About this time last year I discussed the rise of flower power and hinted that even though these prints might be tricky to wear confidently and assuredly, I was going to give floral prints a try in the coming seasons. Thanks to the green thumbs of labels like Shipley & Halmos, Obedient Sons, Paul Smith and Liberty of London (which also lent its trademark blooms to Steven Alan for shirts, ties, and boxers) men.style.com (remember that!?) predicted that flowers would have more power than ever in '09. Well, Spring and something vaguely resembling Summer came and went and the closest I came to floral was the odd bunch of flowers for my Grandma. Having just been sent Liberty of London's SS10 look book, maybe 2010 will the year I start smelling the flowers...
Liberty of London SS10. Left, Rose shirt. Right, Arthur shirt and sunflower scarfIf I'm going to experiment with floral print, there really is no need to look much further than Liberty of London. I have to confess that I was tempted by their AW09 prints which drew on natural forms with winter plant formations of bracken, thorn and rose hip. However, I am much more likely to dabble in all things floral when the sun is shining, so AW09 was still a step too far. Right on queue though, the SS10 collection is a tale of contrast, texture and versatility. For me, it is styled wonderful and instills a sense of confidence that I could have a little play alternating complimentary floral prints and checks in the coming months...
Liberty of London SS10. Left, rain cotton shirt and rain silk, cotton and modal mix scarf. Right, Thomas shirt and neckerchief.There are prints that incorporate hand-drawn checks trimmed with Victorian flowers on the Arthur or Thomas designs. An expressive watercolour of the Tudor rose, rain drops in fluorescent tones (our favourite look) and an oversized traditional Christelle set the scene for a hot, fun summer. Digitalised Marble, Wave and Sunflower florals defy the exclusive Tana print. For the Spring/Summer seasons colours should be vibrant and unapologetic because we are all bored of the grey, muted, damp Winter. Here, Liberty of London's SS10 look book celebrates colour with rich, vivid pinks, oranges and yellows are set against soft greys, blues and white. The look book offers more than a gentle reminder that I really should dabble with florals as soon as the sun reveals itself from the seemingly ever present blanket of grey. If this inspiration proves too much, I just submerge myself in to the world of floral tentatively and experiment within the almost dazzling spectrum of silk tie designs...
Liberty of London’s Ties - 100% Silk traditionally made and hand finished ties, available in a selection of designs and colours
8 comments:
I love these new designs, slightly more 'directional' for Liberty, and just what it needs. Have seen some in the flesh too and they look great.
The rain cotton shirt looks interesting but the thing about a floral shirt is you have to be careful that you don't end up looking like a 60s throwback. It's complicated I reckon. And I still reckon you need to post the pic of you in Susie's breton skull jumper for fellas who dont flick on to her site. After all that fuss it is funny that really you have access to both.
Ernest
What beauts. Liberty is definitely the way to go!
Love men designer jackets x
(that was a joke...)
http://iliketweet.blogspot.com/
John: I thought you might appreciate this post. I agree, over the last few seasons I think Liberty of London have started to push it that bit more. I for one, hope they continue to do so. I think the styling is spot on here.
Ernest: The rain shirt and matching silk scarf are our favourite looks too. I agree, the floral shirt is not to be messed with, one has to approach it in the right way and tread carefully. As for the Breton, you make a point so expect to see a picture postcard of both shortly. In the meantime, I have to confess that it feels great to have both within my grasp.
Clare: Agreed...now all I have to do is wait for the sunshine...
flora is something that i have been warming to over the past few months, but it's hard to get right. for me liberys rarely get it wrong and this blog post inspired me to go down to libertys today and check there new stuff out in person. i was not dissapointed.
I'm not convinced I could pull off a complete floral number but I do have a Liberty print bow tie that never fails!
Cool post, thanks.
Jon
I'm willing to give a floral shirt a try.
But I've only ever been able to find Shipley and Halmos shirts in the States. Where can you get them in London?
yes please! these are lovely ...
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