Boho Folk Fashion with Annemarie O'Connor
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Its all about Boho Folk on the catwalk this season. But don't let the name scare you! Stylist Annmarie O'Connor will show us that you needn't be a hippy chick to bring a little Boho into your wardrobe.
Right now is a particularly good time to look at Boho Folk because everyone from Gucci to Cavalli and Georgio Armani have sent this style down their runways in the latest collections.
Annemarie O'Connor
Annmarie O'Connor is a freelance fashion writer, blogger and personal stylist. Her credits include The Irish Examiner, Elle, Dazed and Confused, Image, Trace, IF, The Irish Independent, Chictoday.com and iVenus.com
Over the past 8 years she has interviewed the likes of Terry de Havilland, Zandra Rhodes and Ben de Lisi, and has gained a cult following with her blog: I Blog Fashion which is being made into a book. She is also the organiser of the monthly Fashion Bloggers' Brunch events in Dublin.
Folk Boho what is it and where did it come from?
The inspiration comes from Eastern European folk dress fused with 1970s glamour.
Why is it so prominent right now?
The Autumn Winter catwalks were awash with this trend.
Designers that featured the look included Gucci, Giorgio Armani, DKNY, Jean Paul Gaultier, Matthew Williamson and Cavalli
Which Celebs have been seen sporting this look?
Celebs who favour Folk Boho range from Madonna and Mischa Barton to Sienna Miller and Mary-Kate Olsen.
Is this just a designer phenomenon?
No, this trend has also been enthusiastically picked up by highstreet brands such as River Island, Warehouse, Oasis, Miss Selfridge, Marks & Spencer. N.B. This is a designer trend anyone can buy into at highstreet prices.
Briefly describe the style for us?
Think chiffons, faux fur and suede and you'll be on the right track. The look is highly decorative with richly coloured folk prints in shades of purple, teal and crimson and lots of embellishment in the form of fringing, embroidery and appliqué.
What are the key pieces?
The key pieces to creating your own signature look are the faux fur gilet, paisley blouse or smock shirt, flare jeans, knee boots or platform shoe and charm accessories.
Is Folk Boho just for those who want to dress like a hippy?
Don't worry; it's not all hippy chic. There are lots of ways to parlay the look - either dressy or casual - with minimal effort. No matter what your lifestyle you can introduce elements of this trend into your everyday wardrobe, and the outfits I've brought along today will show you how.
Look One: 70's inspired glamour
This look is a great way to give the boho flared jeans a sophisticated edge.
Chandelier necklace, €24, Accessorize
Faux fur gilet, €61, Miss Selfridge.
Purple chiffon blouse, €61,Oasis.
Faux snakeskin bag, €40, Warehouse
Ring, €10, a/wear
Flare jeans, €62, Warehouse.
Purple suede peep-toe heels, €110, Office.
Look Two: Casual chic
This look makes boho easy to wear, ideal for a busy mum on a weekday.
Green beanie, €20, Accessorize
Boho earrings, €9.50, Dorothy Perkins
Denim cropped jacket, €53, Miss Selfridge
Border print chiffon dress, €41.61, Asos.com.
Belt, €4, Penneys
Leather fringe bag, €117.50, River Island.
Suede knee boots, €115, Warehouse.
Look 3: Dress down Friday
This look is a great way to introduce boho into the workplace.
Peacock feather necklace,€12, Accessorize
Peacock scarf, €43.50, River Island.
Bib top, €38,Topshop.
Belt, Stylist's own.
Tapestry bag, €39, Marks & Spencer.
Long caravan necklace (worn as bracelet), €27, Accessorize
Flares, €62,Topshop.
Brown ruffle shoes, €91, Topshop.
Look 4: Evening boho
This look is for those who want to translate boho into a polished chic style.
Coin necklace, €24, Accessorize.
Black military coat, €199, Zara.
Paisley dress, €119, Zara.
Leather belt with gold buckle, €30, French Connection
Oversized patent bag, €80, French Connection.
Black knee boots, €145, River Island.
Look 5: Boho-lite!
This look is ideal for boho beginners. It gives a flavour of the trend without immersing yourself in it.
Moroccan necklace, €24, Accessorize
Paisley print top, €38.84, Asos.com.
Elastic waist belt w/ gold buckle, €22, River Island.
Teal suede bow clutch, €45, Warehouse
Straight leg jeans, €36, a/Wear.
Autograph purple suede boots, €71, Marks & Spencer.
Look 6: Trendy boho
This look is a young trendy version of boho, for those who are a little braver.
Gold plate necklace, €19, River Island.
Suede fringe waistcoat, €55.48, Asos.com
Winter paisley dress, €99, Warehouse.
Gold and wooden bracelets, €11.50, River Island.
Leather purse, €34, Accessorize.
Knee high suede wedge boots, €55.48, Asos.com