The Rachelle Trend Report: Fall 2012 | Winter in Bloom

With their hothouse hues and perfectly cultivated patterns, winter's florals - be they single stems or hand-picked bouquets - have a dazzling, hyper-real quality.

Less feminine than summer's pretty bunch, this season's prints were dark, edgy and luxe. "Flocked fabrics and lace overlays added an air of ornateness, putting a fresh spin on the idea of flowers in winter," explained Lucinda Chambers,Vogue fashion director. Think less prissy, more powerful.

My favourite winter floral looks are from Preen (first second & fifth row), Christopher Kane (third & fourth row), Bottega Veneta (sixth row), Dolce and Gabanna (above) and Erdem (below).

h o w  t o  w e a r  . . .

Intricate floral embroidery adorned designs at Dolce & Gabbana, Erdem and Christopher Kane - spilling onto bags and shoes as well  |  Look to Burberry Prorsum, Marc Jacobs, Bottega Veneta and Marni for florals in an autumnal palette - perfect for those that shy away from the typical femininity of blooms  |  McQ added edge to its full-skirted dresses, adorned with a bouquet of floral colourful embellishments, with black lace panels and elbow-length leather gloves. rachel xo

p r e v i o u s  t r e n d  r e p o r t s . . .

luxurious layering  |  rise of the oversize