Four years into the 2020s, we've fully embraced the magnetic resurgence of the Y2K aesthetic. While the Y2K craze has significantly influenced various forms of self-expression—including music, games, fashion, beauty, and design—it appears that its glow isn't fading anytime soon. And now, another iconic piece from the 2000s is making a comeback-—behold, bubble skirts!
BUBBLE SKIRTS ARE BACK
A subtle and slow-burning comeback, bubble skirts, or balloon skirts, have begun appearing on runways and in the streets. They've been sprinkled here and there in couture collections over the past two years, as if fashion houses were testing the waters to see if these balloon skirts would soar into the hearts of the audience or fall flat.
Perhaps, 2024 will finally see the trend peaking, as the resurrection of bubble skirts has become more and more apparent. Nowadays, the bubble skirts silhouette is executed with a more elevated approach, as seen in the Spring/Summer 2023 collections of Ulla Johnson and Dauphinette, as well as on the Miu Miu Spring/Summer 2024 runway. It was a contrast to how the silhouette was presented back in the days, with bright colored, exaggerated details, and loud patterns once favored by the likes of Paris Hilton.
The last time I've seen anyone wearing bubble skirts in public dated back in the 2007s. For the '90s girls, bubble skirts sit alongside peplum and bandage dresses on the losers' bench—we buried that phase in the back of our minds and never looked back. Hence, it's hard for me to believe that what once was a not-so-flattering silhouette is being sold on the market again. But will the piece leave an impact just like the other Y2K items or will it simply fade away?
BORN IN THE '50S
The bubble silhouette gained popularity in the late '50s, with both Pierre Cardin and Hubert Givenchy experimenting with the inflated silhouette in 1954 and 1956, respectively. Noting the fact that the era was characterized by silhouettes that accentuated tiny waists through fitted bodices, colorful prints, and voluminous skirts, it's no surprise that bubble skirts became a beloved item in the '50s.
By 1958, the silhouette had become a popular choice for cocktail or evening wear. The New York Times described the bubble skirt as "one of the prettiest dance fashions for evening," especially when styled with sheer stockings and evening gloves, two iconic items of the time. However, it didn't reach the same level of phenomenon as the A-line silhouette introduced by Christian Dior, which came to define the era's fashion.
A MODERN RESURGENCE
The image of the balloon skirt has been reimagined with a new approach that exudes modesty and elegance. Jason Wu showcased a maxi bubble hem dress in his FW22 collection, evoking the feeling of a warm spring, while Proenza Schouler offered a subtle interpretation of gorpcore through structured balloon skirts inside their SS23 collection. Now, balloon pants are warmly welcomed and quickly becoming a new beloved element of the balletcore style.
Today's styling of bubble skirts has prompted me to reconsider their charm. Why weren't bubble skirts seen as appealing in the past? Was it perhaps that we used to perceive them as tacky since they made us look childish, especially when paired with leggings? Unlike today, there were limited length options available. I wasn't sure if midi and maxi bubble skirts were in the market before, but its minimalistic new approach made bubble skirts become appealing for various occasions, including everyday wear, formal events, or vacations.
Would you get yourself a bubble skirt?
(HAI/alm)