Butterfly Motif: Spring/Summer 2009 Fashion Trend

No doubt in different cultures butterflies may mean or symbolize different things to different people but in the universal language of fashion it has always been associated with femininity and beauty.

It is not just about the print of the butterfly used on fabric but also about the use of georgeous and luxurious silks and georgettes to create the soft floatyness, dreaminess and fairy tale romance that the butterfly conjures up in the imagination.

American fashion label - Badgley Mischka captures the floatiness of the butterfly not only in the use of the butterfly wings sewn onto the dress but with the creative use of the organza overlay which is as light as a butterfly's wings.

American fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, known for her iconic wrap dress, offers more dramatic appeal in this black and white butterfly patterned dress that is almost as timeless itself as black and white polkadots and Furstenberg's very own iconic wrap dress of the 1970's. The bordering detail on the hem, sleeves and neckline softens the large butterfly pattern.

This fusion of the oriental collar styled dress with brightly patterned butterflies from the Tibi Collection may have been influenced by the fact that in the Japanese culture butterflies are thought to be representative of young maidens and marital bliss. Many Japanese families use the butterfly in the family crest design.

Butterfly Silk Jersey/Drape Sleeve Wrap Gown by Australian based fashion designer Colette Dinnigan. Photos from http://www.fashionising.com/

Accessorize with Munique Fashions' handcrafted Purple Amethist, Swarovski Crystal and Silver Necklace and Bracelet jewellery set with butterfly motif.


The high street captured this butterfly motif in their spring/summer 2009 collection through both cut and style as well as the use of butterfly patterned fabric which together maintained that floaty, feminine appeal with a touch of sophiscation.

Marks and Spencer captures the butterfly theme in this Rose Print Butterfly Top through its layered sleeve butterfly sleeve which appears to be winglike. This is an original '70s Zandra Rhodes Rose print with hints of metallic detailing. The waist tie is a flattering feature and it comes with a camisole to wear underneath. This layered sleeve butterfly style top makes a striking statement in monochrome.

Get dressed up in this season's frills for a striking and timeless look in this Spiral Butterfly Frill Trim Dress. This mock wrap dress has Zandra Rhodes' original '70s Spiral Butterfly print, a flattering crossover neckline and figure-defining waist tie. Very feminine and sophisticated indeed.

This gorgeous prom dress from Autograph Occasions Butterfly Print Dress with Silk is beautifully styled with a flattering waisted shape and butterfly print. A gorgeous style statement, perfect for elegant occasions and very reminiscent of the butterfly design of american fashion label - Badgley Mischka.

A striking design featuring Zandra Rhodes' original '70s Spiral Butterfly print. Ruched detailing and fluid waterfall layers make this feminine Spiral Butterfly Print Dress flattering and up to date while the print has hints of metallic detailing for a touch of eye-catching glamour

The New Metallics

Jasmine De Milo Lame Ankle Length Leggings

Antik Batik Mini Skirt

Funnel Neck Metallic Jacket

Linen Blend Shimmer Coat

Metallic dress

Reny Derhy shift dress

This spring and summer, metallics are every where but unusually this season they can be worn for day or evening wear. The new metallics are understated and textured so forget full on glossy yellow gold instead look for matt and sheen pewters, coppers and bronze. Try dressing up with heels and sparkling jewellery for a great night time look. For day time combine with a variety of colours other than black and flat metallic sandals. For metallic trousers and skirts try wearing them with a chiffon blouse for a great look that is very now. We love these metallic sandals from Munique Fashions.

Bronze Leather 'Bitte' Sandals

Bronze 'Cuttaway' Leather Sandals

Gold 'coin' Leather Sandals

Juicy Colours

With the lovely weather and sunshine today, it feels like spring has arrived. Although it may not stay before we get more cold weather, it has definitely put me in a happy and spring like mood. Time to start thinking about my spring and summer clothes. This year bright juicy colours or neons are just about every where. These are the sorts of colours that cheer up your day and make you feel happy inside. Clothes in these colours make you feel warm inside and walk with a spring in your step.

Bright Orange Cowl Neck Top

Bright Yellow Cropped Swing Jacket

Pink Cardigan

Create a really eye catching look by adding clashing bright accessories or for those who prefer a slightly quiter look try teaming neutral clothes with bright handmade jewellery accessories.

'Sunny Meadows' Art Glass Choker

Leather Hibiscus Necklace Red

The Floral Dress

Florals are pretty much a sure fire bet for spring summer trends every year. This year the floral trend has been around all winter and looks to move effortlessly into spring and summer. There are lots of different variations on the floral trend for the next season including the over sized floral, the pixellated floral, the retro style floral and the sketched floral. I love them all for their bright feminine appeal. There is no better pattern to make you feel happy. The floral dress is a modern classic that can be worn in so many ways and for so many occasions. Here are just a few of my favourites.

Floral Tunic

Rene Derhy Tunic Dress

See By Chloe -Waffle Shirt Dress

Chafleur Strapless Dress

Border Print Floral Dress

Big Flower Print Tie Dress

If you can't wait until the warmer weather to make the most of this floral trend, you can add a bit of floral charm to your winter coat with this handcrafted leather orchid brooch.

