Which flowers are in fashion this year? Hortensias and peonies.

Each flamenco dress can be accompanied with lot of accessories but the essential one is a flower pinned to hair. Traditionally roses and carnations were used, whether natural or fabric, always matching the material and color of the dress. In recent years, however, the flowers have changed and it’s good to  follow the new trends so you don’t look the same every year.

Peonies started to be popular couple of years ago. If your flamenco dress is made of reds and pinks, a natural peony in a similar color is a perfect match. What’s more it makes your look unique and elegant because of its special petals and facture of the flower.

Another flower that has been widely used in recent years, known for its beauty and versatility (it looks good with all kind of hairstyles) is the hydrangea (commonly known as hortensia). If you want more natural look you can choose less artificial colors such as white, pink or blue. They look very good on your hair, worn in a traditional way or above the ear as well.

If the flamenco dress is another color we can always choose accessories and supplements which will match the dress. Artificial hortensias or peonies come with all the colors you can imagine. If you already have one you can even paint it in the color you wish in order to fit into current trends.

The important thing is finding the right color and choose a right size of the flower that goes well with other accessories and that it looks natural and elegant. You can also use various small flowers and make a combination of different shades that contrast with the dress, using for example big hortensia in the middle and small flowers to form a bouquet around. Combining tradition and new trends will look outstanding in the Real de la Feria.

Origin and Evolution of Flamenca Costumes

Flamenca dresses originated at the end of the 19th century, proceeding from gowns of percale that were used by women that attended fairs with cattle dealers. These garments had lively frills that created a sense of cheerfulness, liveliness and ornateness, which quickly influenced women from wealthier classes to don the same style to give flamenca dresses more form. This, as mentioned before, is also the origin of gypsy dresses that have, today allowed the development of an authentic flamenca style. However, many other aspects exist that are very interesting in looing at the origin and evolution of the flamenca style:

• In 1929, at the infamous Feria de Abril, a general rule was established that made these costumes and their accessories the ‘official dress’ of the women who attended the festivities.
• The typical model is a long dress tailored with frills along the bottom of the skirt and on the sleeves. This model is characterized by lively colors and fundamentally with a pattern of dots. 
• Changing trends, similar to in other sectors of fashion, are constantly modifying the designs of flamenca costumes. For example, in the 60s, there was a trend of a knee length skirt. 
• At present, even though the 60s style has been resurfacing, the more popular dresses are the longer styles, especially those with a tighter bodice. 
• The importance of this type of garment has become more and more noteworthy. This has influenced many designers to specialize in this sector, as is the case with Juana Martín or Vicky Martín Berrocal, and has led to the creation of a unique runway: SIMOF (Salón Internacional de la Moda Flamenca or International Salon of Flamenca Fashion)