Summer blossoms

The season of flowers has once more returned, and rightfully so. After all, summer without a heavy hint of floral power is like succumbing to the dry barren heat — lifeless and insipid. This season will see a riot of florals. Orchids, tulips, peonies and roses are lavishly displayed on — you name it — dresses, gowns, T-shirts, shirts, trousers, crop tops. And the forerunners of the wealth of blossoms — violets, crocuses and daffodils — are set to occupy silhouettes of all kinds throughout the season.

“There’s nothing more cheerful than clothes with flowers blooming all over them in the summer,” says designer Rocky S., adding, “Fashion has taken a very handcrafted and authentic route this time around. This season’s floral trend is all about casual statements and simplicity. Hand-drawn/painted florals developed into prints is one of the few unique ways in which flower power has made a comeback. The natural and raw beauty of colourful floral motifs framed against a dark or black background presents a modern and edgy appeal.”

Equally to be recommended are the picturesque dog rose on crepe de chine or a bouquet of freesias covered up in a romantic fairy-tale summer gown, explains designer Siddartha Tytler. “That’s the fresh appeal,” he quips, adding, “I strongly believe in mixing different patterns, for example, one can mix and match the organic floral pattern with the Breton stripes or geometric stripes for creating a unique sartorial sensibility. It breaks the monotony and brings out the best in both the patterns. Head-to-toe florals can singularly become ill-suited if you don’t wear your confidence on your sleeve. So keep that in mind. The look can be easily twisted into various trendy styles best suited to your daily engagements.”

Designer Payal Khandwala, on the other hand, shares, “I think, different treatments (embroidery, appliqué, print, 3D stitches, etc.) of floral motifs and different kinds of seductive flowers from the plant taxonomy will inspire many experiments. In softer tones, smaller flowers can be gentle and feminine. Fragile roses can be scaled up and colour blocked to make it a deadly combination of fierce and feminine. We all love daisies too. Something about that shape, like the rays of the sun in a child's drawing, can be played up into lots of different style statements. So pick your favourite, according to your body type, your inner diva energy and confidence.”

Talking about top silhouettes designer Archana Kochhar points out, “Floral prints mixed with other botanical-inspired motifs are going to be one of the key trends. A floral jumpsuit is a perfect way to pull off the head to toe floral look. You could also team this look with floral sneakers and kitty heels with a hint of floral print on it. A must-have floral-inspired piece this season is the floral scarf, preferably in a solid tone. Piling accessories onto striking florals is like stuffing an arrangement of peonies with baby’s breath and ferns. If you are donning prints that are edgy bordering on grunge, then stay away from anything too pretty. Go with hair a little on the messier side, and seek out dresses with flowers winding down the centre. That will draw the eye in, creating a slimming illusion. For a tomboy look, floral prints can be incorporated in an easygoing shirt paired with solid coloured high-waisted trousers. As for men who are brave enough to embrace the trend, a floral blazer might not be as useful as a navy one, but looks great with a white T-shirt. If you’re updating anything a bit Hawaii, toughen it up with a dark pair of jeans.”

Lastly, if you aren’t in a mood to shop for anything new and desire to reinvent your oldies, then Rocky comes to the rescue and suggests, “The two important buzzwords in the world of fashion are: sustainability and multi-purpose/functional. Buy clothes that are versatile and can be used and styled  innumerable ways. Transform your old skirts by chopping off the length and wearing it as a top or maybe even a short dress. Accessorise the waist with a belt and you’re all set. You can cut strips from your old floral outfits and use them as sashes and belts too or wear them as a headband for a super-cute girl look.”