LEATHER AND LACE

What happens when you mix leather and chains with ribbons and lace? Well, you get this year's hottest fashion trend. Best described as “edgy feminine” this trend combines elements of coquette, biker, and rocker style; creating a romantic and feminine daydream, with a little edge.

Let’s break it down. The coquette aesthetic shot into the fashion mainstream in early 2023, when the style started to take over TikTok, garnering over 1.3 billion views. But in reality, the Coquette aesthetic and style has had its influence in the fashion world ever since the 18th century with Marie Antoinette. With resurgences in the 60’s with Bridgette Bardot and in the 2010’s with the help of Tumblr and Lana Del Rey. The style is full of dainty and delicate details with ribbons, lace, and pearls. Its romantic aura is seen in babydoll dresses, doe-eyed makeup, and hues of pink and red.

Currently, while there are still some people who fully embrace the coquette aesthetic on its own, many are adding a bit of edge to the look by combining it with pieces like leather jackets, as well as motocross jackets; made popular by none other than Rosalia during her MotoMami era.

Leather Jackets first appeared in the 1900s during World War I, when the military provided their aviators with bomber jackets as a line of protective gear when in the cockpit. At the time of its use within the military, the jackets were not on public radar until 1928 Schott NYC released the “Perfecto” motorcycle jacket. But it wasn’t until Marlon Brando wore the “Perfecto” jacket in his film “The Wild One's”, did the leather jacket shot into the fashion mainstream. Following the film, every young Hollywood heartthrob was seen in a leather jacket.

Shortly after in the 60's the jacket started to become a symbol of youth and freedom, and later of the counterculture. With the help of punk, it was here that women began wearing leather jackets as a way to express individuality and break norms since the jackets were long associated with men. Pioneers in this movement were Vivienne Westwood, Joan Jett, and Blondie.

The Coquette aesthetic’s reemergence in the fashion landscape along with its combination of edgy and hard pieces, show not only the beauty in taking risks in fashion but also the beauty of femininity, and how it is not necessarily synonymous with delicacy.

Style Guide:

Some ways you can incorporate this style into your everyday look are by adding bows, or ribbons to your outfit or hair, combining them with edgier pieces such as leather jackets or pants. The Dolce Vita Arora Square Toe Buckled Ballet Flats are the perfect shoe for this style, as they combine the elegant ballet flat with leather and buckles. Add a pair of slouchy or frilly socks, and you’re good to go!