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Themes from Paris Couture, FW12 – Part Three: of Forest Folk and Florals

July 13th, 2012

The final part of my three-part series on trends from the FW12 Paris couture shows concentrates on pattern and print. This season’s textile designs focused on wilderness as inspiration, and designers got in touch with nature via printing and other surface embellishments.

Forest Folk

Giambattista Valli’s collection was inspired by the creatures of the forest; that is, not foxes and deer, but wood nymphs and fairies – and his garments were a pagan bacchanal of ruffles, feathers and prints. At Givenchy, on the other hand, designer Riccardo Tisci brought a heavily tribal element to his collection; weaving patterns in heavy fabrics and leather, sheathing his models in long, somber clothing and doses of fringe.

Top row: Givenchy / Bottom row: Giambattista Valli / photos via Style.com

Florals

Florals continue to be a trend, and the FW12 couture collections expanded on existing motifs, rendering them not just in print but in elaborate surface embellishment as well. From exuberant florals to delicate blossoms, garments bloomed with life – a nice touch for fall and winter when the outdoors tells a different story.