What is it:
Gathers are very trendy right now, especially in bodycon dresses and skirts. The fact that this detail has graced the runways in large numbers suggests the trend isn’t going away anytime soon. Gathered fabric has been known to tailoring for centuries, whereby the fabric is sewn in in such a way that it gathers, or drawstrings ensure this gather. Today, fabric is gathered at a specific point on a garment to add visual interest and volume to the design. In the most recent collections of the fashion houses, this technique has been used on a wide variety of garments, especially in form-fitting dresses and skirts. Similar looks can already be seen on the streets because ruffles conjure up flattering silhouettes and are versatile.
Why you want to order it:
Gathers were featured in both the S/S and F/W22 season runways. The trend’s eclectic interpretations have helped make it a key look for the upcoming season. The rise of the shirring trend could see it continue to become a staple in retail. Gathered details play into the hands of the current Y2K Gen Z trend, which is making waves across the industry. The trend is easy to wear and offers a fashionable alternative to typical evening dresses. In addition, the look is also an addition to any wardrobe that boosts self-confidence.
Where we saw it:
Gathers dominated the FW22 runways. Despite the many variations in the design, it was arguably Nensi Dojaka who is responsible for the trend’s recent surge in popularity. Dojaka is known for her technically sophisticated mini dresses. Her looks often feature heavily ruffled details, as well as lace and cutouts, creating a lingerie-esque aesthetic. Supriya Lele presented similar designs at London Fashion Week, offering deconstructed garments in the form of body-hugging silhouettes. The New York label Proenza Schouler also presented some creations with strong ruffles that defined the shape of the dress. Ahluwalia also used ruffles in a handful of designs, featuring a contrasting color mini dress with an accentuated waist highlighted with neon tones.
How to style it:
The styling of this trend ultimately depends on the particular segment that the ruffled dress falls into, as there are a multitude of variations of this garment. A particular avenue regularly followed by high-end fashion houses is that of a more deconstructed dress, where the ruffles are placed in different parts of the garment, ultimately helping the piece to shape. One way to approach the styling of this variation is to play with the deconstructed element of the design, combining pieces both above and below the garment in a layered look to create depth and a new silhouette. Go for an oversized blazer or cropped denim jacket for sleeker versions of the trend, embodied in fitted mini or midi dresses. Often even the simpler versions of ruffled dresses come with adjustable elements that one can play with to experiment with length, shape, and shape, depending on the client’s desires.
While ruffles have been picked up again by many labels for their current collections, they have already established themselves as a bestseller in stores in the past season. The rising popularity of the ruched dress can be attributed to both its flattering silhouette and Gen Z’s fascination with nostalgic fashion trends. With the ruffled dress appearing on several of the FW22 runways, it seems this trend is set to continue in the industry.
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This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk.
Translation and editing: Barbara Russ