Isn’t fashion just blooming wonderful?

Mar 24 2008 by Hannah Davies, The Journal

Vicky Pepys finds funky florals firmly embedded this spring

FLORALS arrive every spring; they burst onto the fashion scene in magnificent displays of colour and freshen up our grim grey winter wardrobes.

The most surprising use of abstract florals came first with the runway shows last autumn, designer Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga showed just how futuristic florals could be.

Granted, they were presented on a pronounced shoulder (latex apparently!) silhouette that largely resembled a Lieutenant Uhura ( Star Trek) ‘special event’ favourite (a day visit to another planet perhaps?), but the high street hasn’t been too far behind in incorporating abstract new-look florals onto modern shapes. Including last season’s smocks without falling down the usual “its floral therefore it should be retro in styling” trap.

Remember flowering perennials all benefit from pruning. Be quite severe with these blooms; cut away any excess to keep them modern.

That means accessories should be sharp and clean; and severe or at least tied back sleek and glossy hair modernises this look totally.

Go ‘hippy’ with styling and you’re so behind, way beyond Boho and straight into the early 70s. Even Boho is ‘luxe’ this season and that’s a whole different influence and story. So enjoy this bunch before they fade; spring is definitely the time to flourish in fashion.

Stockists

Next: Northumberland Street, Newcastle, MetroCentre, Team Valley Retail Park and Kingston Park, 0844 844-8333.

Mango: Red Mall, MetroCentre, (0191) 460-9867.

Laura Ashley, MetroCentre and Mercia Retail Park, Pity Me, Durham, 0871 223-1315/1583.

Linea is at House of Fraser, MetroCentre, (0191) 493-2424.

Betty Barclay is at John Lewis, (0191) 232-5000 and Fenwick, (0191) 232-5100, Newcastle.

Jigsaw is at 151 Grainger Street, Newcastle, (0191) 261-4715.