As the holidays come to a close, and we launch fresh and clean into the brand new year of 2014 – what better way to start the year off strong than with a little closet update? Inspired by new beginnings, florals are blooming into fashion’s 2014 catalogue. 

This occasion, everyone has their eye on embroidery – the beautiful handicraft of sewing thick thread or yarn into a garment. Floral embroidery has found a new home in the fashion world, and its time you incorporated some of the beautiful talent into your wardrobe. 

Legendary brand Oscar de la Renta crafted several stunning embroidered pieces in the most recent collection. One piece features a yellow silk dress with a flared knee-length skirt. The scoop neck dress has an intricate display of pink and white flowers with an oriental feel. The leaves and vines cover the entire piece --- from neckline to hemline --- creating a strong visual engagement. For a more modern take on floral embroidery, Oscar de la Rentaalso created a bright sapphire blue cocktail top. The strapless, ultra flared top features mini-white flowers sporadically placed. Unlike the explosion of intricacy on de la Renta’s yellow dress, this top features a more subtle appearance, and has a softer appeal. 

Italian label Emilio Pucci, known primarily for vividly bright coloured modern patterns, created a silk turquoise tunic. The top features an unfitted bodice and large sleeves. There is a keyhole slit from the neckline to mid-waist to give the top a playful, yet still conservative, allure. Blue flowers are embroidered around the entire crew neckline as well as around the keyhole slit. Although a tunic is a more casual cut, the non-traditional shimmering silk fabric makes it easily transitioned to wear for a night out. 

American designer Michael Kors took the embroidered look a bit more casual – a welcome decision. He blended the trend of floral embroidery with denim and crafted a high-waisted pencil skirt. The blue skirt is threaded with crème flowers and features a center slit. 

For a flirty look, British brand Ted Baker brought ultra-feminity to the floral trend. The brand created a stunning white crème dress. The bodice of the dress features scalloped sleeves and a mini-turtleneck. There are embroidered crème flowers throughout the top to give it texture. The skirt features a mini-pleated tulle with a floral embroidered hem. The circle cut out back keeps it from feeling too Victorian era. 

A few of fashion’s finest are wearing this beautiful trend. American Actress Natalie Portman, who won an Oscar for her lead role in Black Swan, wore an embroidered floral Christian Dior dress to the opening of Thor 2, her most recent movie. She paired with anklestrap metallic peep toe pumps.  American actress Camilla Belle, of Brazilian heritage, wore a striking Oscar de la Renta embroidered dress to a recent event. She also paired with metallic peep toe pumps. Broadway starlet turned actress Anna Kendrick recently wore a Temperley London embroidered frock to a gala. She paired with a vintage clutch and platform pumps. 

This trend can be blended to fit your style. If you are a feminine dresser, go for a full skirted dress and more muted colours. If you like to be bold, choose a bright background colour such as yellow or fushia to add an extra punch. 

That’s the fashion scoop for this week. Got a thought? Trend? Style you hate? Send it my way. 

Rachel Breaux is an American living in Rwanda