Flowers of every shape and size bloom
each spring, adding life to the dull landscape of winter. They add color and
texture to the world around us and never cease to make their way into fashion
and art.
Alexis Mabille Spring 2012 Couture
Every Valentine’s Day millions of flowers are given to sweethearts around the world. But with every bud and bloom, what message are we really sending? Just like there is a spoken language, body language and even love languages, there is a language of flowers. Entwined in their petals and colors, are secrets waiting to be told.
The classic flower of choice for the
holiday is of course the rose. Meanings range from love and passion, to
respect, devotion and friendship. One of the most iconic flowers, the rose was
first illustrated in Pierre Joseph Redoute’s
1824 watercolor collection.
Alexander McQueen Spring 2007
Among the over 100 million roses sold each Valentine’s Day in the US, nearly half of these are red. The deep and vibrant hue is is the perfect color to share a message
of passion.
Oscar de la Renta Spring 2016
The red rose’s more demure cousin is the peach rose. Rather than passionate love, she brings with her a message of longing.
Alexis Mabille Spring 2013 Couture
The alstroemeria
looks a lot like the lily, and brings with it a hint of possibilities. The
flower symbolizes the chance of new friendship as well as a new love
connection. It also represents following your dreams. So if passion isn’t
necessarily on your Valentine’s radar, but the hope of something special is
hovering on the horizon, this is the bloom for you.
John Galliano Spring 2008
The bright yellow color of the daffodil
is cheerful and since it is often one of the first flowers to bloom at the start of spring, it
symbolizes the start of something new.
Dior Fall 2010 Couture
Meg Ryan’s character, Kathleen
Kelly, from You’ve Got Mail said it best
when she called daisies “the friendliest flower.” Their innocent white color
lends itself to a sweet disposition, but daisies also send a message of new
beginnings and true love.
Oscar de la Renta Spring 2015
The simple purity of the daisy represents true love
since the it’s actually made of two flowers. The center petals of one flower
surround by the ray-like petals of the 2nd flower, making it like the marriage of flowers. Perhaps a Valentine’s Day
proposal would be better made with the daisy than a red rose?
If wedding bells are in your future, or you simply hope that they are, the
peony is a perfect choice. The lush petals
have long symbolized good fortune, love and a happy marriage.
Chanel Spring 2017 Couture
When acknowledging that love is patient
and kind, you can send the lush aster blooms.
Oscar de la Renta Spring 2016
The message of the hydrangea is rooted in gratitude. When they look as beautiful as they did on the Alexander
McQueen creations from Spring 2007, why not add them to your bouquet to say thank you?
The garden is full of so many other
flowers and meanings. Regardless of the message you want
to send, there’s a flower to beautifully illustrate all that’s in your heart.
What will you be saying this Valentine’s Day?
