Summer always calls for bright colors and bold prints and this season is no exception.
Blooms, roses, sprigs, dragonflies, flowers, ginkgo leaves and exotic jungle plants have all sprung up on international catwalks. Lily Cole works the floral look in fresh green and strong yellows on skirts, dresses and all-in-ones for Salvatore Ferragamo, while Valentino uses dusty hues to add a bit of botanical to his latest collection. Missoni, John Richmond, Roberto Cavalli, Jean Paul Gaultier, Mariella Burani, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton and Kenzo also uses floral patterns to express this season's summery, feminine mood.
Like the plant, floral designs are highly distinctive-this season sees earthy African and sepia animal prints competing with massed florals. Zebras, leopards, tigers, cows and giraffes are all accommodated as animal prints evolve into a very modern look. Fabrics from chiffon to batik get the animal treatment, with chiffon animal print blouses proving especially popular. Other patterns emerging include retro prints in bright colors with oversized spots and circles. This motif has dominated many fashion shows this season, especially in Milan where brands like Versace, Gucci and Pucci have all come out with vibrant geometric prints with '60s echoes.
Oversized prints, in general, are big. Bold designs are well matched with the loose, fluid shapes we are going to see in the shops and will definitely make a fashionable statement. If all that is too much for you, however, you can always opt for a more refined version where the print is sectioned to a detail of the garment, or simply go with a flower print scarf for a romantic Sandra Dee touch, or an ultra-feminine leopard bag.
