The Evolution of the Floral by May Wang
Many runway trends are as fleeting as a last hookup—you’re obsessed for a few days before you decide that it no longer looks good on you. Prints are especially dangerous waters to tread—what happened to the tie-dyes and argyles of yester-seasons? Or polka-dots, always fluctuating in and out of fashion?
One day, you may look like a total trendsetter and the next, in the same garment, you’re archaic. But there is one pattern that always seems to escape the fate of being out of fashion. One pattern that always seems to get it right, and has always been forecasted as in-trend season after season, changing a little bit every time along the way. And that would be the floral. Yes, floral is a trend that doesn’t seem to go away. You could call it the mother of all patterns, in fact, since it really has been a pattern that has been around since our mother’s time— our grandmother’s time, even. The floral of the olden days was often tapestry-like, embroidered on carpet bags and corsets that are still very much coveted in the vintage world today. They were also printed on silk and a variety of other feminine fabrics, once again back in fashion despite all granny-backlash, as re-interpreted by vintage retailer Noir Ohio. One of the most recognizable floral prints in the fashion world has it’s own name—the liberty floral, dating back as early as the 30s and 40s. It’s tiny, delicate flowers in an arrangement of pastels were elegant, girly, and the exemplification of good taste. The print is still largely interpreted and incorporated into ready-to-wear today, like these modern Topshop shorts. Likewise, floral was an important print during the hippie movement of the 70s, inspired by the love of nature and peace. Girls wore daisy chains about their heads and sang along to rock songs at
Woodstock, and nostalgia for this age of love is reflected in D&G’s spring 08 ready-to-wear line . Moving forward a little bit, who could forget the jewel of the 90s, the close cousin of the floral, the Hawaiian print? Believe it or not, the Hawaiian print has influenced a lot of jet set, resort floral. Designer Betsey Johnson, definitely one of floral’s strongest advocators, re-invents the Hawaiian in a sexy, contemporary satin slip dress, and Tommy Hilfiger goes the preppy route with a red and white tropical print. The 21st century is an even more exciting age for florals, with new, more daring prints popping up, like the bold photographic floral series from Topshop that debuted spring of 09, or in contrast, the more understated, sophisticated floral dresses from brands such as Lover that still keep in line with the minimalist aesthetic. No matter what, nothing can take away from the sheer prettiness and girliness of the floral—the delight in how it brings us back to a certain simpler, happier time—even if we have no memories of jumping about in a field of daisies in our youth. Floral has a way of highlighting a woman’s best features and giving a soft, fresh beauty to her appearance. And that is why it is one trend that will never fade into oblivion.
Photo Credit: Kimchi and Blue April Dress Urban Outfitters; Modern Floral Playsuit Pixie Market ;D&G Spring 08 Return to Hippie; Betsey Johnson Hawaiian Floral
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