Harking back to the summer months (remember those?!) nothing cheers up more than a bit of floral! Even Barbie got in on the act for a while. Florals are big this season as showcased at the fashion weeks last year. Easing their way in gently amidst past seasons of colour block and studded biker chic are florals that aren’t too sickly sweet and can be worked in with a current look.
It didn’t just start here though. Flowers have been an inherent part of the fashion industry over the years in various styles. Whether a jumpsuit, dresses or as an accessory, flowers have played an important role. Omnipresent in many a photo shoot and catwalk show these botanic beauties are a staple of the fashion world.
Flowers and their hidden meanings have been used for years to enhance locations and the very design of flowers themselves has inspired designers for many years, curled silky petals, edgy leaves and the sculptural flow of a unique bloom can all be seen in designs over the years. Floral print originated in Asia before landing on our shores hundreds of years ago – to be able to afford and wear these fabrics was something of a status symbol. From heavily patterned chintz to delicate silks florals have always been a wardrobe staple. Let’s not forget decorating your home with the textile (remember the 70’s anyone) to last summer’s festival trend of floral crowns woven into your hair.
As spring seems tantalisingly just out of sight, why not stick two fingers up at winter and get the happy spring vibe on early. This season the key looks are feminine blousy and shirts that will look great under a fluffy jumper (let’s not get carried away, it’s still freezing out there). Layer up your prints by taking inspiration from the catwalk: London Fashion Week S/S14 showed us florals in a variety of tones with Erdem sporting monochrome and flowing, silk bomber jackets from Jonathan Saunders and Mary Katrantzou offering acid brights on her signature skirts. Delicate or bold the prints worked and it wasn’t just limited to womanswear. Floral print shirts and trousers (first time floral has gone head to toe for menswear) on dark backgrounds made this seasons look more masculine.
Wearing floral is easy, a pretty dress with a leather biker jacket or knee high boots allows you to blend the new pieces in with your current wardrobe, keep it edgy with this flirty yet tough look. Floral prints work really well with bright shades such as orange; try working shoes or a bag in this colour with your outfit.
Image: See-ming Lee