The world of Liberty print...

About this time last year I discussed the rise of flower power and hinted that even though these prints might be tricky to wear confidently and assuredly, I was going to give floral prints a try in the coming seasons. Thanks to the green thumbs of labels like Shipley & Halmos, Obedient Sons, Paul Smith and Liberty of London (which also lent its trademark blooms to Steven Alan for shirts, ties, and boxers) men.style.com (remember that!?) predicted that flowers would have more power than ever in '09. Well, Spring and something vaguely resembling Summer came and went and the closest I came to floral was the odd bunch of flowers for my Grandma. Having just been sent Liberty of London's SS10 look book, maybe 2010 will the year I start smelling the flowers...

Liberty of London SS10. Left, Rose shirt. Right, Arthur shirt and sunflower scarf

If I'm going to experiment with floral print, there really is no need to look much further than Liberty of London. I have to confess that I was tempted by their AW09 prints which drew on natural forms with winter plant formations of bracken, thorn and rose hip. However, I am much more likely to dabble in all things floral when the sun is shining, so AW09 was still a step too far. Right on queue though, the SS10 collection is a tale of contrast, texture and versatility. For me, it is styled wonderful and instills a sense of confidence that I could have a little play alternating complimentary floral prints and checks in the coming months...

Liberty of London SS10. Left, rain cotton shirt and rain silk, cotton and modal mix scarf. Right, Thomas shirt and neckerchief.

There are prints that incorporate hand-drawn checks trimmed with Victorian flowers on the Arthur or Thomas designs. An expressive watercolour of the Tudor rose, rain drops in fluorescent tones (our favourite look) and an oversized traditional Christelle set the scene for a hot, fun summer. Digitalised Marble, Wave and Sunflower florals defy the exclusive Tana print. For the Spring/Summer seasons colours should be vibrant and unapologetic because we are all bored of the grey, muted, damp Winter. Here, Liberty of London's SS10 look book celebrates colour with rich, vivid pinks, oranges and yellows are set against soft greys, blues and white. The look book offers more than a gentle reminder that I really should dabble with florals as soon as the sun reveals itself from the seemingly ever present blanket of grey. If this inspiration proves too much, I just submerge myself in to the world of floral tentatively and experiment within the almost dazzling spectrum of silk tie designs...

Liberty of London’s Ties - 100% Silk traditionally made and hand finished ties, available in a selection of designs and colours