Fashion comes full circle with bubble skirts making a return in the collections of Louis Vuitton, Donna Lim, and Vania Romoff
A renewed throwback tends to dig through the closet as it brings back a piece with continued vigor. This season, that pièce de résistance is none other than the bubble skirt. The designers have blown the dust off an old favorite and brought it back to life, proclaiming the return of puff. From Louis Vuitton to Miu Miu, Helmut Lang to Bally, and Filipino designers Donna Lim and Vania Romoff, the bubble skirt is making a voluminous comeback.
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The bubble skirt first burst onto the scene in the 1950s, a time when fashion was all about celebrating the silhouette. Christian Dior introduced the world to the “balloon skirt”, a predecessor to what we now affectionately call the bubble skirt. With optimism and experimentation, the skirt encapsulated that spirit with its buoyant shape and playful demeanor.
Fast forward to the 1980s, the look experienced its first major revival. This was the era of excess, where bigger was better, if not bouncier. Shoulder pads, perms, and, yes, bubble skirts were all the rage. Designers like Thierry Mugler and Christian Lacroix embraced the voluminous aesthetic, creating dramatic looks.
Today, it seems we’re ready for a little more fun again, like a playhouse needed to heal our inner child. Louis Vuitton’s recent collections have showcased the bubble skirt in all its glory. Creative Director Nicolas Ghesquière infuses his take on the skirt with the art of travel. Modern fabrics and futuristic cuts make his skirts feel fresh and relevant, like traveling first-class on a hot air balloon.
Miu Miu has also embraced the bubble skirt. Miuccia Prada’s designs prove that the look can be both flirty and chic. Paired with sleek blouses or oversized sweaters, Miu Miu’s skirts mesmerize by balancing volume and proportion.
Helmut Lang and Bally have also inflated their designs into the ring. Their bubble skirts are more subdued, focusing on structure and shape rather than flamboyance. These designers have shown that the skirt can be versatile, fitting into understated wardrobes.
In the Philippines, designers Donna Lim and Vania Romoff have added their remarkable take to the bubble skirt. Lim’s designs suggest a youthful energy to the classic silhouette. Romoff imbues her bubble skirts with romance, using delicate fabrics and soft hues to create dreamy looks.
Why is the bubble skirt making a comeback now? Perhaps it’s a reaction to the challenging times we’ve faced recently. Fashion, after all, has always been a reflection of society’s mood. The skirt, with its playful and uplifting shape, offers a sense of joy and escapism. Even in the face, or waistline, of adversity, style can always be fun and light-hearted, even if we’re faking it.
The bubble skirt fits perfectly into the current trend of revisiting and reinventing past styles. It feels like a natural inclusion—nostalgic yet new; it’s a statement piece that captures the imagination—and the wind.
Photos: DONNA LIM, LOUIS VUITTON, MIU MIU, HELMUT LANG, BALLY, and VANIA ROMOFF
Featured Image: BALLY
