Petal Pushers

Florals for spring may not be a revelation, but if you ask yourself WWSD (What Would Schiaparelli Do) it certainly can be.

Known for her surrealist take on fashion, Elsa Schiaparelli made her name with witty, avant-garde designs inspired by nature (think insects, botanicals, the body). Collaborating with artists such as Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau, she created apparel-as-art with innovative designs like the Lobster Dress, the Shoe Hat, and the rosette-covered Evening Coat (all worth a Google).

So, WWSD this spring to turn the usual into the unusual? Two words: texture and scale. Sculptural, three-dimensional blooms or intricately embroidered blossoms will serve flower power. If prints are more in your zone, look for patterns that don’t read as florals at first glance – either small, tightly-clustered buds or larger-than-life blooms – that give a sense of abstraction.

Leo Lin Cleo sleeveless MIDI DRESS in scarlet, Sol y Luna EARRINGS by Sylvia Toledano, and gold cuff BRACELET (all available at S. Worsley)

Paz Fringe Dress in yellow and white by Destree, Sol y Luna EARRINGS by Sylvia Toledano, Lantern Cuff  BRACELET by Sylvia Toledano, and Coral Floral CLUTCH by Tiana Designs (all available at S. Worsley)

Sequin Dot Abbie TOP and SKIRT by Cinq à Sept, and Medium Calypso EARRINGS in Paradise Iridescent by Demarson (all available at S. Worsley)

Aje Mirrors embroidered SHIRT and MINI SKIRT in ivory, Miso Platform STRAP SANDAL in beige raffia by Larroudé, and Poppy Row HOOP EARRINGS by Sylvia Benson (all available at S. Worsley)

MODEL: Caroline Baer

FLORALS: Blossom Bay (blossombaydesign.com)

WARDROBE: S. Worsley, 5815 Oleander Drive, Unit 135

To view more of photographer and stylists Drewe & Kate’s work, go to dreweandkate.com

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