This is not a typical video topic that I would click on, but after binging every Kathleen video, I trust I'll love every video regardless of the title.
@@KathleenIllustrated Same I'll watch literally anything you make🥰 But also I'd love to see you do a capsule wardrobe vid! Your style is so fun and colorful but most capsule wardrobe vids are boring and beige.
Also ribbons can be very accessible. You can just buy ribbons used for crafting, or reuse the ones you already have, or you can very easily crochet a ribbon. I take part in the ribbons trend and I haven't bought anything for it.
I agree with this! Love a trend that saves money and doesn’t have to produce waste. I also like that they aren’t fundamentally associated with anything culturally specific because they show up in so many different places (gifts, shoelaces, etc). What I find interesting about the current bow craze is how divorced from function a lot of them are (for example, the bow hanging on Kathleen’s shirt, the little useless bows on the baggu bags)- there’s something about their uselessness that makes a simple little bow highly excessive 😂 bows these days really just be out here doing nothing but looking cute & i love them for it
When my husband and I started dating we had this running line about bows that holds pretty true throughout time “The bigger the bow, the bigger the babe”. I honestly don’t remember the backstory for this but every once in a while it comes back around.
first, loved this video, i love your approach to trend analysis. second, i think youre right on the money with the rosettes. i remember them being really big when i was a kid in the 2000's. they fill a similar style niche to bows, being this elegant, hyperfeminine, classic look. my favorite barbie wore a simple pink cotton slip dress with a single pink rosette with leaves in the middle of the neckline. theyre very enigmatic of nightgowns and under wear, and wearing lingere/nightwear over clothes has been a trend for a while, so i imagine the rosette has a great chance to gain the star power the bow does
For so long id collect those little strips of ribbon that you find on all shirts that you use to wrap around a clothing hanger so they dont slip off. I always thought that they could come in handy one day but i never knew what for until randomly i decided to tie a bow on a bobby pin and try diff hairstyles with them and its actually really cute! And i love that now whenever i buy a shirt i technically get two new hair accessories and whats great as well is that most of the time the ribbons match the tops i wear so it can be apart of the outfit as well
MORE ANALYSIS VIDS PLEASEEEEEEEEE i love them its so interesting how you talk about why we are drawn to certain trends rn and the society aspect of those and everything its just sO GOOOD and ao fascinating how it all makes just SO much sense when you explain it
I don't know anything about fashion or trends and in fact hadn't noticed that bows were so prevalent! Now I'll have to keep an eye out for them. Always love your videos Kathleen!
i wonder if there is like a healing aspect ... i remember growing up around guys and wanting to be cool and being boyish , so kind of to compensate for that , or like , the demonisation of femininity , and softness , i feel like more feminine characteristics were considered ,and still are, as less valuable compared to more masculine ones, and so we are swinging to the other side of the pendulum , and embracing those qualities .... also the over sexualization of woman and girls , and sex being the currency in our world , woman seeing themselves and their bodies being something to offer , being raised on "youre so pretty , you should lose \gain weight , wear this not that , that will attract boys , how to get the guy magazine tips , catering to the male gaze" and taking back our bodies and what they are back
I haven't noticed bows. Then again, I now work behind the scenes and don't see people as much. I will make sure to wear my faux diamond bow necklace tomorrow though.
Gah, I was a teenager in the 1980's and still have bow PTSD...the movie, "Heathers" sort of gets to that point. Thanks for some of the smartest, funniest fashion content on the internets, Kathleen.
My first youtube channel I made in 2011/12 literally had a bow as it's logo. I was super into anime and lolita bows with cool patterns were the only accessory I could afford.
