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Now that the madness of New York Fashion Week has ended, I have a bit more time to contemplate what I saw walking down the runways. Florals were big again for spring, but there were fewer romantic gardens and more modern, artistic looks. I loved the long brushstroke stripe-y feel of the prints at Rodarte, Michael Angel and Diane von Furstenberg, above. While Kate and Laura Mulleavy used their swirling colors to create movement and add shape to stunning effect at Rodarte, Michael Angel's watercolors were my favorites. The fluidity of the print gives the fluidity of the fabric an extra oomph, making it more chic than boho. Sure, a hippy-chick might wear these shapes, but she's no flower child living in a van. She has a more meticulous, cultivated look. Diane von Furstenberg's prints were just perfect for a party, they look fun and easy. Just what you want after being released from winter's layers.
To see how desigers rethought florals for 09, keep reading. Also, to see more pics and a review of each collection, click on that designer's name.
Florals weren't the big story they were in spring 2008, and the designers who did use them wisely changed up the type of flowers that adorned their garments. Gone were the Laura Ashley romantics. Designers like Diane von Furstenberg and Nanette Lepore went painterly and graphic with sophisticated color palettes. Both evoke Monet's water lillies, but each collection used a different take on color to create a mature and modern vibe.
Related: New York Fashion Week Spring 09 Trendwatch: Just peachy!
[Images: Coutorture]
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