Sandy Liang sent models at its autumn/winter 2023 show down the runway with tiny bows in their hair, while Simone Rocha – known for its romantic and voluminous pieces – opted for dainty bows on its models’ faces.

The development has been aided by the growing popularity of balletcore – a style that leans heavily on what ballet dancers wear and that has seen tulle skirts, ballet slippers and bodysuits take over TikTok and Instagram.

Bows also dovetail with the romantic coquette aesthetic that has also taken off on social media.

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Celebrities and their savvy stylists have also been getting in on the look – black hair bows were a hot favourite on the Met Gala’s red carpet this year.

Famous people who have donned bows this year include Indian actress Priyanka Chopra, who wore a Nina Ricci gown with a giant bow on the back to the Love Again film premiere in New York, and actress Anne Hathaway, who attended the Berlin Film Festival in February wearing a nude Valentino dress held together by bows.

London-based brand Self-Portrait, which was founded in 2013 by Malaysian-Chinese designer Han Chong and has made its name selling lace party dresses, is also known for having bows on its clothing and bags.

“Fashion is all about dressing up, having fun and expressing yourself, and there is something utterly mesmerising and romantic about ballet that lends itself so well to this,” says London-based fashion designer Olivia von Halle, the founder and creative director of her namesake loungewear brand. “Bows are the perfect example of this, they are timeless and have enduring appeal.”

Balletcore’s roots have enduring appeal, says Christine Geiger, the senior designer at swimwear brand Cupshe. “We’re all inspired by the colour, textures and cuts of traditional dance wear,” she says, such as plunging scoop backs, ballet flats and a blush colour palette.

The bow’s comeback also signals a renewed desire by people to lean into femininity.

“There was a push away from ultra-feminine styling with the assumption that the look was too girlish and meek,” says Geiger. “In our current cultural climate, we have embraced that you can be just as powerful in any style.

“Ultra-feminine style has a new life, and they feel fresher than ever.”

Another person benefiting from the resurgence is Australian designer Rebecca Vallance, best known for her Katie Bow Mini Dress and worn by the likes of socialite Paris Hilton and singer Meghan Trainor. “It’s the dress that keeps on giving,” Vallance says.

When Vallance started designing bow dresses, she thought it was an over-the-top move. “I was told, ‘Listen, bows are out of fashion, no one is doing them any more. You really need to stop,’” she recalls.

“I said, ‘This is my signature; this is what I do.’ Then we designed that bow dress and it went viral.”

Tavares thinks bows will never go out of style. “Whether they’re in your hair, on your dress, or even added as an embellishment on your shoes and accessories, a bow always manages to find its place and make a statement,” he says.

“They add a touch of femininity and elegance while also exuding charm and sophistication – it’s wonderful to see how this classic adornment continues to be cherished and celebrated for its subtle beauty.”