Embrace Designers' Fresh Takes on Floral Outfits with the New Floral Renaissance
The use of real flowers in some of the most praised brands' Spring/Summer 2024 collections is a sobering reminder of beauty’s ephemeral nature.
Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking. No, really. Even Miranda Priestly of The Devil Wears Prada could agree that on recent runways, florals have broken away from traditional clichés and sprouted out of their usual constraints. This summer, you can wear florals proudly and innovateively, as evidenced by several fashion houses in their Spring/Summer 2024 collections.
Think of Francesco Risso’s interpretation for Marni’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection, for example. Shown in Paris, the Mediterranean designer offered a new perspective on florals that escape the two-dimensional plane and burst out in a visually enchanting spectacle: a handmade mashup of fleurs en découpage molded from discarded tin cans, vibrant miniskirts, and feminine bustier dresses are a true celebration of joy and artistry. While not exactly crafted for timeless wearability or mainstream usage, Risso’s floral outfits are meant to be appreciated fleetingly, just like nature itself.
Simone Rocha’s innovative, tactile approach for the Spring/Summer 2024 collection similarly adds a new perspective. Presented at the English National Ballet headquarters in London, the collection features long-stemmed, pale-pink roses sewn inside sheer garments. While this touch of whimsy (inevitable in Rocha's designs) paired with the relentless sheer trend has an ethereal charm, the use of real flowers is a sobering reminder of beauty’s ephemeral nature and adds a poignant layer to the depiction of florals for spring.
Alexander McQueen and Prada’s renditions offer a more enduring take on the spring floral through bursts of subtle interpretation. Soft prints and metallic rose-shaped accessories offer a balance of classic motifs and contemporary flair. The lasting appeal of florals allows us to pack away conventionality and embrace the season of regrowth and transformation. In Risso’s words, “We’ve got to undress our mind, and dress up our senses.”
As for contemporary brands like Magda Butrym and David Koma, the pop of colorful 3D floral detailing on minimalist shapes has ruled their latest collections. Adorning the neckline of sleek evening ensembles or dangling from their versatile leather accessories, these delicate appliqués elevate any effortless design and feminize any subtle silhouette. Alternatively, It-girl-favorite brands like Khaite and Cult Gaia have been offering their own interpretations on flower-embellished accessories to hop onto the florals reinassance through a unique perspective.
And although we may not be able to add Marni's bursting tin dress or Simone Rocha's rose-sewn gown into our everyday closets, these contemporary nature-inspired alternatives can generate just as much flair as those looks seen on the Spring/Summer 2024 runways. From elegant floral handbags to thong-style floral shoes, scroll down and discover how to apply designer's fresh take on flowers into your summer fits.
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Featuring a sleek trapeze cut with a roomy interior and versatile sillhouette, Magda Butrym's floral handbag is one to wear from spring to winter. Crafted in smooth calf leather, this floral handbag is adorned with the most delicate flower embellishments, now a signature staple of the contemporary brand. To pair with casual jeans or a sexy evening dress, this dreamy shoulder bag is the perfect way to hop into the latest floral wave.
Magda Butrym Brigitte Trapeze Bag in Black Leather and Silver, $2,405, Magda Butrym
To wear as a set or mix & match with an endless array of shirts, pants, and blouses, Rosie Assoulin's modern take on florals for spring puts the traditional flower prints behind and offers a new perspective on nature-inspired outfits. In a vibrant combination of colors, its dangling floral garland will make your look stand out wherever you go.
Rosie Assoulin Sarong But So Right Floral-Garland Gathered Silk Maxi Skirt, $1,695, Moda Operandi
To hop on the popular mesh shoes trend and join the latest wave of flower prints at the same time, Khaite's delicate floral shoe is one to wear all summer long. Reimagining the classic ballerina flat, this rounded-toe floral shoe will allow you to walk into any room in ultimate style. Plus, its dimensional nature-inspired embroidery adds a touch of femininity to any daytime outfit.
Khaite The Marcy Flat, $950, Khaite
For the perfect blend of design and craftsmanship, Alexander McQueen's floral accessories guarantee a striking addition to any minimalist look. Crafted from multiple layers of curved metal petals assembled together, this gold-finished brass pendant features a realistic Tudor Rose pendant. Offering a contemporary yet timeless take on florals, this adjustable necklace is one to wear from day to night.
Alexander McQueen Women's Tudor Rose Necklace in Gold, $ 945, Alexander McQueen
Who said flowers were only meant for daytime outfits? In a floral top, leg-baring open design, David Koma's sexy take on florals guarantees a fun night out. Featuring glossy flower appliqués in a striking shade of red, the designer not only brings a fresh perspective on classic florals but also on the traditional LBD.
David Koma Floral-appliqué Wool Crepe Minidress, $ 1,438, Mytheresa
Featuring a thong-style silhouette and wraparound self-tie ankle straps, you won't be able to stop wearing Burberry's floral shoes this summer. With floral appliqués throughout, these delicate sandals can elevate any casual outfit or complement any evening ensemble. Available in a striking shade of red or in a sophisticated gold hue, these floral shoes are the perfect addition to your summertime closet.
Burberry Red Ivy Flora Heeled Sandals, $1,890, Ssense
If, like us, you are still obsessed with Marni's floral rendition at the Spring/Summer 2024 runways, then you can bring a piece of their incredible artistry home with their pink floral tube top. Featuring Francesco Risso's unforgettable floral print throughout the top's boning, this strapless design begs for summertime adventures.
Marni Pink Floral Tube Top, $1,117, Ssense
For a sophisticated yet bold addition, Cult Gaia's nature-inspired earrings offer a realistic take on florals. In the shape of delicate calla lilies featuring a deep shade of red, these dangling earrings will add unique whimsicality to any floral outfit. Pair it with a simple tube top or strapless dress for a striking first impression.
Cult Gaia Calista Gold-Tone Floral Earrings, $158, Moda Operandi
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