Tracing a trend: 3D floral embellishments

Indian philosophers have long believed that flowers have a spiritual
significance, thinking that they can put us in touch with a sense of
eternity. Accordingly, the use of flowers in design has been a fashion
staple for centuries.
Using real flowers can be traced back to Ancient Greece and Rome. In
more recent years, certain designers have used them to embellish
runway looks. For example, Alexander McQueen showed a dress smothered
in flowers for ss2007.

Jeremy Scott showed a similar look for Moschino in ss2018.

For ss2020, Virgil Abloh accessorized a male model in the Louis
Vuitton show with a flower harness.

Obviously using fresh flowers off the runway is not a practical
choice, but they can be replaced by artificial flora that looks just
as eye-catching.
As designers have increasingly sought out ways to create
trans-seasonal looks, using 3D florals to create maximal looks has
become very appealing, as consumers increasingly embrace the idea that
they are not just for spring and summer.

During the ss23 season, several collections included sculpted florals
embellishing all manner of garments.
It was a trend that continued into the fw23 season and was prevalent
again for ss24. With the awards season just around the corner, 3D
floral embellished gowns could turn out to be red-carpet stunners, in
addition to giving an extra design element to more everyday looks.

The ss23 runway season

Bottega Veneta: designer, Matthieu Blazy

Look 55: a strapless red leather midi dress over a white chiffon
layer. The dress was covered in 3D red leather blooms.

Loewe: designer, Jonathan Anderson

Look 12: a red gored mini skirt with the brand’s signature anthurium
flower in red as a top. The model also carried a lilac satchel with a
3D anthurium flower embellishment.

MSGM: designer, Massimo Giorgetti

Look 26: a black stretch knit lattice maxi dress with a long fringed
hem covered with white and pink 3D blooms.

The fw23 runway season

Prada, designers, Raf Simons, Miuccia Prada

Look 14: a grey crew necked sweater with an ankle-length, straight
white skirt embellished with 3D florals.

Nicky Zimmermann

Look 28: an asymmetric mini dress in a mixed print with lace panels
and a long cream lace train. The shoulder line had an oversized cream
velvet flower.

Christian Siriano

Look 54: a long tight purple chiffon dress with flowers of various
sizes and shapes in dark red, orange, pink and brown, strategically
placed.

The ss24 runway season

Aknvas: designer, Christian Juul Nielsen

Look 3: a pink blouse with 3D roses on the shoulders and a midi-length
skirt with fringed layers in pink, blue and dark red.

Balmain: designer, Olivier Rousteing

Look 18: a pale blue leather ruched mini dress with red patent roses
at the neckline and hem.

Christian Cowan

Look 29: a pink sequined strapless mini dress fashioned into a rose.

Comme des Garçons, designer, Rei Kawakubo

Look 3: An oversized multi-colored satin coat with 3D florals on one
side and trimming the hem on the other.

David Koma

Look 15: a purple halter-necked dress in a sheer fabric with 3D petals
made from resin.

Marni: designer, Francesco Risso

Look 36: a strapless top and matching skirt fashioned from overlapping
fabric cut-out florals

Simone Rocha

Look 50: a pale pink sheer below-the-knee dress over pink long stem roses.

Undercover: designer, Jun Takahashi

Look 52: a sheer white strapless mini dress with a satin strapless
bodice and a tulle skirt with black spider embroidery and embedded
with pink roses.