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[B]OHEMIAN

Savannah Miller, elder sister of actress Sienna Miller, once described the "real bohemian" as "someone who has the ability to appreciate beauty on a deep level, is a profound romantic, doesn't know any limits, whose world is their own creation, rather than living in a box".

From fringe and leather to florals and lace, the versatility of the 'boho’ aesthetic has made it one of fashion’s most enduring trends. In the early ‘00s women everywhere fell for the “haute hippie” attire favoured by celebrity style icons Sienna Miller and Kate Moss. Featuring vintage pussy-bow blouses, fur gilets and the occasional rubber wellington their look was both festival and red-carpet ready; so labelled the new ‘boho-chic’.

Though some pieces did not stand the test of time (remember coin belts and white peasant skirts?) others continue to take prime place in contemporary spring/summer collections. This year, for example, saw the return of strappy gladiator sandals, distressed denim and crochet vests. High street stores like Topshop and Zara were also full of gypsy blouses and midi-length smock dresses in floral and patterned designs, ready-to-wear with beaded jewellery and tasselled ankle boots.

These more elaborate patterns illustrate the folk influences in modern bohemian style. ‘Folk’ and ‘boho’ have long lived hand-in-hand, and the rich mix of prints and textures found on recent runways prove the diversity of each trend.

Designer Elie Saab, for instance, aspired to create a modern “folk reverie” in his pre-fall show by contrasting dark lace brocades with vibrant purple and red embroidery. With full skirts and swirling floral appliqué, the result was both feminine and dramatic in its interpretation of classic motifs.

In its celebration of British crafting traditions, Burberry Prosrum’s A/W show at London’s Kensington Gardens was another ode to bohemian “patchwork, pattern and prints”. Models walked to the hazy folk sounds of singer-songwriter Claire Maguire and showcased an eclectic mix of fringed jackets, soft woven ponchos and luxe velvet shearlings in shades of mauve, ochre and teal.

 “I liked the idea of folk crafts and hours of labour” explains designer Christopher Bailey, “I wanted to use a patchwork of materials and techniques.” And so, not forgetting the brand’s reputation for classic tailoring, Bailey transformed Burberry’s more structured silhouettes using mirror detailing, tassels, ponyskin and whip-stitching. Even the signature trench coat was reworked with Durham quilting and hand-painted blossom prints.

Metallic confetti falls as the #Burberry A/W15 show closes #LFW

A photo posted by Burberry (@burberry) on Feb 23, 2015 at 5:37am PST

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photo credits: vogue.com, whowhatwear.com, beonliest.com