For me, flowers in fashion are synonymous with romantic floral dresses. Wide and flowy, a little long, you often see them now as a bohemian-style maxi dress, but I still call them ‘Little House on the Prairie’ dresses, after an 80s TV series about pioneers in America.

By the way: no matter how much I like these dresses, floral dresses don’t suit me (too delicate). But that aside.

Do flowers always create a romantic look? No. You can really go in all directions with it. And so the theme remains current year in, year out.

Embroidered Dresses

Since I started specializing in broderie d’art more than ten years ago, the theme of flowers in fashion has taken on a different sound. The feel of a floral dress moved from simple and sweet to luxurious and rich. Here too, the dresses are often long, but with a class that far exceeds the simple flower dress. The theme is often elaborated in embroidery and these embroidered dresses are the highlights of a collection.

And that is where a specific characteristic of couture emerges: nothing is ”simple”. A flower is not just a simple print. Something is being done with it . Something that makes the flower unique in its kind. Not something that can be copied blindly. 

In practice, this means that the concept is given more depth. A double layer, in a literal or figurative sense. 

Flowers in Fashion: Couture Embroidery

 

This couture jacket is embroidered in 3D with flowers. This third dimension makes it playful, not static, but almost ‘alive’. The use of different materials ensures that they reflect differently in evening light, which creates a magical effect. 

In this long lace dress, the floral embroidery around the shoulders and neck automatically focuses on the face. 

This white jacket with lily of the valley has a strong appearance due to the heavy, solid fabric and the clear lines of the model. The flowers do not detract from this, thanks to the simple, austere shapes and the sparse distribution over some parts of the jacket.

This last model in particular does not evoke a sense of romance for me. However, it is beautiful. 

Where do you see a sense of romance in flowers in fashion? Share your thoughts below!

PS Do you absolutely love flowers? Then keep an eye on the newsletter. Soon the completely renewed course will be launched around five different ways to make 3D flowers from fabric. This is truly a course that can give you a boost as you transition from making clothes to creating unique couture pieces. So make sure you stay informed and sign up for the newsletter ( see homepage ). 

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Couture  education

The program of workshops, masterclasses and training at Saskia ter Welle is aimed at (prospective) professionals in the fashion industry who are looking for an opportunity to specialize in couture techniques. Enthusiastic, ambitious amateurs are also welcome! In the courses, a balance is sought between technique and inspiration, between knowledge and skill and artistic expression. Discovering one’s own handwriting is seen as crucial in the distinctive craftsmanship of each student.