We know that Hailey Bieber has an affinity for all things coquette, balletcore, and bows. She’s channeled Audrey Hepburn with a classic hair bow, she is a regular wearer of a ballerina bun, girly and pearly manicures are practically her signature, and she even named one of her iconic Peptide Lip Tints after a ballet slipper’s ribbon. Now, she is cementing her love for the aesthetic permanently—confirming 2023 is, in fact, the the year of the bow.
On December 20, the Rhode founder posted an Instagram story showing off a small but permanent change she’s made to her appearance—a “new tiny baby tat” on the side of her hand.
The new tattoo was smaller than a dime and, as you could probably guess, resembled a bow. Drawn ultra-fine with the skinniest of lines, her new tattoo was the perfect homage to the trend dominating all of 2023. There were two bunny ear loops on top and two dangling strings on the bottom—just like a bow you would wear in your hair.
@haileybieber/instagram
Post-Covid, bows have had a resurgence no one saw coming. After an era of low-maintenance looks, when we finally reentered the world, everyone was experimenting with their style. I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you about all the niche “cores” that have dominated the trend cycle post-lockdown, and bows play a crucial part in almost all of them—from blokette to ballerina sleaze.
Vanessa Whitmarsh, hairstyling educator and member of the Aveda North American Artistic Team, previously told us that “After COVID, it felt like everyone was being minimal with hair. Cuts, color, and styling were more natural and undone, with no accessories except maybe an elastic for ponytails.” She explains, “Now, people are doing more high-maintenance color and styling. Blowouts are back, and so are the accessories. They’re having fun with their hair again.” If you need any proof, look no further than the City Girls’ JT, Selena Gomez, or almost anyone who attended the 2023 Met Gala.
“There’s this freedom to reclaim[ing] femininity,” Colleen Foxworthy, director of product development at Orly, previously told Byrdie regarding the ultra-girly trend. “We’re seeing this push to remind women that we’re innately worthy as we are, and it’s okay to be soft and to love romanticism. You can display feminine traits and still command respect.”
Cat Quinn, executive director of global trend at MAC Cosmetics, added that bows and other trends are being “re-interpreted for the female gaze, inclusive to all, and a little tongue-in-cheek, which immediately makes it feel cool, fresh, and modern—and less Toddlers and Tiaras.“
However, the bow obsession extends long past just hair. There are countless manicures inspired by the cutesy design, bows were a staple on the Spring/Summer runways, and now, Hailey Bieber is bringing the trend to her ink. If that’s any indication, the year of the bow may never end.