When London is blooming, the outfit-ruining rain and icy wind of the previous season are forgiven. Lush, green parks are chockablock, streets are lined with vibrant flower bushes and sunny weekend plans relocate to the nearest pub garden or outdoor space. Something else I’m revelling in ahead of summer? The beauty of a handpicked bouquet.
So far, I’ve treated myself to a multicoloured peony arrangement, black Calla lilies offset with white poppies and the prettiest bunch of posies with pink bluebells running through. They really brighten up my day and my flat, but it’s a real shame that freshly cut flowers never last that long. Preserving them forever would be the dream, but I’ll settle for wearing them as statement prints all year long. Only if they’re from Liberty, that is.
The seeds were planted during my Fashion History and Theory degree, when I visited the iconic department store’s office for a sneak peek at its extensive archive. Arthur Lasenby Liberty founded the London landmark store in 1875, and it was a pleasure to look through the eccentric prints and perfectly preserved paintings that the talented design team constantly turn to for inspiration.
I’ve always thought of Liberty as the exception to the cutting putdown that florals aren’t groundbreaking for spring. If you flip through any of its in-house collections or buzzy external collaborations, you’ll realise that the signature floral prints are quite unlike anything else. Bold, exhilarating and often scattered across the chicest luxury silhouettes, they are a statement-making secret weapon for those in the know. And not just for special occasions and celebrations either; for work and in the day-to-day moments when you want to assert your personality.
Every season brings a slew of stunning wedding-worthy printed dresses. Still, other categories from Liberty’s spring/summer 2026 collection—charming nightwear, elegant scarves, ageless bags and statement jewellery—have piqued my interest as well. Of all the delightful original prints generated at Liberty’s printing mill in Northern Italy, there are three that have hidden depths and feel really fresh.
The jewel-toned Prospect Road print can only be fully appreciated up close; the pulsating multi-coloured landscape motif references a 1968 Liberty design and the traditional Art Nouveau movement. The majestic Tulip Gardens print features a trail of outlined Regency-style tulips, whilst the psychedelic Glastonbury print brings stylised flowers, fruits and foliage together in an ogee layout that’s typical of the Arts and Crafts movement. If they look like wallpaper or furniture prints, that’s probably because they started life as homeware fabrics before being transformed into clothing.
I live in dresses, so I'm very conscious of how floral prints can feel "loud", or, conversely, "cutesy" and date the whole look. But Liberty's silk dresses shatter those stereotypes, and I can’t get over how artful but versatile they are. The new Gala style is demure but directional with an empire waist and fluttering pagoda sleeves, whilst the romantic Wisteria has a ruffled V-neck and the Midnight Maxi features puff sleeves and falls gracefully into a high-low hemline.
The best thing about these dresses (and the other pieces, for that matter) is that there's no need to overthink the styling because any item covered with a Liberty print is clearly the focal point. Swap flats for heels, throw on a jacket, add the Wardour bucket bag or Burlington top-handle and voila! A striking outfit. Exactly what daytime garden parties, milestone birthdays and spontaneous day trips to bask in a heatwave call for. The yellow Star Anise Voyage dress with a shirred square bodice (my favourite silhouette) has my name written all over it, because I’m confident it will work and play as hard as I do.
The more I think about the Glastonbury print also being available as an elegant matching top-and-palazzo-trouser set, the more excited I am. Besides the cross-generational twinning opportunity with my mum, I really appreciate the choice when styling prints my way. Opting to tuck the pyjama-esque top into jeans or a pleated midi skirt, or team the relaxed trousers with a streamlining body, really maximises their cost-per-wear ratio and challenges you to experiment.
The same goes for the latest printed scarves, which can be tied around your head, neck, waist or even on your bag to add a joyful pattern pop. And even the most print-averse can’t deny how great the 3D Iphis floral monogram pattern looks embossed on Liberty’s new classic leather and coated canvas handbags.
Ultimately, the Liberty spring/summer 2026 collection’s easy-breezy tone is the biggest attraction. Prints can often be fussy and look less premium, but Liberty's in-house London design team’s creativity and commitment to excellent craftspersonship elevate the edit to new heights. These special luxury pieces will always earn their keep in your wardrobe because they are works of art in their own right, but they also refuse to conform to one dress code and always read timeless. You won't mind outfit-repeating, because the compliments will just keep coming.
