The pussycat bow – or women’s necktie – invariably makes an appearance on fashion week runways season after season. Gucci’s Alessandro Michele is a fan as is Burberry’s Riccardo Tisci and Celine’s Hedi Slimane.
Taking things a step further at Paris Fashion Week, celebrated Lebanese designer Elie Saab sent out – not the usual one or two – but almost every other model with a pussy-bow blouse or dress on his glamorous runway. The ready-to-wear womenswear autumn/winter 2020-21 show took place at the Palais de Tokyo on Saturday, February 29.
Ranging in size from micro knots to over-the-top loops, the bows complemented without dominating a collection filled with delicate lace, tulle, jewel tones, gold detailing and lots and lots of black and white looks. It appeared on bubble dresses, frilly bibs and trench coats alike.
Scroll through the gallery above to get some inspiration on ways in which you can include a bow in your wardrobe before it gets too hot.
The pussy bow became popular in the 20th century, when more women began entering the workforce. It was popularised in mainstream fashion by Gabrielle Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent.
Saab has always had a soft spot for the pussy bow, as evident by the dress he created for Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, for Royal Ascot in 2019.
Bows and flounces aside, Saab gave us plenty of dressy black coats, emerald green dresses and scarlet gowns.
Elsewhere, monochrome made many appearances, the severe black and white colourway softened by Saab’s masterful tailoring and stylish silhouettes.