SS26 trend: Designers use the bubble hem to create a fresh silhouette
Tracing the trend
The bubble hem (also called the _balloon_ hem) has appeared several times throughout fashion history_ including the _80s_ when designers like Christian Lacroix_ Yves Saint Laurent_ and Ungaro revived it in taffeta cocktail dresses and skirts. It matched the decade_s love of bold_ dramatic silhouettes and youthful glamour. But it was Cristóbal Balenciaga who first popularized it in the late 1950s. His designs created rounded_ voluminous shapes that stood away from the body_ offering women an alternative to the fitted style of Dior_s _New Look._
The SS26 season
The bubble hem has made a strong return for SS26 with designers embracing the rounded silhouette as a fresh alternative to body-skimming shapes. For buyers_ it translates easily from the runway to wearable pieces_ including puff-hem minis_ balloon skirts and harem pants that can both pair well with tailored tops or casual knits. Here are ten great looks from the recent runway collections.
SS26 Top ten bubble hems
Chloé SS26: designer_ Chemena Kamali_ look 15
A blouse in a blue and green floral print with ruched neckline and balloon sleeves had briefs in a matching print.
MSGM SS26: designer_ Massimo Giorgetti_ Look 32
Polka dot chiffon pants with a bubble hem and a matching blouse.
Zimmermann SS26: Look 29
A strapless dress with a purple_ blue and white blurred print_ twisted detail at the bustline and a balloon hem.
Dolce & Gabbana SS26: Look 29
Navy and white striped bloomers with a matching shirt was shown under a voluminous jacket_ silk camisole and thigh-highs.
Calvin Klein SS26: designer_ Veronica Leoni_ Look 48
A short white vee-necked dress_ tied at the waist_ with full sleeves and a bubble hem.
Coperni SS26: designers_ Arnaud Vaillant & Sébastien Meyer_ Look 32
A strapless dress in sky blue with an upturned layer creating a balloon hem.
Kate Barton SS26: Look 22
A light pink cotton skirt with a balloon hem and a navy and grey sports shirt.
Jacquemus SS26: Look 18
A blue and white striped dress with an elasticated off-the-shoulder line and a bubble hem.
Mithridate SS26: designer_ Daniel Fletcher_ Look 6
A pink off-the shoulder dress with a ruched bodice and a short bubble skirt.
Balenciaga SS26: Look 43
A khaki-colored voluminous skirt with a bubble hem_ cropped brown leather top and long purple gloves.
