Summer’s most recognizable counterpart is back and better than ever—and with a serious twist.
By Tess Eyrich
Floral prints and summertime have enjoyed a decades-long marriage, but designers this season are turning one of fashion’s most familiar partnerships on its head with technicolored patterns and hyper-realistic embellishments. These are hardly your grandmother’s florals—instead, think gauzy gowns bedecked with crepe blossoms and psychedelic cocktail sheaths that are putting a contemporary spin on vintage silhouettes. Men, meanwhile, can no longer be content to settle for a flower in the lapel, as ready-to-wear portfolios are rife with retro-inspired, fitted Hawaiian shirts; graphic outerwear; and even luxe suiting covered in fanciful sprays.
Floral embroidered bodice gown with sheer organza overlay and applique embellishment, $13,000, by Delpozo (delpozo.com)
Jasmine floral crepe cady jumpsuit with long sleeves, $4,200, by Elie Saab (877-551-7257; saksfifthavenue.com)
Tropical print silk dress with metal detailing, $3,586, by Etro (877-678-9627; net-a-porter.com)
Silk floral applique vest, silk shorts, leather wedges, price upon request, by Giambattista Valli (888-774-2424; bergdorfgoodman.com)
Dark bazaar grand ornamental flowers printed silk twill jacket, $3,150, stretch crepe de chine formal blouse, $595, printed silk twill sharp pants, $1,150, casual lace-up shoe in black leather with white sole, $540, by Gucci (877-482-2430; gucci.com)
Victor wool jacket with floral print, $1,200, Luke cotton trousers,
$510, by Jonathan Saunders
(jonathan-saunders.com)
Printed rayon shirt with pocket, $450, navy and white hemp shorts, $500, cotton bag, $690, by Junya Watanabe (doverstreetmarket.com)
Ponker dress with Swarovski crystal beading, $18,850, by Mary Katrantzou (888-282-6060; nordstrom.com)
Floral blazer, $535, floral trousers, $284, by Oliver Spencer (oliverspencer.co.uk)
Citron silk faille dress with white threadwork and sequin embroidery, $4,490, by Oscar de la Renta (888-782-6357; oscardelarenta.com)
Rivington cotton jacket, $550, Walker cotton pants, $350, Kent leather shoes, $325, by Rag & Bone (866-509-3695; rag-bone.com)
Floral print silk shirt, $890, satin jacket with embroidered sequins, $2,950, patent effect denim trousers, $590, leather and pony hair shoes, $1,195, by Saint Laurent (800-399-0929; ysl.com)
Leather motorcycle jacket with side tab detailing, $2,950, by 3.1 Phillip Lim (855-212-3178; 31philliplim.com)
