While the previous season’s whole agenda was to keep it low-key, S/S 2026 decided to swing as an act of defiance in the opposite direction. Fringe, with its dangling, frayed edges being unapologetically theatrical, showed up everywhere, clothing and accessories alike.
At Chanel Spring/Summer 2026, fringe became a defining runway trend, leaning into feathery tweed jackets and tendril-like brooches; Gabriela Hearst too, in her RTW 2026 collection, went full Western, draping rodeo-ready suede jackets with dangling beads. Burberry, at London Fashion Week 2026, wove sparkly fringe into eveningwear.
The red carpet caught up pretty soon as well. Wunmi Mosaku arrived in a cobalt blue one-shoulder Priya Ahluwalia gown with dramatic fringe detailing; a scroll stopping moment at the BAFTAs.
Angelina Jolie, for her film Couture‘s Paris premiere, chose an ankle-length nude mesh dress dripping in silver sequins and beaded fringe, which was everything but understated.
In accessories, Ferragamo and Balmain all delivered tasselled bags that looked intentionally excessive. DKNY’s Fringe Knit Scarf, Acne Studios’ Camero Camera Fringed Shoulder Bag and Ralph Lauren’s Main Valley Checkered Fringe Scarf all carry the trend forward.
On the High Street Fashion front, Zara’s collection includes casual tops, evening dresses, and fringed-yoke trousers, and standouts include the Fringed Velvet Halter and a mauve Fringed Balloon Top; also includes the Beaded Fringe Miniskirt that looks classy on its own. H&M, in their fringe edit, combined embellishments and tassels in their embellished v-neck dress and embellished mini dress, designed for the more sophisticated evening-ready look. In contrast, styles like the Fringed Bandeau Dress and Fringed One-Shoulder Kaftan Dress use fringe in a lighter, more relaxed way that feels better suited to daytime or resort-inspired dressing.
Similarly, Mango’s Fringe Trim Asymmetric Satin Slipdress and Asymmetric Fringed scarf jumpsuit does the work of a statement piece while staying wearable.
Closer to home, Indian designers are reframing fringe by incorporating it in ethnic haute Couture. At Lakme Fashion Week 2026, Pankaj & Nidhi wove metallic threads into silk and tulle, turning fringe into a molten, light-catching surface that felt both futuristic and fluid. Shweta Kapur’s 431-88 explored silhouettes with beaded textures on fringe, like Halter Fringe Top, Noor Fringe Sari with Off Shoulder Fringe Top, Noor Fringe Sari with Fringe Jacket, that transition effortlessly from cocktail hour to sangeet night, proving fringe translates just as powerfully into Indian occasion dressing.
The fringe revival shows that the ideas of fashion are directing itself towards texture, movement, and individuality. It can be incorporated through asymmetric hemlines, layered finishes, and surface embellishments to add movement and texture to a garment. Paired with sleek silks or natural fibres, it creates a refined look, while beads and crystals can elevate it further for occasionwear. Beyond apparel, accessories such as fringed scarves and tassel boots showcase its growing appeal. For brands, its versatility in designs and high visual aesthetics, elevates perceived value and justifies a premium price point in garments and accessories alike. It is not limited in categories, and can be used in both high street tops to bridal couture, thus making it unusually easy to monetize at scale. In a market increasingly drawn to tactile, expressive design, fringe offers dimension and dynamism.
