Passion for Petals

History’s love affair with florals has stood the test of time

By Jessica Sutton

Johnny Was

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Edith Dress, $435

The floral print may not be groundbreaking (according to Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada,) but they sure do win over the hearts of top designers every spring.

There’s something uplifting and blissful about florals — whether they are dainty prints or bright blooms, it’s a trend that just won’t end. Historically, flowers have spoken their own language. Roses signified true love, orchi

ds were a sign of elegance or wealth, daisy’s expressed purity, and sunflowers represented loyalty. The symbolism may have lost its luster over time, but flowers will always tell a story that continuously conforms to the current day and age.

The unapologetic print is mostly known for its heavy influence in the ’60s and ’70s. Think beyond your grandma’s wallpaper or your mother’s retro sofa to romantic botanical gowns and blouses that were a staple during these decades. Rarely a season passes by without the influence of retro floral designs on the runways or in our wardrobes.

But this season, florals are more significant to our world than ever before. Just like in the era of the Great Depression, the floral print is a breath of life and light into a time of social and economic struggles. Color is our comfort, and florals our freedom. Not only did colorful trends skyrocket during the pandemic, but so did playful patterns. When we can’t control what’s around us, historically, women tend to find freedom in what they wear.

Spring is here and floral designs have sprouted once again. Take a tip from our ancestors and celebrate the season by wearing a print that signifies hope and new beginnings.

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