Thin ribbons and lace... while being girly motifs, the fashion style "Balletcore" also offers comfort. Gaining popularity slowly from 2022, Balletcore fashion has taken off in earnest this year. Once you step into this world, the fluttering feeling it brings is different from traditional girly fashion.
Where did Balletcore come from? How does it differ from past girly fashion? This time, I would like to explore the Balletcore boom while comparing it to the girly boom of the Heisei era.
The Pioneers are K-POP Idols
Since the beginning of the Reiwa era, trends have been making a comeback, with Y2K fashion becoming prominent. Recently, trends have been flowing from Korea to Japan, and "Balletcore" is one of them.
Balletcore refers to "ballerina-like fashion." It is a portmanteau of "BALLET" and "CORE," and it spread globally around the latter half of 2023.
The boom accelerated when Jennie from K-POP girl group BLACKPINK showcased Balletcore looks on social media at the end of 2022, spreading its charm. Now, it has become a global trend.
Balletcore fashion draws inspiration from ballet, featuring satin, ribbons, tulle items, and leg warmers. It combines a fragile atmosphere with sporty elements.
Ribbon motifs are indispensable in Balletcore. The apparel brand "MORE self LOVE" also offers many ribbon items (author's belongings)
Along with ribbon motifs, silver colors are also popular. The combination of a girly worldview with cool elements is one of Balletcore's appeals (author's belongings)
Recently, New Balance sneakers "860v2," Adidas Originals Country OG "Ribbon Lace," collaboration sneakers by FILA and Korean brand OJOS, and collaboration shoes "SPEEDCROSS 3 RIBBON" by SANDY LIANG and SALOMON, have all made waves with designs reminiscent of ballet shoes.
In sneakers, feminine looks inspired by ballet shoes are trendy. Puma's Palsar Wedge Sandals are also one of the popular items (author's belongings)
Even if you are not well-versed in K-POP, many have noticed that this year's trend features ribbons, chiffon materials, and corset motifs, with feminine designs being trendy in sneakers as well.
Searching for "Balletcore" on Instagram or YouTube shows many videos, with posts from both Japan and abroad.
The posts and videos express the charm of Balletcore in various ways, making it clear that Balletcore is trending globally.
Originally, the current boom is said to have started with the MIU MIU 2022-23 Fall/Winter Women's Collection, which perfectly timed with the release of K-POP idols' social media posts and music videos.