I never thought of bows as a prettification of a functional item -- blending the frivolous and ornate with the practical. That nuance and dissonance may be a feature of the portrayal of femininity in the modern age (eg pretty bags/shoes, bows, aesthetic stationary, functional decor, etc -- not to say those are inherently feminine ofc). If you think of the struggles of femininity, we're often forced to live with imperfection, oppression, dissonance, etc that gives a seeping of this poeticism down into the very aesthetics of it. Also these are kind of spur of the moment thoughts and I think the act of defining femininity can be inherently counterproductive/against the goal, so I'm not sure how I feel of these less than fully formed thoughts
I still find it odd how it's marketed as childish and somehow bad for women to still enjoy things that we enjoyed "as children" ie pink, barbie, bows, stuffed animals, etc. But there's less of an issue / stigma with men still liking cars, nerf guns -> guns, construction toys, etc I like bows and they were pretty common in the 2000s I still have plenty of spooky themed ones I wear regularly that I've picked up at places like hot topic. (Bats, spiderwebs, skulls, etc)
it will be interesting to see the mainstream fashion trends move toward chains/harnesses alongside the rise in systemic violence on queer people. I’ve seen an uptick in leather/harnesses/chains used in the queer community over the past 4ish years so I wonder how the two will collide and influence each other.
I'm a new viewer and i have to say that I very much enjoy your videos. I find that I can even set aside my very intense coulrophobia to enjoy your sustainable fashion advice.....and that's saying something.
Love this video as always! I don't mind some bit details but as a horse girl.. with horses I rarely wear any of the things you find in the aesthetic so that's always a little odd to me. But I get it, different strokes for different folks.
I was a gender non conforming baby due to being bald until nearly kindergarten😬 so my mom would use molasses to stick a ginormous pink satin bow on my head to make sure everyone KNEW I WAS A GIRL😂
Hi! I just came across this video and sat through the whole thing, just fascinated by your analysis. One thing comes to my mind that I did not hear you mention is the "pussy bow" - its history and its resurgence in popularity with Melania Trump.
Bows used to adorn men’s shoes, queen garments, everyone’s tennis shoes ever. They’re not “children’s” attire. Just because one or two American generations deemed something appropriate for a set age doesn’t make it fact. These things are mutable. I do hear the suggested context that because we’re talking about American culture (perspectives and dressing there) that wearing bows will be viewed in this lens however, the world and the timeline are much bigger than us, the U.S.; much.
I do get so tired of the "wHy aRe yOu dResSiNg LiKe a cHiLd???" assumption people make. I'm not dressing like a child, I'm dressing in a whimsical way. Bows are cute and fun. Just let cute things be cute.
@@paulinemegson8519so are bright colors childlike because typically worn by children? your logic is a bit flawed there. also having loved bows and corset type lacing as long as i have, wish that i could get tattoos of just that (corset lacing with a bow tied at the top of it) on the back of my legs … but unfortunately, the implications it would have to certain people makes me hesitant to do so …
@Roz-90 I completely agree. It's frustrating when people assume their perception of a style is the "correct" one and belittle others for having the "wrong" style. 🎀
okay I totally forgot that in the 2010's bows were quite popular (in a different way than now) but I literally made multiple bows based on a Bethany mota tutorial and I remember I stopped wearing them because I was told it was too "child like" so maybe that's why I now have gone so hard with the trend because I feel like it's being worn now at any age which I loooove! although I'm sure, similar to the whole random mustache craze, that people will begin to hate it and cringe and I will continue to rock it 😅
I love that you’re taking back something that brought you joy!! You rock the bows 🎀💯 I also just got a flashback to the 2010s where girls at my school would go to build a bear and steal the tiny bows meant for the bear’s ears to wear in their hair 🤯 core memory UNLOCKED.
@@KathleenIllustratedWtf what a STRANGE memory you just unlocked... that happened at my middle school too but in Oklahoma. Ok we need a toll on this! How did that "trend" spread??
YES! Such a great point! I wish I could have waded into the lolita waters more for this video 🫠🎀 it definitely has a huge impact on the shoujo manga I loved (ok let’s be real still love) as a kid
This is exactly what I (another lolita fashion wearer) was thinking!!! It's always interesting (but frequently frustrating ngl) when trends pick up something that's been present in a subculture for a long time. We've been wearing bows since before this trend and we'll be wearing them long after, but I can't say I'm not interested to see what mainstream fashion will come of this trend.
