Flowers and fashion have gone hand-in-hand throughout history. Some of the most iconic runway dresses were inspired by flowers, but floral patterns, whether presented in spring or fall, have always inspired designers. This article will look at flower fashion through the ages, starting with its documented usage in 600 AD China, although it was likely used centuries before.
Flowers Through the Ages: How Flowers Influenced Fashion
Whether you want to order Valentine’s flowers from The Bouqs Co., or you want to wear them on your skin, the following points in history are among the most famous for their flower usage.
1. Floral Fashion Origins: Peonies in Asia
It’s believed that flower prints originated in the East. The first traders from the West would buy silks embroidered with flowers, especially peonies, for a high price. Along with peonies, the silk robes would often come with bird motifs and vibrant designs in almost every color imaginable.
Floral silks were a fashion statement during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD China) and only gained momentum over a thousand years later except for a tiny blip in the 16th century.
2. 16th Century Design: Elaborate Floral Forms and Venetian Lace
During the late 15th century, floral lace was starting to be used as an elaborate way to dress up fabrics. Venetian laces and cut-work with elaborate floral forms began to be worn by all genders in the late 16th century as a way to remove themselves from the simplicity of the Middle Ages.
3. Persia Ornate Textiles: 16th and 17th Century Tulips and Pomegranates
During the Islamic Period of the 16th century, floral designs made an appearance in heavy ornate textiles. Velvet clothing was often embellished with pomegranates and tulips.
4. Indian Chintz: Popular Centuries Before the 70s
Chintz floral fabric, characterized by multicolored block printed flower patterns, was introduced to Europe in the 17th century. While popularly used on dresses by the noble class, its design was so complicated and expensive that it couldn’t be mass-produced until the 19th century.
5. French Floral Brocade: Daisies and Carnations
Popular European flowers like roses, carnations, and daisies were used to decorate silk brocades around the 18th century. Most of the clothing of that era involved some sort of varying floral print. For example, in 1780, bright florals were popular but were fazed out in the 1790s.
6. Victorian Era: Sunflowers Take Center Stage
In the Victorian era, sunflowers exploded in popularity. This flower was found on everything from tiles to wallpaper, but it had a prominent place in clothing, especially on dresses and blouses.
7. Flower Power: Why Flowers Became a Symbol for Peace
A little after velcro was invented in the 40s, flower power took center stage in America. Hippies in the United States used flowers to symbolize harmony and non-violence in an era ravaged by the Vietnam War. Designers took notice of the free love, rock and roll, and psychedelic drug usage that was prominent in the era’s youth and began to create fashion with them in mind.
In many photos from this time, you can see hippies wearing flowers in their hair and suiting up in flower-patterned work attire, dresses, and scarves. It’s hard to imagine the sixes without flowers.