“Florals for spring?...Groundbreaking”
Florals are no longer a trend but a tradition in fashion. As winter fades and spring arises so does the predictability of florals perennially returning. But why each year are florals such a non-negotiable and inevitably groundbreaking part of spring fashion? Well, the answer lies somewhere between psychology, historical intertextuality, and common romance.
Since the 18th century, fashion has incorporated florals intricately to symbolise purity, rebirth, and innocence. The French Rococo gowns were adorned lightly with floral applique and the nuanced chinoiserie prints of the Victorian era have set the blueprint of flowers being integrated into the seams of fashion history. Even in Japan, the cherry blossom has perpetuated meaning of beauty for centuries and more recently in the sixty’s florals stood for an era of rebellion, hedonism and aided the embodiment of liberation of an era.
Today, the world of fashion continues to reinvent florals endlessly. Designers such as Alexander McQueen and John Galliano have used floral designs and motifs in spring collections to exaggerate maximalist floral blossoms, while Dior and Chanel often use florals in an ethereal, regal way. Regardless of the decade nor aesthetic, florals are inexorable.
Although florals are incredibly visually eye catching, beyond that they evoke happiness, renewal, and romance and after months of monotonous grey, mundane weather it is no doubt we gravitate to the vibrancy of florals. Therefore, they offer a sense of subconscious optimism that the world around us is regenerating colour and life.
It would also be remiss not to mention florals’ intrinsic and primary role in attraction; in nature, flowers bloom to entice pollinators ergo flowers in fashion play on the similar role and exude instinctive softness and femininity.
Florals are a versatile staple of spring; there is a version for everyone!
With the right styling and contrast, florals can layer beautifully. Even if you wish for a more maximalist approach like designer Marc Jacobs - who unapologetically embraces the voluminous chaos of florals - injecting the perfect amount of springtime energy.
Yes, florals may not be the most groundbreaking concept of spring fashion anymore, but they hold the most power. They carry history and emotion within them. Therefore, while each year the way we may wear them alters slightly through accessories and clothing it is certain that like fashion itself, nature will always let florals bloom.
Written by Ella Hewitt