Tribal Prints

Junya Watanabe - Spring Summer 09

Roberto Cavalli - Spring Summer 09


Vivienne Westwood Red Label Spring Summer 09

pictures from http://www.style.com/

This spring and summer, designers have taken inspiration from traditional African prints and patterns for a striking and stylish look. The palette of colours includes rich earthy tones, greens and yellows with lighter neutrals. The key to this look is keeping it soft. Chiffons and silks work well and drape beautifully. Opt for floor skimming dresses and assymetrical lines for a really feminine take on this trend.

Accessorise with African inspired pieces. Look for intricate beading, feathers, pendants and charms. Bright, earthy and copper coloured accessories will also look great with this trend.

This Sunny Meadows Art Glass Choker will look amazing with a print that includes greens or oranges.

These Copper Jah Bird Earrings will go perfectly with the red and orange tones in an African inspired print.
This handcrafted leather bag will compliment the earthy tones of an African inspired print perfectly. The intricate stitching and detail will addsome exotic character to any outfit.

Visit www.thebeauty-life.com for a whole range of beautiful and unique handcrafted accessories.

Live Life to the Max

Maxi dresses are back again for spring summer 09 and I can't wait. The maxi dress is the piece of clothing that most symbolises long, warm, relaxed summer days and sunny garden parties. They are great for adding a bit of glamour for day or evening. If you are tall, there is no shortage of maxi dresses that will look amazing on you.

You can wear a maxi dress with flat shoes or sandals for an easy to wear but stylish outfit. For shorter people or petites, the maxi style can be a bit more tricky, but can still look great. Look for a style of maxi dress that is not too full in the skirt and wear with chunky wedge heels for a look that will lengthen your body.

The maxi dress is a very feminine style but can also be used to create a boho, folk or seventies inspired outfit by accessorising with a fringed bag and lots of chunky bangles.

By Malene Birger Grape Print Maxi Dress - this dress just radiates style. It will look amazing for summer teamed with these Bronze Leather Sandals.

This romantic Rene Dehry Dress has beading under the bust and straps that crossover at the back. It would be perfect for a Valentines night with the man you love. This Copper and Brass Humming Bird Pendant will really complete the look.

In the Pink

Bright pink is emerging as one of the must have colours for spring summer 09. It is a happy, flamboyant and energising colour and there are many variations to suit most hair colours and skin tones. If you want to wear bright pink for maximum effect, a dress is the only way to go. It will really get you noticed and you can be sure that no one ignore you. On the catwalks, bright pink was teamed with tangerine orange for a really juicy combination. You could also try teaming bright pink with a neutral or beige colour for a slightly toned down effect.

Bright pink looks amazing with beading or embellishment for an evening dress. Opt for a bubblegum pink for a feminine girly look and deeper more purple tones for a more exotic and tropical look.

Richard Nicholl - Spring Summer 09 - a minimalist look using bright pink with accents of orange and light pink.

Luella - Spring Summer 09 - a very feminine bright pink combined with lavender coloured lace

Max Mara - Spring Summer 09 - a bright pink satin jumpsuit is the ultimate in luxury.

I love this high street version of the catwalk look - Pink satin Oasis dress . It would look great teamed with a simple, elegant and contemporary style of necklace like this Lily necklace.

Spring Summer 09 - Block Colours Trend

Another post about bright colours! You just can't get away from them for spring summer 09. One of my favourite trends on the catwalk was the block colour trend. It was almost as if it was inspired by fun and flamboyant children's wear. With combinations of primary colours and other juicy colours in bold blocks, the outfits for spring and summer this year exude energy and flamboyancy.

The brightness of the colours were balanced with simplicity and minimalism in the styles of clothes. This look is just so easy to do. Highlight your favourite areas of the body with the brightest colours and combine different coloured jersey separates for a fun and fresh take on this trend.

Alexander Wang - laid back separates in sugary pink and oranges make this outfit perfect for a girl that likes to stand out from the crowd in the right way.

Josh Goot - I love the green capelet and the way this whole outfit says laid back chic but in a very energetic way.

Valentino - A slightly more subtle version of this trend was created by combining purple and blue satin, an amazing look for the evening.

pictures from http://www.style.com/

This look needs minimal accessories as the colours of the clothes speak for themselves. I love this 'you're something for me' necklace would be the ideal accessory to go with a bright colour block outfit.

Graphic Prints

If like me, you are not a minimalist sort of girl, the spring and summer trend for graphic prints is just for you. As seen on the catwalk at Alexander McQueen, Johnathan Saunders, Miu Miu, Matthew Williamson and Peter Pilotto, these bold and eye catching prints can be in bright primary colours, natural colours or monochrome. Inspiration for this seasons prints come from numerous sources including pixellated computer pictures, nature and swirly psychedelic designs.

What ever you choose, this fresh and modern look is not for the faint hearted, it is sure to turn heads. This is a great trend for cheering everyone up after such a cold and gloomy winter. Just remember to warn your friends to have their sunglasses to hand.

Love Label Printed Wrap Dress

Love Label Feather Print Maxi Dress

Love Label Full Skirt

A tan leather handbag and leather sandals will compliment these prints perfectly.