15 Vintage-Inspired Trends A Royal Would Wear At Springtime Garden Tea Parties

The fascination with English tea party fashion carries on as inspiration for designers, but none can quite restore its timeless appeal as Mulberry does. At the spring summer 2018 show, Mulberry marked the season with a ‘Beyond Heritage’ collection theme, think aristocratic pastimes of Edwardiana, Ascot Ladies’ Day and garden parties, with bold and colourful palettes flecked upon frills, materials and silhouettes that served as traditional fashion codes. Once more, the Mulberry spring/summer 2018 collection suggested the manifold ways classic English styles – apparel and accessories – is still very much a modern muse.

A floral satchel

A floral print that never gets old – Mulberry’s signature Amberley satchel comes in a spring revival, with flower embroidery upon black small grain leather. A fresh yet aristocratic colour palette, this equestrian styled bag is vivaciously girly.

Day-to-night bag

Every work bag needs a bit of shaking up, now and then. This Mini Seaton features diagonal stripes of leather textures in pastel, permeating structured sleek lines for functional day-to-evening wear.

Bejewelled belt

Discreet and understated is how belts should be, like this slender black belt anchored by floral brass metal enamel Swarovski pearls. Slim enough to cinch trousers and accessorise a dress, this decorative piece is a jewel on its own.

Ornamental floral

There’s beauty in imperfection – in this case, irregular-shaped earrings of precious metal floral. Pinkish brass metal enamel harmonise with Swarovski pearls, to create a pair of delicate, ladylike earrings.

Statement earring

Heirloom-style jewellery is reassembled in new signatures. Inspired by Victorian styles, colourful stones, red brass metal, enamels, Swarovski Strass and pearls are reworked into a quirky face earring.

Lofty wedges

Heighten your shoe game and tea party ensemble, with a sophisticated pair of wedges embellished with bold motifs of Mulberry tree flowers. Satin and suede texture lend it a pop of age-old grandiose.

Architectural footsteps

It’s not English without a tinge of Edwardiana sentiment, and this striking pair of fuchsia pumps is a cross of modern and comfort – perfect for garden parties. Engulfed in satin with a feature rounded heel, this draped pumps are sumptuous and snug.

Dramatic headpiece

Get into full-on, formal tea party mode with a sculpted headpiece that’s all the rage in Mulberry’s spring/summer 2018 collection. The English tradition of fascinators – a lightweight head-covering – is enhanced in an oversized ribbon design in antique red Solomon’s seal organza.

Princess pink frock

Frills play an intrinsic part in English fashion. Mulberry emphasises its dramatic form with a unique creation of silk, candy pink taffeta, befitting of the debonair tea party dress code.

Boho party dress

Roomy and cool, this cheerful Indigo striped twill dress is the staple summer garden party attire, with a retro 1950s twist. Lightweight with a ruffled hem, it’s the perfect number to twirl and move in.

Baby doll dress

Part baby doll, part vintage, this loose Vera dress of patterned, antique ruby Solomon's Seal silk brings to mind girlish nostalgia -- in a flourish of flared tie-up cuffs and airy, asymmetrical skirt.

Cocktail dress code

Yet another homage to the frills and ruffles of mid-20th century eveningwear, this coral rose silk Taffeta dress takes decadence up a notch. With a swishing hem of frills and gathered bodice, its vibrancy adds a festive tinge to your overall wardrobe.

Graphic appeal

Stripes is the print of the season, and Mulberry plays it up with diagonal lines and side skirt frills for an illusion effect. Pair it with a T-shirt or jacket, there’s nothing this pleated summer staple can’t do.

Borrowed from the boys

Channel your inner masculinity with this menswear-inspired Martha jacket tailored to enhance the female silhouette. The striking green linen jacket with peak lapels and signature buttons is as empowering as it is sharp.

The new button-down

Mirroring the carefree spirit of spring is this loose and relaxed antique blue Solomon’s Seal button down. An alternative to the basic white shirts, this Kathleen blouse is dressed up with statement ruffle detailing along the arms.

Topics

Mulberry London Spring Summer 2018 Trends vintage-inspired fashion heritage brand English designer

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