The Pre-raphaelite Fascination

Preraphaelite art has always held an irresistible charm for us at Wild Rose and Sparrow. The luminous colours, the petal-light, flowing fabrics and mythological themes transport us to other worlds filled with ethereal beauty and forlorn, forgotten places.

Peopled with lithe nymphs, tragic heroines, powerful enchantresses and beguiling sirens, preraphaelite art transcends the everyday world and draws on the literature and poems of Romantic authors, as well as greek and roman myths for its themes. For the first time in European art, women were being viewed as strong and as the wielders of their own destinies.

This pre-raphaelite fascination has translated to our world in flower-strewn hairclips, delicate, graceful scarves and rich, saturated fabrics that have all of the rustle and texture of a J.W.Waterhouse painting.

What art movement do you think would make a good fashion trend? Leave us your response in the comments box.

Pretty in Pastel

With a whisper of spring in the air, our thoughts have started turning back towards lighter things: banishing deeper colours and countless layers to the confines of our closets, Spring 2013 is all about delicious pastel shades!

From macaron mint and seafoam blue-green to strawberry ice cream pink and periwinkle blue, there is a multitude of colours to choose from.

We have already seen hints of this Laduree lusciousness in previous fashion shows, like in the 2012-2013 Chanel cruisewear collection in Versailles’ gardens. Pastel flounces and shimmering adornments in the shade of the gilt-laden fountains: Marie Antoinette would approve!

To rock this look, you can take a leaf from that stylish monarch’s book and add a touch of opulence to any outfit by adding small-but-glamorous details, like pearl, gold or crystal finishes, or a hint of lace or tulle to a skirt. Remember that less can definitely be more: don’t let your accessories overpower your style.

Another way of approaching this trend is by using the freshness of spring as your template: clean lines and an uncluttered look really allow statement pieces (from a gorgeous necklace to a beautiful dress) to shine!