I love it, it gives me the chance to fully indulge what I couldn’t when Lolita was (and still is) too expensive for my budget. Now instead of being called a weirdo and stared at for my clumsy attempts at budget "Lolita", I get compliments in line at the grocery store from people who are wearing just as eclectic a style as my own AND grandmas alike. It’s freeing to not be strange for having a Sanrio obsession anymore 💖
I think a lot of recent trends also benefited from diy-ability as quick ways to add ribbon details have been very prevalent on social media. It's a relatively accessible trend! And obviously vintage inspired romantic styles always bring with them bows - ex. corsets and stays have also been trending in some aesthetic which have a baseline bow element. Altough i have to say i think we transitioned more into a soft loose long ribbon bow lately instead of the puffy thick one. As an occasional bow and ocassional harness wearer I just got some inspiration :)
As someone with degrees in Anthropology and Art History I just love looking at trends from the cultural/historical perspective! This was such a fun video. I honestly never wear bows but I do find myself pining after 80s silk scarfs with equestrian patterns, so maybe I am ahead of the curve on this one! As a former horse girl I'm kinda hoping so! I also loved the emoji theory and would love to see that as a full video!
I do thematic Christmas trees every year, generally picked by my daughter who’s about to be 10, but this year: A TREE COVERED ENTIRELY OF LITTLE BOWS! Thank you Kathleen!🎀🌲🎀
Ok so random question - can you do a video about dealing with getting older? You seem great at being lively and wearing bright colors and sometimes it feels like as soon as we hit 28-30 were told to be calm, subtle and take up even less space than before, which wasnt much to begin with
Between 2011 -2015 I had a huge collection of bows, they were part of my first approach to my interest in fashion, even my mom made some really pretty ones for me that I'm glad I still have. Bows were such a big trend that there were lots of stores that solely sold handmade bows, those were part of the first Facebook/Instagram stores that existed.
I'm a little late to watch this video today, so I apologize if someone already said this. But, I'm from the Southern US. Bows are a huge part of every little girl's childhood. They're in your hair, on your dresses, and on your shoes. They're everywhere. Since I grew up like that, I kinda resented bows. It wasn't until a few months ago that I bought my first bow since childhood. So I'm glad to see bows come back. Loved the video!
I know it’s petty of me, but when I wore bows and ribbons every day, everywhere in high school (2002-2007), I got bullied sm for it 🥲🥲🥲 and now all the hip gals wear them and I feel sad like an idiot haha
I... actually haven't seen many bows on clothes. Like, at all. I don't hang out in Hot New Fashion Circles but even at college the biggest "trend" is just neutral colors and office wear. It was summer semester. I didn't see ANY girls in cute pastels or with pretty bows. Barely anyone even wore shorts. Fellas, is it possible for a city to be so conservative that fashion just doesn't exist?
I haven’t seen bows in real life either. Literally only on social media. That’s why I feel so out the loop with trends cuz something trendy on social media doesn’t always translate to the natural world. I felt so bad for being “behind” on the bow trend :(
I've been binging all the Kathleen videos and have re-discovered how much I love fashion. I've really gotten into a rut on how I dress lately and the looks that have been shown, especially in the thrifting videos have blown my mind! I love them so much and now I want to branch out! Also the hair, omg I just discovered recently I have wavy hair, and now I want Kathleen's!! 😍 It's just awesome 😎 Thank you Kathleen for showing me how much fun fashion can be and how to put it all together!
Like I've noticed moto style boots trending but also I've seen people diy grommet and buckle belts wrapped around flats or sneakers kinda cool take on just belts around waist.
Oh, two uses of bows I've always HATED are 1) panties, 2) ballet flats type shoes. It's like lazy fashion choice of manufacturers, when no other ideas come - put a bow on it!
I'm not saying you're wrong, but at least these hearken back to some historical inspiration. The bows on ballet flats seem less ridiculous to me, though, since shoes used in ballet still often have drawstrings on them, and it's not adding bulk (like a bow on panties might).
