There’s not a place where you won’t find them. They’re on shoes, bags, waist chains, hair pins, stationery, carpets, sweaters, jeans, boutonnieres, stoles, earrings, necklaces, key chains, footwear, caps and even nails. These little loose, fluffy, woollen balls in effervescent colours cannot be missed. Majorly a throwback to the crafts-driven hippie era, pom-poms have gone beyond being used by cheerleaders at sporting events to attract attention.
The first time people heard of pom-poms was during the 18 century. Derived from the French word pompom, it held great historic and social significance back then. Various regiments in Europe held the pom-pom as a badge of pride. Some of them put it on their caps in different colours and shapes that stood for the type of regiment and rank. From traditional Scottish dresses to Roman clergymen’s biretta, their omnipresence adds cheer to every mundane moment today.
Their versatility makes them most sought after. “Right from using pom-pom buttons to borders on sarees, stoles and dupattas, they look great on dori’s on blouses,” says fashion designer Deepa Sondhi, adding, “They also make you look younger.”
Designers latest muse, pom- poms are not a high maintenance at all and go a long way in enhancing surface techniques. “Even a single medium-sized fluffed up ball can add volume and colour to any garment. But remember to not over do it,” says designer Sneha Saksena of Olio. Her partner Aashna Singh feels they’re best for Christmas decoration. “Use them as ornaments on tress, hanging garlands and on Christmas wreaths,” she says.
It’s also one of the most affordable and accessible trend so far. “They’ve replaced the feather earring people have been freaking out on. Afterall, there’s little to not love about them,” says jewellery designer Musskan Agarwaal.