
The bonnet trend is not just for wintertime
From Copenhagen to Milan, January to August
February 3rd, 2025
First, they took over Copenhagen, the coldest fashion capital there is, then New York, London, Paris, and finally Milan. The bonnets (which in Italian could simply be called caps) have managed to conquer the heart of street style this winter, even making their way to the Grammy on the head of Lady Gaga. In a way, one could say that even the castle-shaped headpiece worn by Jaden Smith could be considered a bonnet, but we won’t go that far. In short, it seems that the après-ski charm launched by Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s is back in fashion, and this time not just on the snow. Bonnets take inspiration from the little caps worn by babies: warm, snug, and securely fastened with lace ties, not only keeping you warm but also being undeniably adorable. It is no coincidence, then, that the first city to embrace them in its wardrobe was Copenhagen, the same city that launched the coquette-core trend thanks to designers like Cecilie Bahnsen, and it’s no coincidence that the trend is also making its way into summer, thanks to the personalization craze.
Just like with hybrid sneaker-ballet flats and technical jackets covered in bows, the trend aligns with the functional and ultra-feminine aesthetic that has taken over the market in recent years. The most famous fashion brands that have embraced the trend in recent seasons include Simone Rocha, Saint Laurent, Miu Miu and Schiaparelli—brands that, even if they don’t fully adhere to the “cute” and “coquette” trend, undoubtedly lean towards an ultra-vintage aesthetic. At last night’s Grammys, Gaga’s Valentino look not only proved that the bonnet can also be styled elegantly and draw inspiration from even older times, but also that it can be worn during the coldest months of the year and beyond. The latest SS24 and SS25 collections are proof of this: at Valentino, it barely covers the head and is made of thin white cotton, resembling a delicate lace accessory; at Alaïa, the bonnet becomes a small black cap in full French bon ton style, while at Saint Laurent, it is crafted with layers of sheer colored silk.
The latest summer collections confirm that the bonnet trend, born in Copenhagen for the colder months, will follow us all year long, even influencing summer fashion. While in winter, bonnets serve a functional purpose by keeping ears, head, and neck warm, eliminating the need for a hat, scarf, and earmuffs, in the warmer seasons, they become a purely aesthetic accessory—customizable and unique. On TikTok, the DIY trend has already exploded: whereas years ago, the platform was filled with hundreds of crochet balaclava tutorials, now just as many videos on knitting bonnets are emerging. As the most popular videos show, they can be made in every possible way: with long, short, tight, or wide ties; pointed, round, or even decorated with sparkling pendants. After all, just as the bonnet trend draws inspiration from images of Brigitte Bardot in the snow, the “chaotic customization” trend also looks to a 1960s icon. But did she ever wear a bonnet, Jane Birkin?