Embrace the Drape: Tassels Redefining Modern Elegance
The Iconic Tasseled Jacket: A Cinematic and Fashion Statement
Among the most memorable fashion moments of summer 2026, one particular jacket with intricate tassels stood out. Featured in "The Devil Wears Prada 2," Miranda Priestly sported a museum-worthy, richly embellished Dries Van Noten tassel jacket, fresh from the fall/winter 2025 collection. This garment made appearances in an elevator scene and a crucial meeting at Runway magazine. The jacket is now slated for auction, part of Christie’s upcoming sale of items directly from the film. Its vibrant, expressive, and tactile qualities perfectly encapsulate the artisanal touch that fashion craves in a fast-paced, digital age.
Tassels as a Rebellious Act in a Digital World
In a landscape saturated with artificial intelligence and algorithm-driven trends, the profusion of textured tassels feels almost revolutionary. Julian Klausner, the newly appointed creative director for Dries Van Noten, showcased the collection featuring this notable jacket within the luxurious setting of the Opéra Garnier in Paris. Klausner expressed his desire for each piece to be perceived within the grandeur of the Opéra, and the jacket, with its theatrical flair, certainly embodied a wearable work of art.
The Universal Appeal of Tassels: Beyond the Fashion Elite
Tassels, in their exuberant form, seem to represent a source of visual delight, fostering connections on a fundamental human level simply by their engaging, ornate, and distinctly handmade quality. Yulia Fomenko, a collector who owns the Dries Van Noten tassel jacket, shares an anecdote: “As someone who follows fashion closely, I seldom receive spontaneous compliments on the street. However, while wearing this jacket near the Mark Hotel on the Upper East Side, I was enthusiastically complimented by a group of construction workers, who exclaimed their admiration for the piece. This is not an isolated incident with this particular item. I find it heartwarming when individuals outside the fashion sphere appreciate a fashion item so deeply; it effortlessly transcends industry boundaries and garners universal affection.”
Leading Designers Embrace the Tassel Trend
Other influential designers are also infusing their collections with significant tassel energy. Alaïa presented lively, brightly colored skirts, featuring cascading sprays of oversized tassels, in shades of vibrant lime green. Jacquemus showcased a black-and-white jersey dress with a more understated tassel interpretation, with knotted tassels swaying from its maxi-length hemline as models moved through the expansive space. Furthermore, Jonathan Anderson's Dior featured tasseled handbags with exquisite silk jumbo tassels by artist Sheila Hicks in 2025, and at the most recent Dior couture show in Paris, magnificent tasseled fans by artist Lynda Benglis adorned dresses. Chloé, Loewe, and Bottega Veneta have also incorporated tassels into their recent offerings, cementing their place as a significant trend.
The Enduring Charm of Tassels: From Runways to Everyday Wear
Beyond the high-fashion runways and into daily life, as seasons transition from late summer to autumn, the tassel motif persists through various forms, including fringed and tassel-beaded necklaces and earrings. This enduring presence can be seen as a small, yet potent, injection of fashion euphoria into the mundane.