Bows are the Hottest Hair Accessory This Spring, and Not to Brag, But I Saw It Coming

As spring slowly encroaches on winter, the newest spring/summer 2022 trends are bursting onto the scene. This season, more than ever, I was enthralled by the hair accessories accompanying the garments… Specifically, the hair bows. Declaring the reappearance of bows as hair accessories were several designers—Giambattista Valli and Chanel being the most noteworthy showcase of the trend. Although we’ve seen them for decades, from 1960s Brigitte Bardot styles to Miu Miu’s SS19 runway show, they’ve never felt more timeless.

Me, wearing a bow from my Instagram (@blondetoblame)

Throughout its time, the bow has morphed into a symbol of femininity and innocence—one that continues to be reintroduced into fashion. On that account, it is no surprise the bow has made its return this spring/summer season, especially on the Chanel runway.

Chanel AW20 via Vogue Runway

Chanel Pre-Fall 2022 via Vogue

Since the early 90s, Chanel has virtually owned the bow, practically coining it as its own. Although it slowly died out by the late 90s, the current creative director of Chanel, Virginie Viard brought it back in a subtle way for AW20, before making it a prominent accessory in her latest Pre-Fall 2022 Métiers d’Art show. Although this is a recurring trend that has evolved and changed for the duration of its existence, this season's bows take it back to the basics in terms of construction, with the little black bow becoming a signature hair accessory for almost every look.

Giambattista Valli SS21

Giambattista Valli SS22

It was very easy to predict that the bow would come into full fruition this season, with the direction not only Chanel, but Giambattista Valli was going in terms of headwear. I first started wearing bows in my hair last March, after seeing the reintroduction of bows in spring 2021 collections. Throughout the summer and into the colder months, I continued to embellish my hair with the accessory, aiming for that 60s-esque glamour. The lovely thing about the bow is its versatility. It’s easily becoming the next staple in everyone’s wardrobe and less of a recurring in one minute, out the next kind of trend. After all, a bow in your hair is like icing on a cake… Extremely necessary.

As we move into spring, there is no doubt the bow will be spotted in countless hairstyles, from your best friend to your favourite celebrity.