FLORALS ARE FUN AND HERE TO STAY
"Florals... for spring? Groundbreaking."
These words, famously purred by Miranda Priestley in The Devil Wears Prada actually ring very true this year, minus the sarcasm, of course.
Florals are no doubt part of your earliest fashion memories. From cute sunflower print skirts to daisy-adorned pigtails and colorful little girl dresses, flowers have been a True Fashionista staple for generations. If today’s designers have their way, (and c’mon they always do, a good thing) florals aren’t going away anytime soon. Just take a look at the spring 2020 runways.
Everyone, from Paco Rabanne to Fendi and Doen had florals in their shows, as Business of Fashion reports that printed dresses have enjoyed a renaissance over the past few seasons, with offerings by brands like Zimmermann seeing sales all year around. Designer labels have managed to really capitalize on the category, building cult followings and successful ready-to-wear contributions in the process. Step one: raid your grandmother’s closet for some floral treasures, as smocks, sixties-era crochet styles and layered looks are back. Then look for florals happening among the printed trends online and in your fave stores.
Launching in 2015, British label Rixo found their niche in floral dresses before branching out as business grew. Keeping their orders small and counting on Instagram influencers to spread the word, their bold colors and lively prints have been grabbing consumers’ attention and driving profits up, virtually guaranteeing that florals are a hit, and a commitment, with their audience.
This was also the case for Rotate by Birger Christensen, the brand launched by Danish retail executive Denise Christensen in August 2018 with stylists-turned-influencers Thora Valdimars and Jeanette Madsen, whom Christensen brought on board to create the collection. Rotate showcases an eye-catching collection of dresses featuring bold colors, prints and sequins. They turned to the socials as well to raise its profile, and its first hit was a hot pink mini dress with leg-of-mutton sleeves. Christensen thought the brand might move 200 of the dresses. To date, it has sold over 2,000.
Sure, florals for spring may not be groundbreaking, Miranda, but this True Fashionista late '60s/early '70s resurgence on the print feels arguably refreshing, not to mention colorfully pleasing to the eye after a cold, grey winter. Get ready to see groovy throwbacks like boho maxi dresses and mod-like floral miniskirts, as well as larger-than-life abstract florals seen at Christopher Kane. Who What Wear also gives it up to Babba Rivera for the mod throwback.
Versace even weighs in this season with a True Fashionista floral twist on J Lo’s now-legendary green Grammys number. Their spring/summer 2020 show went heavy on tropical prints like palms and hibiscus florals. Glamour UK couldn’t agree more, indicating that no matter what the flower, its going to look great in your collection, and out on the street, this spring.
They’ve even done us the favor of putting together floral-laden outfits for several different occasions, from weddings to date night, vacation and black-tie events. While you’re flaunting the True Fashionista flower, you might also want to search out a lovely eau-de-floral spritz to compliment your ensemble. Think light, fresh scents that bring to mind the pretty florals. Scents like Elie Saab Girl of Now Forever by John Lewis brings to mind a summery beach cocktail with creamy almond, freshly-squeezed orange juice and hints of raspberry goodness. Not your style? Try their latest Chloe Nomade Eau de Toilette, which adds a refreshing lilt to the original scent. A splash of L’Occitane Rose Eau de Toilette might do the trick. Looking for a refreshing essence of lime? Atelier Cologne Pacific Lime Cologne will add that southwestern touch. The tangy lime is offset by coconut milk and eucalyptus to provide a soft scent to match your springtime floral fashion arrangement.
Check out a fine, daily updated selection of florals at True Fashionistas, both in store and online via our newly updated website. Do you eBay? We’re there too! Bring on spring!