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Couture Convergence

Above right: Rich in detail and design, this bold red velvet fabric embroidered with flowers and butterflies imbues interiors with dramatic beauty. Above left: Botanical illustrations inspired the print for this textured raw silk skirt by Oscar de la Renta. Paired with a metallic merino ribbed off-the-shoulder sweater sporting voluminous sleeves, the silhouette is reminiscent of the 1950s.

Fashion trends unveiled on the runway and at design markets are interweaving at an ever-quickening pace. This fall, florals, embroidery and velvets abound both in apparel and at home.

By Amy Videan

The runways of Paris, London, Milan and New York City set a rich tone this season with floral statements, bold colors and shimmery fabrications. At home furnishings markets, the “more is more” philosophy is in full bloom as well, with jewel tones, luxurious velvets, embroidery and, yes, florals.

While the trends are pervasive—with many fashion houses indulging in this romantic moment—we were particularly smitten by garments from the master of feminine designs, Oscar de la Renta. The late, great couturier was a favorite of many fashion icons, including Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn and Sarah Jessica Parker. His Fall collection is designed by Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, the duo who created the mother-of-the-bride dress for the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

On the homefront, stunning floral collections by Graham & Brown and de Gournay bring a gardenlike abundance to walls and furniture. Victorian opulence and Asian dynasty influences are channeled into murals, wallpaper and fabrics that could only be more intoxicating if they were scented like the flowers they portray.

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The convergence of fashion and home design makes both more exciting.

Slide 1: De Gournay’s gold velvet fabric—embellished with Chinese figures created with gold metallic thread—is an opulent play for pillows or an upholstered headboard. • Fit for a grand entrance, this silk chiffon dress from de la Renta shimmers in swirling, all-over sequin embroidery.
Slide 2: Garden glamour times two: We love this black tulle gown embroidered with pretty petals and Graham & Brown’s dark-hued wallpaper emboldened with bright blossoms, lemons and clementines, equally. Both are hand-painted, vividly colored and sophisticated, yet fanciful.
Slide 3: When designed with dignity, even everyday flowers can be beautiful. Anthriscus cerefolium, commonly known as chervil, is stunning in a sunny yellow and glimmering silver metallic wallpaper; embroidered dandelions charmed us on a classic ribbed pullover.
Slide 4: Fuchsia is hot—especially when combined with black leaf embroidery on a bodice or with its color-wheel complement, green, in a wallcovering of bouquets.
Slide 5: If the famed Chelsea Flower Show could shape-shift, it would choose this tea-length gown or having-my-tea sitting spot. The dress’ crimson velvet bodice is the perfect foil to its petal-inspired organza skirt. Roses in old-fashioned pinks are anything but wallflowers.
Slide 6: A perfectly juxtaposed fabric combination can add dimension to neutral tones. This ballgown’s delicate, feminine re-embroidered lace bodice proves the point when paired with a voluminous raw silk skirt in a classic botanical floral print. Dramatic depth is both created and emphasized. • Emulating the patina and relief of 18th century Chinese carved and lacquered folding screens, this handpainted wallpaper is created by meticously adding layers of white to a vintage rice paper illustration of peacocks, pheasants and sparrows perched among camellia blooms. • The heavily embroidered leaf motif of this gown is highlighted by midnight velvet fabric.

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