Here’s a gracious bow to the spirit of flowers. The word is out — no seasonal mood swings, not even the trend tsunami, can deter them from the business of blooming, at least in the fashion world. The A/W of 2013-14, too is keeping its date with the floral kind. Only it is glowing best by keeping things dark.
Roberto Cavalli has presented a limited floral edition in orange flames with a Renaissance print touch to it while juxtaposing the visual brilliance with grey tweeds. Marios Schwab and Osman, A/W ’13 exhibiting the baroque and brocade regality with panache. Erdem’s signature floral style is very much evident in all black line black silk pieces covered in pink and blue beaded flowers.
Designers Pankaj and Nidhi have beautifully captured the essence in their ‘Roses are Blue’ line. “We are relying on the good old roses that are strategically placed to gain maximum attention. The season is edged with darkness as the colour wheels favours hues blue and grey. Shades of navy, cobalt, ink blue with greys and fresh white bring a certain aura to fluid fabrics, luxurious silks, jerseys, translucent tulle, longer lengths, higher slits and deeper necklines. The fantastic floral effect comes together in a pixilated avatar of big blooms of oversized roses hand-punched with geometric precision and smoothly interwoven into each garments,” informs the duo.
Acknowledging a floral riot for every summer calender, designer Pallavi Mohan is confident of playing “flower” card for fall winter days too, “Just tweak things accordingly. If the Spring-Summer line is underlined with floral embroidery on sheers, the winter looks stylish and preppy with the bronze effect,” she suggests.
“In my A/W collection, I have shifted from the usual with the combination of floral prints on metallic surfaces. You would see a difference in the colour palette, textures, cloth and the combination of embroidery. This is an ideal time to adapt to earthy tones and brown hues for a classic twist while highlighting the floral finesse. Flocked fabrics and lace overlays add a fresh spin to the story. Remember you have no intention of creating a garden, so avoid over crowded patterns, instead settle for flowers, that are few and far between,” says Pallavi.
Whereas, designer Indira Ghosh Baikerikar declares that tribal prints are out and floral prints retain their place in A-W this season.
Her detailing goes as, “The look of dry flowers and subtle flowers laces are the stylish picks. Of course line prints are sure fire winners. They prefer displaying flowers in geometrical shapes. Monotones are another safe bet. If the base tone is brown, pick darker tone of brown to highlight the prints or embellishments. Go for taffeta and satin fabrics in earthy shades but remember pink is the season’s black.”
When it comes to silhouette, formal is her chosen way. “Wear your florals on a gown that is structured till the waist and then goes flowy. An interesting option could be to pair a trouser with long dress that flaunts a thigh high slit. A definite talk of the town look,” she says.
