It’s all rosy in fashion this month, with a seasonal crop of florals that are just begging for attention. From large-scale flower motifs to romantic blossoms, here are myriad ways for nature to infiltrate each and every corner of your wardrobe.
Plastic Fantastic
Nostalgia, fantasy and playfulness were all weaved into Demna Gvasalia’s spring/summer 2024 show for Balenciaga, in a collection that featured passports as wallets, shoes as handbags and dressing gowns as outwear. Modelled by people who’ve influenced his life, such as a lecturer from his Antwerp alma mater and fashion critic Cathy Horyn, it’s no wonder he credits the show as his most personal. Among the usual streetwear- luxe offerings and oversized tailoring was a trio of floor-length floral dresses made from faux vinyl. Named the tablecloth dress, this white and pink gown in matte plastic with large-scale blooms takes us back to the days of 5pm tea-times and colouring books. Nostalgic indeed.
Eccentric Elegance
Released last month, Prada’s May issue 2024 celebrates the joy of dressing with a wonderfully wacky campaign that features vibrant socks paired with velour sandals, argyle-check tights worn as trousers, and long suede gloves styled with swimwear. And in suitably eccentric fashion, grandma’s favourite cardigan- and-brooch combination is given a romantic edge worn with a delicate floral nylonette bra.
Nature’s Glory
Few designers are considered greater proponents of all things floral than Oscar de La Renta, who grew up surrounded by nature in the Dominican Republic. Creative directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia continue his legacy this season with a bouquet of show-stopping gowns featuring romantic 3D floral prints. This standout Flora & Fauna Maxi dress with its billowing skirt is garden-party perfection.
There’s bad news for anyone hoping to skimp on pedicures this summer: the mesh shoe trend isn’t going anywhere. Although designers are favouring monochrome and biker-style see-through flats, we love this oh-so-pretty iteration from cult NYC label Khaite, which is embroidered with flowers. The next best thing to being barefoot? We say it’s better.
Fighting Floral
Creative director Matthew M Williams first unveiled Givenchy’s It Bag proposition in spring 2023. Named the Voyou (bad boy), the calfskin leather sac was first offered in grungy black and metallic styles. Now updated with a delicate floral print, it’s still serving a healthy dose of attitude.
A Dash of Duchess
After inspiring countless books, films and now fashion, it seems our fascination with the aristocratic Mitford sisters is as strong as ever. For resort and spring/summer 2024, Erdem takes inspiration from the youngest sibling, Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire. With a blown-up print based on flowers from the gardens of her Chatsworth House home, this crinkled-satin skirt pays tribute to her love of the outdoors.
Check out last month’s fashion round up here.