Lucy Devine
Love them or loathe them, bows seem to be everywhere right now.
Yep, we're in the run up to Christmas - the natural habitat of the bow - but it's not just that. Over the last few years, bows have had a resurgence.
In particular, the large, oversized bows have been having a bit of a moment, plastered on dresses, adorned across UK front doors at Christmas and draped on the back of wedding chairs.
We'd also challenge you to find a high street retailer not selling a pair of bow-printed pyjamas right now.
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Of course, delicate bows have their place, too, replacing buttons on tops and even jackets, and scribed on nail art.
But what is it about bows that always leaves us wanting more? Is it simply a trend or is there more to it?
First, it's important to consider the history of the ribbon bow.
Although now associated with femininity, bows were once worn only by men and mainly for practical reasons.
The Cardinal Chronicle explains: "In late-16th century France, ribbons and bows were popular among young men, primarily due to the lovelock hairstyle. The lovelock, a long plait draped over the chest, was tied with a bow or a ribbon near the end. Because it was worn over the heart, the lovelock signified the wearer’s romantic devotion to his partner."
By the 17th century, more and more women began to style the bow, and it became less of a masculine accessory.
Fast-forward to the last few years, and bows appear to be just about everywhere.
Speaking to the Guardian, Elisa De Wyngaert, from the Momu fashion museum in Antwerp, explained: "There has been a gradual shift from women no longer feeling they have to dress like men to be taken seriously."
Elisa explains that the popularity of the bow is in correlation with other more traditionally feminine items having been 'readopted and embraced by people who see girlishness not as a weakness or lacking in intellectual rigour, but as something to be proud of'.
"The way bows are used today is often in contrast to something darker, a joyful element in a dark time," she added.
"They’re really not about the male gaze."
Despite spotting them on every corner, many people are in agreement that there'll always be a place for the bow - oversized or not.
One person wrote online: "Ribbons have been a classic embellishment for ages, people may be going overboard with them right now but trust me the charm of a bow is everlasting."