Summer is the best time to be creative with colours and attire. And floral, it seems, is the print of this season. But, there is a slight change brought on by creative designers who have gone for complete floral designs from head to toe. All you have to do is follow suggestions on wearing complete floral without going overboard. Also, get some ideas on up-cycling clothes to make them summer-friendly.
Siddhartha Bansal
On the ramp
Designer Pallavi Singh says she has always been inclined towards “dainty & vintage floral prints”. “I loved lots of looks from Christian Dior’s Resort 2021 collection. Especially the ones that had floral prints teamed with a similar print and contrast solids which looked so diverse yet so balanced,” says Singh.
Designer Siddhartha Bansal has seen “big oversized floral printed shirt/jacket with contrasting blown-up floral print in bottom matching with printed bucket hat”.
“I love engineered prints, currently crushing on blown up flowers and dried/ pressed flowers look,” says Bansal.
Designer Gautam Gupta, the man behind the label GG by Asha Gautam, accepts that floral and its form never disappears. “Though this time, nature, environment and calmness is needed. So, we can expect the trends to have its root more from nature and history. Persian is one which I foresee being a big trend this year, especially seeing the mood prevailing now and being not so used in apparels. Apart from Persian, one will see other nature-inspired trends such as Botanical, Chinoiserie and retro, especially New Ikebana.”
Gautam Gupta
He says head to toe floral won’t look bad if paired well. “I suggest that one should make a piece, make the statement and others to just have an element. One can wear a nice personal inspired 3D floral embellished on the blouse on a Banarasi skirt having floral zari motifs and a floral headgear.”
Siddhartha Bansal
Flowery summers
No doubt, this trend is just perfect for summer. Bansal says floral prints have a rather ‘refreshing and happy vibe’ to it. “Hence, it makes a perfect choice for summer wardrobe,” he says.
Gupta says floral print gives a feeling of fresh and comfortable look to any style. “Floral prints add a gentle feminine touch to the outfit with a hint of romance in the air.”Singh says, “A good floral print immediately brightens the spirit and can dispel the gloom of hot summer days and this makes it an ideal option.”
Choosing floral
Gupta has seen knitwear demand soar during the pandemic. “One can opt for a printed T-shirt and shorts over comfy chappals. Those attending online occasion parties can wear shirt dress with a nice floral embellished brooch. For more wedding-centric occasions, fun blouses are your best friend. Playful and dramatic sleeves are another big trend.”
Gautam Gupta
For Singh, it’s about feeling happy and keeping yourself motivated during the pandemic. “When it comes to print, floral is an ideal mood-maker and versatile as well. You can either go for head-to-toe floral print dresses/ co-ords set or have some fun by mixing and matching it with solid in complementary colours,” she says.
The designer in Bansal has been creating looks with exaggerated styling complete with ample layering for different ensembles for his look-books or shows. “Hence, each garment is priced separately. One can wear our printed top with a solid bottom or a printed skirt from the same look with a solid/embroidered top and try many styling options likewise. And also add versatility to the wardrobe.”
Siddhartha Bansal
Just accessorise
There is a need here to accessorise without looking like a Christmas tree in summer. For subtlety, Pallavi suggests, “Style it with light jewellery, ear studs or hoops. Along with nude/tonal footwear, complete the look with sleek hair and light make-up.”
Bansal confesses his love for bucket hat or pink tinted glasses. Gupta suggests long earrings for formals. “For a casual look, glasses, ear rings and head gears. Mask is also an accessory and so much is done on it to make a statement.” Let floral creations create its magic in these trying times.
USE AND REUSE
Pallavi Singh: Upcycling is fun. You can convert yours or your mom’s old cottons or Kota saris into airy, light-weight dresses tops/kaftans. Personally, when I am no longer a fan of a particular dress’s length, I convert it into a top and use the leftover fabric to make hair bands.
Siddhartha Bansal: There are many DIY upcoming trends to give old clothes an entirely new life. One can add tiny details like hand embroidered heart, name initials or any symbol to their old T-shirt, shirt, denim jacket and so on. One can also play with the hem of the garment. This is not only a great fun activity but can also give a new look to any garment and increase their shelf life.
Gautam Gupta: Upcycling is my favourite topic and there is no end to it. Take out the clothes which you don’t or hardly wear. If there are T-shirts, then one can do some patching and make it fun; try crocheting flowers and putting them as 3D on shirts. Make a pant suit or a skirt from a sari.
