Thom Browne Classic Poplin Bow Blouse, $800, Fresco Box Pleated Cardigan Jacket, $3775, thombrowne.com
Ever since Kamala Harris emerged as the Democratic nominee for President, it seems everywhere I look, I see pussybow blouses. Bow blouses never go out of style or favor, but like all else in fashion, they are undeniably “having a moment.”
Bows at the neck have been worn since at least the 19th century. They have a long thread in fashion history that has ebbed and flowed and dates back centuries. The term “pussy cat bow” took hold in the early part of the 20th century.
Rue Abriot, Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue Paris,l Paris 1975, @The Helmut Newton Estate, Maconochie Photography
Coco Chanel was most often seen adorned with strands of pearls or with a pussy bow. The ’60s were revolutionary, with women entering the workforce more than before. Women’s Workwear had yet to be defined, so women started taking cues from their male counterparts.
Saint Laurent Sheer Tie-Neck Blouse, $1790, bergdorfgoodman.com
In 1967, Yves Saint Laurent released the controversial women’s tuxedo, Le Smoking, worn with a bow tie. In the following years, women wearing masculine styles became more widely accepted. The house’s Lavallière blouses, as they are called in France, remain a Saint Laurent mainstay.
“You do not lose your feminine qualities just because you are a Prime Minister. I often wear bows; they are softening and pretty” -The Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher.
Margaret Thatcher, 1980s, Getty Images
It wasn’t until the 80s that the pussy bow blouse gained political attention as it became a key look for Margaret Thatcher’s image. Her blouses also became synonymous with women working in corporate America. True boss ladies and trailblazers fighting for equality in the workplace.
During her time as PM in the Eighties, Thatcher became famous for her power suits, treasured pearls, and pussybow blouses. “Never flashy, just appropriate” is how the Iron Lady described their appeal.
Designer Zandra Rhodes with Margaret Thatcher, Photo by PA Archive Press Association Images
As Britain’s first female Prime Minister, “The Iron Lady” pioneered politics and fashion, setting an example of how she believed women in power should dress. Margaret dressed as a strong woman and developed a style that was her brand. The hair, the handbag, the pearls, and the bow blouses all became iconic.
Sergio Hudson Silk Chiffon Tie Neck Blouse, $412, sergiohudson.com
Whether Kamala Harris is taking a page from Margaret Thatcher’s playbook, subconsciously or not, the bow blouse is now part of the vice president’s dedicated daily uniform. Sergio Hudson, a Black American designer who has worked with Harris and continues to do so, is currently selling a silk chiffon bow tie blouse in three colors (forest green, Bordeaux, and chocolate brown). They look to be directly inspired by Harris and her love of jewel-toned neutrals.
Nili Lotan Anabel Blazer, $1395, Irina Silk Tie Blouse, $650, nililotan.com
If Kamala hasn’t bought them already, she should. The bow blouse is versatile enough for any occasion: a casual brunch, a business meeting, a cocktail party, and a formal gala.
Gucci Resort 2025 Photo by Launchmetrics
They are readily available at every price point, in various materials, and every color imaginable. Romanian fashion brand Atu Body Couture, which creates seasonal collections that celebrate femininity and comfort, offers them in about ten different hues, including a few bi-colored iterations.
Thom Browne white silk organza bow tie long sleeve shirt, thombrowne.com
Some have dainty bows, while others have pronounced and statement-making bows. Women wear them in myriad ways. Some blouses are worn with just the bow peeking out from beneath a tailored coat or jacket, but they can easily stand independently.
Atu Body Couture Parrot Green silk chiffon pussybow blouse, $385, farfetch.com
The bow blouse is not just for women; they are historically viewed as a unisex wardrobe workhorse. Is there anyone who loves a good bow blouse more than Alessandro Michele, who has shown them throughout his Gucci years and continues to do so as creative director at Valentino?
Saint Laurent Fall 2023 Menswear, Photo Courtesy of Saint Laurent
Tanner Fletcher is an emerging genderless brand based in Brooklyn, specializing in ready-to-wear, handbags, home, and jewelry that push the boundaries between masculinity and femininity.
Alessandro Michele doubles down on the bow blouse, Gucci Spring 2016 Ready-to Wear Photo by Yannis Vlamos for Indigital Images
One of Tanner Fletcher’s favorite pieces is “Simone,” a sheer organza pussybow blouse available in black and white. It’s dramatic, sophisticated, a little sexy, and very versatile, and they love it on both the guys and the gals.
Tanner Fletcher
Tanner Fletcher is an emerging genderless brand based in Brooklyn, specializing in ready-to-wear, handbags, home, and jewelry that push the boundaries between masculinity and femininity.
Latest Comments:
I look forward to every article. Thank you.
Mary McFadden Designs were sumptuously BEAUTIFUL as is your tribute to her
I feel as if my words were delivered by you, Marilyn! Our time was vibrant with beauty as part of…
Great insights into New York Fashion Week—finding standout pieces is key!
Laurel Marcus…..loved this article, wish I knew about this show. Please do more of this!
Armani is an icon embodied with transcending style that manifests as beauty!
Designs by Cyril Verdavainne IMPRESSED me!
Fashion Today as shown suggests insecurity and confusion reign supreme!
Love the stories you create around elements of design!
Always love the look of a high “pussy “ bow. Especially now that I am older, it hides the neck without being obvious.