Monday à la Mode: Liberty of London

I started seeing Liberty print fabrics around Paris about a year ago. A friend who lives in our building is an accessories designer and she's been obsessed with it for a while. She uses the delicate florals on everything from hand sewn leather bracelets to tote bags for kids. So when Liberty prints started turning up everywhere this spring, my friend suddenly seemed ahead of the curve.

The fabric has been popular for a long time of course (the original London shop opened in 1875!), and various designers and retailers from Yves Saint Laurent to Target have collaborated with the historic British shop. But for summer 2012, Liberty is definitely having a moment.

The French store, Cyrillus, has built their summer 2012 collection around these fabrics using it on women's and kids's wear, home accessories and even some items for men. (Not so sure about Liberty prints for men. Maybe French guys can pull this off??) I think it's best suited to sweet frocks for kids. How adorable are these?

 




As is the case with all things fashion in Paris, the trend immediately start showing up on the streets (and in this case, playgrounds). This one has been hard to miss. Are Liberty prints big where you are? Are you wearing it? Buying it for your kids?

I know Target did a Liberty print collection in 2010 that sold out pretty quickly. Could Paris be on the late end of this particular trend? Here are some oh-so-sweet ways to wear the Liberty look. (Including a pic of Sarah Jessica Parker's twins...like mother, like daughter(s). Enjoy!

                                                            photo by lasso the moon

                                                        And a couple more, just for fun!