A Secret Garden flourishes with new life this spring 2016 fashion season.  Designers are inspired by Mother Nature and her bustling kingdom of flora and fauna. A vibrant kaleidoscope of color is a welcome reprieve from the dull grey color of winter and opens our eyes to a view of rich fields of fashion options.

An enchanted wilderness of vines, flowers, birds, rainbows, and blue skies, this spring’s collections are entwined with the beauty of the season. Gucci’s spring RTW 2016 collection features mythical designs and exaggerated landscapes. Whimsical, oversized flowers adorn leather, silk, and chiffon. A leather moto jacket and mini skirt ensemble is embroidered with brightly colored peonies, honeycomb, and ivy as butterflies dance in and about the inlaid garden. A serpentine winds sinuously up the pant leg of an outfit or, more obscurely, hides in an intricate pattern of vines. A brown mink intarsia coat features leafy vines rising up as if from Jack’s bean stalk.

Floral patterns are pervasive in the spring collections with some executed in ways that are anything but expected. Brock’s RTW 2016 collection features a black and white silhouette of flowers and vines. It is modern and clean – a fresh departure from the usual brightly colored floral presentations. Giorgio Armani offers a maxi dress of silk chiffon decorated with ivory peonies against a salmon background that is powerful and feminine at the same time. Strips of bright floral prints are the perfect adornment to add a fanciful energy to Chanel’s jet-set collection.

Fashion takes flight with bird and butterfly motifs. What could be more synonymous with the advent of spring? Alberta Ferretti showcases the most magical gowns that mimic monarch butterflies for her spring 2016 collection. Diane von Furstenberg’s spring 2016 RTW uses gold thread to weave frolicking butterflies that dance along cream chiffon dresses. Marc Jacobs embellishes a blue pantsuit with two kissing swans – everlasting love for sure! Sonia Rykiel’s spring collection uses brightly colored birds flying in a midnight sky with sunshine-colored fur boas to pull the looks together. Snow White and her song couldn’t romance the feathered friends more effectively if she tried.

Accessories offer a fun way to bring in the outside. Dolce and Gabbana’s spring RTW 2016 was themed to reflect a Roman holiday. Oversized flowers pinned on hems and in the hair are a key accessory to be worn with just the right amount of whimsy and attitude. A colorful fur clutch, sandals decorated with roses and fur pom-poms, and big, bright sunglasses complete the romantic notion and warm weather dreams. Starfish, crabs, stripped umbrellas, and pineapple appliqués are reminiscent of a sea side vacation. All you need is the fruity drink with an umbrella in it.

After the wind and snow and rain, a Technicolor view is within our reach. Spring 2016 is here and promises a breath of fresh fashion fun.

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