US: Floral designers share color and texture trends for holidays

As changing political winds sweep around the globe, its impact on feelings and decisions can be considerable, and flower choices are among those showing evolution and change. In a manner similar to what has been noticed in fashion and other color-centric industries, in-demand flower colors have been trending toward softer hues.

The Fall 2017 Pantone Fashion Color Report takes note of a trend toward warmth after surveying fashion runways in New York and London. Its report also observes the contrasting presence of more dynamic shades as described by Latrice Eiseman, who is the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

“We walked into the New York City Flower Market this week and there were glorious, luxurious imported peonies in several of the most important new colors for this year’s fall and holiday seasons,” said New York City Luxury Florist Gabriela Wakeham. “Elegant blush tones and a softened shade of rich burgundy are so much in line with the feeling of the moment.”

Known primarily as spring flowers – and a perennial favorite among luxury flower shoppers – imported peonies make an annual return to flower markets in the U.S. during November and December.

The fall-holiday season trends for 2017
While color and color choices are undoubtedly driving factors in consumer’s decisions about flowers and floral arrangements this season, texture and theme also are important considerations. The Holiday 2017 Season now includes imported peonies in shades of blush, pink and softened burgundy highlighted by the Gabriela Wakeham design team also fall in line with a significant current floral trend toward softer more feminine looks. Leanne Kesler, who is director of the Floral Design Institute in Portland, Oregon, put it even more succinctly noting that flowers trending this year are feminine and ruffley.

A spirit of femininity present in floral design is not a new idea, but its current presence is especially prevalent. With a look that could be described as vintage botanical, or perhaps more simply as fresh-picked-from-the-garden, softer colors and bunches of varied flowers are often mixed with greens and leaves. Variations on these ideas are leading the floral design conversation as precision and rigor give way to more unique and off-handed designs. Color can either harmonize or contrast, depending on the recipient and occasion. But the over-arching softness and sweetness of the design style come through again and again.

For more information:
www.gabrielawakeham.com