Bursts of bright and bold florals featured in latest looks

Friday, January 1, 1904

photo Annie Hagaman wears a Chioma dress, $373, by Diane von Furstenberg, demonstrating a bold, geometric-inspired floral print.

Florals are blooming in time for spring, and we're not talking delicate Easter pastels.

"Spring is all about color," said Annie Hagaman, assistant manager at Willa Collection on Manufacturers Road, a boutique that carries the latest high-end fashions.

Bold, bright colors are being featured in floral patterns that are almost geometric, hearkening to an earlier era.

"Florals are more abstract," said Kent Magee, owner of Willa. "A lot of the florals have a definite influence from the '60s and '70s."

Bright hues and florals contribute to the feminine trends that are rocking the runways and the racks this season.

In October 2011, Stephanie Solomon, head buyer for Bloomingdale's department stores, told CNN of the upcoming spring season: "There is ... certainly no borrowing from the boys this season. It is a totally feminine look that we haven't seen in years. The catchall phrase of the season is femininity."

Flowers are blooming not only on clothing but jewelry as well. Belk department store is showing a number of floral-inspired necklaces, earrings, bracelets and even watches from designers such as Betsey Johnson.

Hagaman said she likes mixing florals with another pattern, such as stripes, utilizing the same basic hue.

"As long as it's in the same color family, it looks like it makes sense," she said. "It's something unexpected."