Fringe is the playful, signature accessory of southwestern boho fashion. Used to trim everything from jackets to skirts, from bags to jewelry, it captures our imagination as we wear it, swinging and flowing, activated by motion.
Fringe adds visual interest, movement, fluidity... it dances like prairie grass in the wind, and cascades like water, linking its appeal to the natural world. Because of this, western fashion and country music artists have long embraced fringe for its dramatic effect, with outfits that come alive on horseback, while performing, or line dancing.
The roots of fringe go back beyond the “wild west” frontier of North America to ancient Mesopotamian and Indigenous cultures. From the beginning, fringe combined functionality with aesthetics, serving as a kind of camouflage while hunting, disguising the wearer’s movements with its organic motion. Lightweight and cut into strips, fringe also allowed water to run off leather garments to prevent soaking in wet conditions, and help them dry faster.
In Indigenous culture, fringe was an ornamental way to complete handcrafted clothing or footwear by utilizing the entirety of an animal’s hide. Leather edges, odds and ends, could be cut as needed, long or short, thick or thin, and added to suit the crafter’s vision. Sometimes the style of fringe was a way to identify the wearer’s tribal affiliation or ancestry.
The decorative appeal of fringe continues to this day! We’ve curated a few of our favourite fringed pieces to show how its flowing, tactile charm makes outfits and accessories spring to life!
Embroidered Drawstring Bag
Generously sized and versatile, this soft faux-suede bag features an embroidered Aztec motif in earth tones with with turquoise accents. It’s a boho beauty with ample access secured by a magnetic button closure, finished with fringed side-trim and a tasseled drawstring. Can be worn over the shoulder or cross-body. Available in three gorgeous colours: Brown, Tan, and Smoke.
https://www.westporttradingpost.com/products/embroidered-collection-drawstring-shoulder-bag
Asymmetrical Fringe Skirt
Striking southwestern style begins with bold, high contrast print and sweeping fringe that moves when you do. This wrap skirt is serving country girl sass, with its Aztec pattern, side slit, and silver conch buttons! Pairs perfectly with a pair of cowboy boots and just the right bag. Available in Women’s sizes SM-XL and available in two colourways: Mocha/Orange/Cream or Red/Black/Turquoise with black fringe trim.
https://www.westporttradingpost.com/products/aztec-asymmetrical-concho-button-wrap-fringe-skirt
Tassel Statement Earrings
Inspired by desert canyon culture and landscapes, these earthy, suede-style earrings are a stand-out accessory. The look is created with feathery fringe tassels and faux-turquoise beads framed in a silver-toned setting. Fish hook style for pierced ears.
https://www.westporttradingpost.com/products/turquoise-suede-tassels-statement-earrings
Tooled Leather Purse
A compact, leather bag that is big on texture and even bigger on country charm! This purse is gorgeously detailed with leather-carved vines and flowers, and thick fringe trim along three sides. Adjustable and removable strap allows for versatility: purse can be worn cross-body or used as a clutch. Available in three rich tones of Brown, Black, or Fudge leatherwork.
https://www.westporttradingpost.com/products/genuine-leather-tooled-fringe-crossbody-purse
Dancer Ankle Boots
Smooth, suede ankle boots with fun and flirty features, such as: confetti fringe, pinked trim, and a classic puckered moccasin vamp. Artisanal designer details include embroidery at the ankle cuff by Inuk artist Janice Parsons, and Manitobah’s signature Turtle sole by Cree artist Heather Endall. Boots are secured with a leather tag side zipper to ensure a snug fit with easy on/off convenience. Available in Women’s sizes 5-11, in three nature-inspired colours: Birch, Prairie Sage, and Oak.
https://www.westporttradingpost.com/products/womens-dancer-ankle-boots
The appeal of fringe can be found in its dramatic drape, pleasing movement, and visual impact. Fringed clothing and accessories make a strong statement of boho chic and southwestern style. Introduce one or two of our pieces into your wardrobe, and see how much fun it is to join the “fringe movement”!
