One of the most iconic film quotes is from our beloved Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada: 'Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking!' We couldn't agree more. But first, let's see some info about floral patterns and the reasons why we love them.
The ancient civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and even ancient Greece were fascinated by nature, especially flowers, from the beginning. They were using floral motifs on the clothing, pottery, architecture, decoration and scripts, as a form of representation and worship of the nature. The etymology of the word 'floral' comes from the Roman goddess of flowers, Flora.
Floral into Fashion
The Victorian Era, the time period where the trends became fashion. The love of Queen's Victoria for the flowers turned the floral patterns into a fashion trend. All kind of flowers, such as delicate roses, daisies, and other blossoms adorned dresses and accessories, creating a romantic and feminine aesthetic.
The women of this era started using floral motifs, not only on the clothing but also as home decoration, wallpapers, and upholstery, in order to become more elegant, sophisticated, social accepted and to express the feminine version of themselves.
For the last century, the floral fashion is the expression of this romantic and feminine aesthetic, which became a favourite statement for plenty of fashion designers, painters, photographers and artists. The symbolism behind a floral pattern or a 3D structured flower, or even an abstract flower bucket, is that all the above examples represents the same thing, the beauty. The beauty of nature, the renaissance, the freedom, the happiness and love, the έρως and of course the female version of our world.
Famous Painters
Famous Photographers
Famous Designers
The floral patterns became popular among the fashion designers of the 20th century. Christian Dior, Coco Chanel and Cristobal Balenciaga was the first among the designers who embrace the floral motifs into the gowns, dresses and accessories, designed for the woman. The second half of the century we have the names of Kenzo Takada, who mixed the Japanese culture with the European fashion, Yves Saint Lauren and Karl Lagerfeld and last but not least the MVP of the fashion world, Alexander McQueen who mastered the dark version of creativity and imagination on Haute Couture.
Today, our love for flowers is still going on!
From Lux brands to everyday clothing, the floral motifs has become something more than a fashion trend, it is a statement. A unisex, timeless and easy combined pattern, that is a must have in the wardrobe. We have stencil, embroidered, motifs, 3D, Japanese or Hawaiian, retro or baroque, roses or tulips, clothing or accessories, all kind of floral inspired pieces.
But, are we not bored of the same theme pattern in every Spring/Summer Collection? Are we not tired of florals when the sun comes out and the Fashion Campaigns become a garden-themed party? Actually, not really. The psychology behind the floral patterns is connected to the mood swing of the season change. The more flowers, the happier and friendlier we feel. Studies have shown that wearing a floral patterned clothing makes you look more approachable, beautiful and cute to others. But, remember do not go too far with that.
Are you into Floral Pattern?
Totally into!
Not my style.