Fringe Benefits
Fringing is back, in a BIG way! Not convinced? I have to admit that historically, myself and fringes don't get on. The one time I had one cut in, a friend of a friend came over to me at a party and pulled at my hair, exclaiming what a realistic looking wig it was (insert gritted teeth emoji here) Luckily my hair grows out pretty fast. I also can't pull off fringed clothing. I don't know why...possibly my broad shoulders...but whenever I'm lured towards the fringing in Topshop, I slip it on and boom, I'm reminded that the reason I have no fringed items in my wardrobe is because somehow it makes me look like a miniature version of the honey monster. Go figure!
When it comes to fringing there are two camps, and both are back in favour. The first is fun, frivolous, unashamedly girly and pretty sexy. It's heavily inspired by the work of mid century designer Hans Agne Jakobsson. I KNOW! Oh to get my hands on one of those original pendant lights! (They often have original vintage pieces here FYI)
That's probably not going to happen, but that's ok because I've found plenty of other options for anyone wanting to get in on the fringing trend, whether it's a teeny toe dip or a full on plunge. Starting at Oliver Bonas, who have fully embraced the look across mirrors, lamps and this velvet Josephine chair. The blush pink lamp would be the perfect addition to a bedroom and would look seriously sexy against dark green or deep blue walls. It's not in stock yet but I'll update you when it is.
Elsewhere on the high street is one of my favourite recent purchases...this pink fringed cushion from H&M Home (it also comes in gold and grey). Finally a fringed item I can actually work with! I love that it brings a playful element to my otherwise understated bedroom scheme. In my head it's a little bit Kylie Minogue...now there's a woman who knows how to rock a fringed dress!
A fringed footstool in a dusky pink is another way to bring the boudoir vibes in a subtle way. These ones from Out There Interiors are called the Grandma Pouf's, which brings me to the other side of the fringed trend.
Nana fringing. Like the kind that runs along the bottom of your Granny's chintzy sofa. This look is also back in a big way thanks in no small part to the masters of maximalism House of Hackney. They've added fringing to their tub chairs and lampshades and as always it looks fresh to death.
The House of Hackney installation at Bergdorf Goodman
The newly reopened Kettners Townhouse is also totally tapping into that vibe with oodles of fringing on show in their hotel rooms. This look is all about going all out chintz. Go hard or go home Nana.
Finally, if you're feeling crafty, you could have a go at making your own fringed chandelier like Fiona Cameron from Around the Houses blog. She has told me to tell you she is planning to post a tutorial on how she did it soon, but it was cheap as chips to make and has maximum impact in her recently revamped hallway.
If you're interested, I'll let you know when that Oliver Bonas lamp drops. Someone buy it, because I can't!
J x
