EDMONTON - The love of fringe has reached fever pitch. Having dominated many high fashion collections over the past few seasons as well as style coverage of summer music festivals, fringe detailing is a trend worth considering.

“Fringe has never gone out of style. It’s been worn by flappers, Dolly Parton to Janis Joplin to Elvis and bikers,” says Andrea Yacyshyn, local musician, and a belly dancer known as Anya. “It’s timeless and classic. However, the last two to three years has seen a huge resurgence as people tap into their mystical side and revisit the wild and earth-centric ways of the ’70s.”

Handbag designer Heather Murray agrees. “In my opinion, fringe began gaining mainstream popularity in the last two years,” says the creative force behind Hoxen Leathers, a locally made handbag line being sold at Studio Bloom. “As music festivals increased in popularity (let’s talk Coachella) so did fringe! The two come hand in hand.”

Murray finds inspiration for her designs from the topography of Alberta; she embraces the unique colorations and designs that come from imperfections and leather patinas in the natural materials she uses.

WHY FRINGE?

The movement alone adds an element of interest to any outfit.

“Fringe is mesmerizing in that it responds to your every movement and continues that movement even after you’ve stopped — it lingers,” says Yacyshyn. “It harkens to a former time and creates an incredible sense of nostalgia too.”

It’s a playful accent to liven up the everyday ordinary.

“Fringe is fun,” says Murray. “You can’t tell me when you spin around wearing something fringed that it doesn’t bring a big smile to your face.”

A LOOK FOR EVERYONE

From kimonos with delicate fringed edges to handbags with tasselled detailing, the available options make this an easy trend to incorporate into any wardrobe.

“Fringe is for anyone. It makes you stand out, it offers a little mystique, and it can make the wearer feel incredibly powerful or sexy,” says Yacyshyn.

THE RULES

Less is usually more when it comes to incorporating fringe into an outfit; this is one trend where practising restraint is encouraged.

“Too much fringe and you might end up looking like a lampshade,” says Yacyshyn. “Lighter, thinner tassels that don’t have weight to them or a lot of heavier shag can look messy. I prefer my fringe to have a cleaner line and tend to follow the less-is-more principle, always.”

Colours and tones are also factors to take into consideration.

“My biggest rule of fringe is to stick to neutrals — black, browns, whites, nudes,” says Murray. “Fringe in a classic colour becomes more of a staple piece than a trendy piece.”

HOW TO WEAR IT

“I wouldn’t wear 100 types of fringe at a time, but you can pair fringe together,” says Murray. “I will wear a fringe chain necklace with a fringe tote. Pick a statement fringe and work down from there.”

“When it comes to what we know as fashion, the best way to wear something is to simply put on what makes you feel magic,” says Yacyshyn. “If you dress for yourself, you’re doing it right.”

Not convinced? Start small.