Floral Trends on the Runway

Most seasons, home design happily tumbles after fashion trends. For spring 2007, the runways took finally their cues from the home. The lawn, to be more exact. The popularity of the formal English garden has inspired a bevy of designers. The English rose, with a bit of wonderland twist, reigns.

The social circuit has moved outside. And an elegant pavilion provides a haven for more than just tea. Great green lawns invite croquet, weddings, parties and assorted romps. Outdoor space can be broken into "rooms," delineated by pavement, deck or grass floors, hedge or lattice walls, and arbors overhead. Ready for the garden party, cream-colored shifts paraded Gucci, Chloe and Dior, while Tory Burch and Oscar de La Renta showed floral frocks in bright Alice blue.

The topiary trend is mirrored in new ladylike silhouettes: artfully structured bodices, slim waists and full skirts. No shrinking violets here (though they did grow live on the runway at Yves St. Laurent).

Despite being precisely pruned, beds are a riot of color. Indigo irises, golden daylilies and ruby tulips bring bold color to a manicured lawn. The collections unveiled a garden of live flowers, blooming 3-D from Rodart, Thakoon, Marchesa and Sonia Rykiel dresses, as well as Mcqueen hats. Brilliant blossoms also festooned Zac Posen's high hemlines, Osman Yousefzada's sashes and Peter Jensen's skirts.

The same mix of formality and whimsy that brings looking glass pools, hedgehogs and fountains also brings delightful dresses this spring. A little chic landscaping can do wonders for the wardrobe and the home.