In the words of Miranda Priestly of The Devil Wears Prada, “Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” Floral fashions may not be the most nuanced, but they’re definitely the sweetest! Each spring season, designers get more creative with their flower power, ranging from foliage to forest prints. From silk prints to soft cotton voiles, there’s nothing that can’t be improved with a floral motif. Let’s take a look at how designers have grown their garden this season.
Full Flowers
Usually, designers like to work with the head of the flower. But there’s beauty in nature, and naturally, flowers have stems. Some designers are utilizing stems in print, thorns and all. Alexander McQueen utilizes a lovely bouquet of poppies, while Chanel tiptoes through tulips with a stunning fuschia dress. Cynthia Rowley knows that the term “weeds” is subjective, using a dandelion ready to blow as the perfect print on this button-up, and Lela Rose shows an assortment of lovely blue flowers for a nautical style. Schiaparelli created a lovely lime dress with vines of chintz flowers, and Zimmermann pairs full flowers with full-bodied ruching to create a stylish dress.
Lace
Lacy florals are the perfect duo, as the delicate look of lace imitates the strength of flowers. Alexander McQueen layers contrasting laces for a look with depth, while Elie Saab’s sweet lacy robe is the perfect layering piece for lingerie. Jill Stuart’s puff-sleeved piece hits on the modest immodesty trend that’s been so popular, and Lela Rose’s primrose yellow dress seems to be made of guipure lace, the perfect summer style! Tory Burch pairs floral lace with popping pleats and some well-placed ruffles, while Zimmermann goes big with a bishop sleeve, full skirt ensemble.
Guipure is a popular lace, a slightly sturdier textile that’s perfect for spring and summer fashions. Utilize a stretch lace for body-hugging silhouettes, or a 3D lace for a statement piece, like Zimmermann’s voluminous dress.
Larger than Life
Flowers that were literally larger than life bloomed on the runway, taking up space on stunning silhouettes. Alexander McQueen utilized a chintz-style floral, while Cynthia Rowley went for a more tropical tone. Jill Stuart’s pink flowers popped on a turquoise background, while everything popped on Schiaparelli’s coat dress. Warm featured a simple dress with subtle flowers, and Zimmermann’s puff-sleeved, corset dress utilized large flowers for a dizzying print.
Utilize a panel to create larger than life looks, or a Mood Exclusive from the phenomenal Harvest Collection! For Jill Stuart’s funky garments, try spandex or tricot, and check out burnout jersey for Warm’s leisurely dress!
Small Florals
Small floral prints are perfect for subtle pops of colors. I’m obsessed with Cynthia Rowley’s green matching set that features small pink flowers, and Elie Saab uses a medley of flowers for a sweet ensemble. Lela Rose uses small floral fringe for a stunning maxi dress, while Prada creates the perfect pinafore dress. Tory Burch’s elegant blouse has some beautiful sleeves, with black velvet trim, and Warm’s leisurely pajamas are cute enough to wear out to brunch!
Go big with 3D floral fabrics, or take a shot at Cynthia Rowley’s dress with a panel. A soft flowing cotton jersey would be best to recreate Warm’s glowing garment, and attempt Zimmermann’s bishop sleeves with the Zenobia Dress!
Floral Trim
Floral trim is perfect for adding delicate details to any garment. Chanel utilizes floral appliques that really pop, while Elie Saab’s well-placed appliques accent the bodice and hips beautifully. Lela Rose’s simple floral fringe trim creates a beautiful movement on this simple silhouette, and Prada’s floral scarf is darling! Schiaparelli’s lovely ruched coat dress features the perfect patches, and Tory Burch goes kitsch with some chintz floral appliques.
Utilize feathered fringe for a soft style or braided trim for a regal look. For Tory Burch’s sweet sweater, try using an embroidery hoop and floss to make your own fun flowers, or try floral iron on patches.
What was your favorite floral fashion this season? I love those floral trims! Let me know in the comments!
