way into her runways designs, as a little girl allowed for her to intuitively connect her love for fashion with her inner child. The New York based designer has taken the fashion world by storm with her first release being a pair of Mary Jane flats which sold out two days after their initial launch. Since then she has seen success in business ventures and collaborations with brands such as Vans, Baggu, Solomon and Wildflower Cases.
Other brands usage in ribbon, tule/sheer material, and soft colors was seen heavily on the runway as well as in campaign shoots. On the Spring/Summer 23 runway the common theme of wedding fairytale bow aesthetic transcended down the pink carpet at Acne Studios . A dream haven for luxury, with the runway decorated in silk, eluding to comfort. Dreams of sheer and lace interwove the catwalk. Bows were a HUGE staple in this collection, they were seen paired with feminine materials and with more grungy colors as well.
Acne Studios
Rosalia in a custom Acne Studios Bow studded outfit for Cochella concert.
Acne Studio bow incorporations in garments and acessories.
Mirror Palais
The brand established by Marcelo Gaia in 2019, has rapidly become a cult favorite. Drawing inspiration from his Brazlian mothers closet, his clothing embody the ultimate sensual divine godess archetype.
The brand's SS23 runway show took place in the Church of Ascensions, with many branding it iconic and others controversial, this put his clothing in the spotlight for the better. His usage of tule and bows, romantic drappings, and sensuallly form fitting corsets allude to the likes of marie antoinette at heart.
Whats next?
This trend is a huge contra in the recent streetsyle surge that was seen everywhere 2021/2022 post pandemic. It embraces hyper femininity and allows for elegance and extravagance to embed with everyday life. Rolling over to 2024 this trend will definitely see its peak in the beginning warm months of February and spring.