OK, OK – whenever we use the words ‘blooms’ and ‘trends’ in the same sentence we can’t help but think of Miranda Priestly’s withering, palpitation-inducing line in The Devil Wears Prada: ‘Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.’
But, with our spring issue hitting the printers as we speak, leaving a trail of verdant turf and sweet-smelling bouquets in its wake, we felt duty-bound to offer this seasonal staple some green-fingered attention. From Dior’s techno floral prints and tropical canopies to Erdem’s brooding midnight garden, the runways were once again budding with fresh takes on the trend. What’s more, the flora-smattered SS14 collections have had us poring over the pages of Taschen’s revamped edition of Robert John Thornton’s botanical bible, The Temple of Flora (£34.99). Packed with illuminated blossoms, large format engravings and idyllic background landscapes characteristic of European Romantic literature and painting, the edition faithfully reproduces the original imprint, only a handful of which survive today.
Go forth and cultivate.
Alexander McQueen Velvet Loafer
Rock N Rose Pixie Lott Oversized Floral Crown Headband
Robert John Thornton. The Temple of Flora
Words: Mary-Jane Wiltsher