For the Love of Tassels

An ode to one of the FW25 runways' most ubiquitous trends.

Aug 07, 2024

∙ Paid

August 2024:

I’m home visiting my family in Pennsylvania this week and have been flipping through a stack of my Papa’s old sketches. He was an interior decorator with, in my opinion, impeccable taste. A theme among his projects were tassels, and it got me thinking about how much I adore them–whether on my ears, hanging from a doorknob (or the keys at the Hotel Chelsea or Chateau Marmont), swinging from a handbag, or hell, catch me in the right mood and I I can even get down with a chic pair of nipple tassels.

Tassels, and especially fringe, have been no stranger to the runways over the past couple of seasons with designers such as Akris, Prada, Gucci, Bottega, and more, embracing these playful adornments. And even still, it’s hardly a novel concept: tassels date back to ancient Egypt and probably even before, where they were believed to ward off evil spirits (big mood!!!). In present day, fringe and tassels add dynamic movement to an object or an outfit, and bring a sense of easygoing, elevated glamour. Some pieces have an Art Deco feel, many give a nod to Venetian or Viennese design, and others have more of a Bohemian, ‘70s feel. Personally, when I wear fringe, I tend to feel like one of those string curtains you’d find at a dive bar or a psychic. And I enjoy it!

Cinched with my glorified altar server’s belt.

But while fringe is seemingly ubiquitous right now, actual tassels are more difficult to find. (And perhaps that’s a good thing, as when something becomes overplayed–like bows–it starts to lose its charm, for me anyway.) Fringe, I think, can teeter on excess at times (and fun excess, at that) depending on styling–but a simple tassel can be a very chic, minimal, lively accent. And I think that’s one of the (many) reasons I love them. Another reason is that, as someone who is constantly fidgeting, they give me something to do with my hands.

tassels trend 2025 — Layered up in Chloé’s fantastic tassel necklace.

CHRISTINA FROM THE FUTURE HERE: It’s now March 2025 and perhaps I should begin moonlighting as a trend forecaster because tassels have begun to take over. During fashion month, they could be found on the runways of Fforme, Kallmeyer, Hermès, Altuzarra, Ulla Johnson, and more (not to mention Chloé’s various, current pieces of jewelry). Unfortunately, the exact pieces shown won’t be available for months, but while we wait, I wanted to update this article to reflect some additional offerings.

Fforme Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection | Vogue — Fforme FW25

Kallmeyer Envisions a World Run by Women (in Suits) for Fall 2025 - Fashionista — Kallmeyer FW25

Tagwalk: The Fashion Search Engine — Hermès FW25

Below, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite tasseled pieces on the market right now–however, it’d also be easy enough to DIY. Think: on a set of keys, hanging from your rearview mirror, a sleek pair of earrings, a bookmark, a bag charm, a wine stopper. I just made a quick run to Hobby Lobby for a few stray tassels and I’m ready to get creative. In the meantime, here’s some great inspiration!

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