It's all ruffles and frills

Ruffles. Love them hate them…

Here’s why

Girly, romantic, delicate, dainty and flouncy is what most of us see in ruffles and frills. But, the histrory behind the feminine trimming is anything but.

Its origin began in Germany during the 15th century. Soldiers would slash their sleeves, creating a ruffled effect, symbolizing their return from war.

Today, we associate ruffles as a statement.

Big, exaggerated ruffles as dramatic and theatrical, bridging together costume design and high fashion (Rei Kawakubo Fall/Winter 2016). Small trimmings of frills, decorating hemlines, necklines and sleeves as demure and romantic (Celine spring/summer 2007). Whilst architectural, sculptured, stiff and structured ruffles, flying upward from shoulders and adorning asymmetrical tops as strong and powerful.

What about the wearer?

Whatever their structure, ruffles by nature interfere with the line, they are flowy, fussy, extra and ott.

So we predict that those who love to wear ruffles, could well likely romanticise most aspects of their lives, like living in a movie they let their imagination run, enjoy the mystery in life and don’t need much structure in their daily routine.

On the other hand, those who hate ruffles and opt for straight, strict, ruffleless choices, are those people who love having a plan, structure in their lives and dislike spontaneity.