This totally made me think of Minnie Mouse and the whole shortcut-to-girl-character bow deployment, along with eyelashes: and then you said it!! You read my mind! Also, this made me fondly remember my favorite Princess Diana earrings, which were dangling hearts surmounted by little bows. They were super popular in the mid eighties, and I loved them so…
I frequent a lot of outfit groups on various social medias and it makes me so sad how people who are supposedly into fashion jump onto anything "too dressed up". They constantly tell you to dress down, and that anything too coordinated or complicated is a costume. They ask if you are going to a costume party or cosplaying, or even doing an adult photoshoot or ""video"" session if you get what I mean. It infuriates me
I think the cowboy aesthetic swings around whenever the left gets extra pissed by the nonense the right is pulling. It's a subversion of "traditional" "conservative" American aesthetics that's easy to pull off while still being a little surprising. And at the end of the day, it just feels right -- after all, cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other. 🌈
Fun topic and great breakdown! I am totally here for the social embracing of feminine items and healing my relationship w pink. Love learning along w you!
Before I watch the video, here’s my defense: I’m treating my inner child to something nice. Since I was a kid I’ve been irresistibly drawn to cute frilly things, but I couldn’t afford to dress that way until I became an adult. Now that I have adult money, I can indulge in this 15 year long desire to be a cute frilly thing myself. Is my taste juvenile? Yes. Does that make me immature? I wouldn’t say so, nor would most people who know me. I was sold this version of femininity as a child and it stuck with me to my core. I just simply don’t identify with how other adults my age like to dress or what the societal image of an adult looks like. I still work, do my taxes, vote, and grunt when I stand, I just do it in pink ribbons and pearls. Nostalgia is nothing new. After I watch the video: no ya, that’s pretty much it
I could be wrong, but I definitely think that the rise in y2k/early 2000's masculine fashion has heavily influenced the ribbon trend. I *don't* think it's the rise in the hyperfeminine fashion that has caused it (although it plays a role). We're seeing a lot of big baggy jeans, with boxers or shorts worn underneath poking out the top, matched with oversized shirts/jerseys, and people want to wear these styles but it feels too masculine for many, so the ribbons are helping neutralise the overpowering masculine feel. It's easily seen in blokette fashion, as an example. As a side note, does anyone remember bowties being trendy in the 2010s? I wore the crap outta them 😂
Kathleen, you are a genius!!!! (Ok I'm biased because I already thought you were a genius, but) This was so smart & interesting & I would love to see more of this kind of video from u!! I also think your knot/harness/horse bit prediction is suchhhh a good one, now I simple can't wait to see if it manifests hehe
In middle school I used to tie ribbons and bows around my wrist and I’m started doing that again but styled in a much better way so I have come full circle again! 😂
i'm a toy collector and have been getting slowly more and more into it for years but my main love is my little pony especially it's original 80s iteration and i will point out that as it's the 40th anniversary there's been a lot of collaborations and such and naturally, bows have been a huuuuuge motif in those. i haven't really incorporated that much ribbon/bows into my personal style but tying ribbons onto the girls (and the rare boy pony lol) has been so, soooo nice and possibly one of my favorite things getting into this hobby! but i'll also keep your predictions in mind lol, my style is definitely more of the "edgy" variety so i'll have to keep an eye out for things like that in thrift stores even more now if people are about to start buying them up!!!
eyeing my kate spade bow earrings... hmmm... i love your analysis! did not realize bows were so trendy right now. love the idea of horse bits and sailor knots!
Kathleen! So happy that I finally caught up with all your content! 🎉 I definitely love thrifting and getting "unconvential" pieces but I rarely wear them, until now. Your videos have motivated to push myself and show more of my personal style. Thank you so much! 💝
I literally just decided to take a break from reading my Psychology of Women and Gender textbook, (where the author was describing her experience of having a baby girl, but dressing her in gender-neutral clothing and then everyone assuming the baby was a boy because there were no bows on her) to watch some RU-vid videos. This was the second video, which RU-vid recommended to me. I almost spit out my tea when you hit me out of nowhere with "So, changing subjects, let's talk about the patriarchy." Lol. It's meant to be. Loved the video! Now you got me all excited for knots, bits, and bells!!!
I've specifically been interested in hand embroidering little patterns and things to my clothing. Feels like little details and hand altered garments feel like an upcoming trend as well
I’ve not finished a video yet BUT IM GOING TO 😭, Kathleen it would be awesome if you did a video on spooky outfits MAYBE ITS A LITTLE EARLY TO, but like it’s always Halloween if you think harder enough x
