Fringe fever is back, and fashion is all in

Fringe has always existed on fashion’s margins–drifting between rebellion, romance, and spectacle. We’ve seen it shimmer across flapper dresses, trail along traditional Native American garments, sway from suede jackets in Western films, and reappear every few decades when a bohemian trend sweeps the runways. But in 2026, fringe goes beyond costume and nostalgia. It’s intentional, considered, and surprisingly modern.

What was once shorthand for Gatsby-era glamour or Coachella ease now feels sharper. Less about whimsy, more about playing with texture and movement as we get over our breakup with quiet luxury minimalism.

After years of hyper-clean minimalism–the kind built for grids, algorithms, and static mirror selfies–fashion seems to be rediscovering motion. Clothes that respond to movement feel newly relevant. And fringe, quite literally, moves.

Across recent Spring/Summer 2026 collections, designers explored fringe not as decoration, but as form. At Bottega Veneta, fibreglass strands were woven into leather pieces that shimmered like glass but moved with sculptural precision. Balmain leaned into hand-knotted macrame, grounding the trend in craft, while Ferragamo used fringe in eveningwear to create silhouettes that felt almost alive.

Elsewhere, fringe appeared softened, sharpened, or entirely reimagined–layered over tailoring, embedded into tweed, or translated into metallic surfaces. Closer to home, Indian designers are reframing fringe through a distinctly contemporary lens.

At the past few editions of Lakme Fashion Week, Pankaj & Nidhi transformed it into something armour-like–weaving metallic threads into silk and tulle to create strength instead of softness. Shweta Kapur’s 431-88 explored ombre-fringed jackets and beaded textures that felt equally suited for cocktail hours and sangeet nights. Anamika Khanna’s AK-OK redefined the modern bohemian aesthetic with her fringe styles. Kresha Bajaj’s bridal interpretations replaced rigidity with fluidity.

The shift has been just as visible off the runway as well. Over the past few months, fringe has quietly cemented itself as a red-carpet staple. At a recent premiere, Angelina Jolie wore a custom Givenchy gown finished with delicate sequin embroidery and a fluid fringe, reinforcing the trend toward softness and structure. Earlier this winter, Dua Lipa leaned into the same mood in a Milan Olympics promotional appearance, stepping out in a sheer black mesh dress layered with ribbon fringe. Lipa was also spotted in New York in a body-skimming black fringe dress–part of a broader wave that also saw Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber embrace the detail across appearances. 
 

Perhaps the most interesting part of the return of fringes is how wearable it feels this time around. In 2026, it doesn’t demand a full look. It allows for gradation. A fringed bag adds just enough movement to elevate an otherwise minimal outfit. Footwear (from sandals to boots) introduces texture without feeling overwhelming. A fringed wrap or jacket transforms everyday denim into something more fun. Especially in the evening, fringe comes into its own. Dresses and kaftans harness their inherent drama, creating silhouettes that shift with the body rather than sit still on it. And for those willing to go further, fringe-lined trousers or sculptural tops offer a bolder interpretation–one that feels architectural rather than bohemian. Even workwear has joined the conversation. Designers like Roksanda have introduced raffia-trimmed tailoring, while Alaïa blurred the line between silhouette and surface with thigh-grazing fringe that reads like trousers from afar.

Ultimately, the return of fringe feels less like a revival and more like a correction. After years of flatness (visual and emotional), fashion is craving tactility again. Clothes that respond to movement. Textures that catch light. Pieces that feel alive rather than composed for stillness. Fringe delivers exactly that. Not just as nostalgia, but as nuance. And in 2026, that shift–from decoration to intention– is what makes it matter again.

Below are some of our favourite fringe styles to shop this season.

Missoni Metallic Crochet Fringe Dress, ₹1,10,000

Sandro Fringed Embellished Midi Dress, ₹30,000

Valentino Fringed Embroidered Wool and Silk Wrap, ₹2,25,000

Free People Fring Out Shacket, ₹21,999

Ralph Lauren Fringe Leather Jacket, ₹1,81,000

AK-OK Emb Neckline Fringe Top, ₹52,000

Gucci Crystal Fringe Bag, ₹18,11,500

Brunelli Cucinelli Fringed Leather Loafers, ₹62,500

Paris Texas Indian Fringed Ankle Boots, ₹36,000

Image credits: The brands

Also read: Everything we loved at Paris Fashion Week AW26 so far

Also read: On ice and in fashion: The brands defining Winter Olympics 2026 style