2008 Floral Trends

So, what’s hot for floral trends in 2008? The trends for 2008-2009 were unveiled at the AIFD’s (American Institute of Floral Design) “The Edge of Paradise” Symposium in Palm Desert in the summer of 2007. At that time, with the input from leading floral stylists and floral product designers, they arrived at the 2008 floral forecast. Based on various factors, the following 5 factors are the lead in for 2008 floral trends.


“Habitat”

A concern for the Earth, gentler, yellowed greens dominate, with touches of blue yielding a calm and natural feeling. Flowers and plants of interesting form and texture are showcased. "Habitat" provides a restful, serene and studious environment that communicates one's ecological values, respecting the delicate balance between the Earth and its people. Below are some of the flowers that enact the habitat style:

Rose
'Monte Cassino' Aster
Calla
Hydrangea
Gladiola
Tulip
Hyacinth


"Nocturne"

"Nocturne" exudes luxury and opulence with a darker edge. This provocative, urban palette is inspired by haute couture and celebrity culture. Lustrous hues of greyed purples, plums and roses combine in overflowing arrangements that bring together deeply coloured flowers with powerful silhouettes. "Nocturne" expresses elegance and luxury. Below are some of the flowers that enact the habitat style:

Rose
Cattleya Orchid
Japhet Orchid
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Asiatic Lily
Miniature Calla
Gerbera
Gladiolus


"Whisper"

A tranquil, calming aura floats through "Whisper," with neutral, hushed tones of creams, grays and blues. Stronger earth tones, such as brown and charcoal, provide a base, and a hint of dusty coral and shimmery copper add punch. "Whisper" invites us to settle in and let tranquility and texture envelop our senses. Below are some of the flowers that enact the habitat style:

Rose
LA Hybrid Lily
Protea
Peony
Anthurium
Dahlia


“Nomad”


The bright colours of tribal handicrafts from around the globe populate this trend, from golden oranges and saturated blues to deep fuschias and browntinged reds. "Nomad" celebrates the wanderlust in each of us while the global influences that shape our world in a vivid, exciting palette. Below are some of the flowers that enact the habitat style:

Gerbera
Iris
Rose
Asiatic Lily
Parrot Tulip
Miniature Calla
Sunflower

"Chinoiserie"

"Chinoiserie" (pronounced shen-wah'-zeh-ree), a French term describing European interpretations of Chinese style from the 17th and 18th centuries, reflects China's influence as a world power and Westerners' fascination with the country, the site of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. This update features a midtone colour palette encompassing dominant pink-toned reds as well as lighter purples and greens as complements. "Chinoiserie" offers a new take on cultured style and beauty with its exotic sophistication. Below are some of the flowers that enact the habitat style:

Chrysanthemum
Cymbidium Orchid
Oriental Lily
Calla
Rose
Gladiolus
Gerbera
Tulip
Snapdragon

So what does this all mean? Well to start we can see reoccurring favourites populate the 2008 floral trends guide, the rose, gladioli, orchids and lilies are just but a few. However, the type of flower is not the only thing, the top 5 trends are based on colours and moods of these various favourites. The distinction of trendy colours, as well as the mood these colours and flowers represent is what catapults them into the various category trends. What we are learning is that in our everyday, our moods and the colours we select depict how we feel, flowers have always been considered a “feel good” gift. For spring '08, models became walking bouquets of roses, peonies, and pansies – to name a few. The season itself was the obvious inspiration for this blossoming trend, with designers displaying vibrant illustrations and blurred hothouse motifs in their delightful fashions. Flower lovers will swathe themselves in large, graphic floral prints, while those allergic to the impact of oversized patterns can opt for a quieter take on the flowery trend by choosing summery dresses and silky scarves in mid-sized prints. Flowers are everywhere in our daily lives, and now you can customize your “feel good” surprise with a unique twist of colours, which actually have meanings!