It's the summer of orchids

In the realm of flowers, the orchid reigns supreme as a symbol of beauty and charm. Its sinuous shapes and vibrant colors make it a unique flower. Hidden within its delicate petals are countless meanings. When white and pure, it seems to symbolize the innocence of first love, while its passionate red speaks of ardent desires and secrets whispered under the moonlight. Each species, each shade tells a different story, much like the legends that surround it.

The Orchid in Different Cultures

According to Greek mythology, the orchid was born from the blood of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. One day, while walking in the woods, Aphrodite stumbled on a thorn and injured her foot. Her blood, falling to the ground, transformed into beautiful pink flowers, which were then called "orchids." In Hawaiian culture, the orchid is considered a sacred flower. A legend tells that the orchid was born from the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire. The woman, furious over a betrayal, cried so much that her tears turned into beautiful red flowers, which were then called "orchids." Giving an orchid, therefore, is a gesture that does not go unnoticed, not only because the flower has inspired artists, poets, and writers worldwide, but also for the crucial role it will play in the summer of 2024. Get ready to bloom this summer, as they will be the undisputed stars of the new trends.

How to Incorporate Orchids into Your Outfits

From gardens to greenhouses to our wardrobe, this flower—an emblem of refinement and harmony—is capturing the hearts of fashionistas and nature lovers. Whether made of fabric or real preserved orchids, they are everywhere. Tops, earrings, necklaces, hair accessories: the orchid is translated in a thousand ways, adding a touch of freshness and originality to any outfit. Flowing dresses, floral clutches, stiletto sandals decorated with orchids: a true hymn to femininity and elegance, and it's no surprise that many brands have decided to focus on orchids. Even your hair deserves to stand out, and to completely transform a hairstyle, you just need to wear an orchid clip: perfect for recreating exotic beach vibes.

How to Create Jewelry and Accessories with Real Flowers

The micro-trend isn't limited to runways: on TikTok, the creation of DIY jewelry with dried and preserved flowers, including of course orchids, is going viral. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings: creativity knows no bounds, and the result is always unique. Among the favorites are definitely pendants and chokers. A perfect example? Those by artisan Tiny Flower Capri, but if you want to try a new hobby, you can experiment with DIY. Creating jewelry with resin-coated flowers is a fun and rewarding activity that allows you to make personalized pieces. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating necklaces and earrings with this technique:

Materials:

• Dried or preserved flowers (choose flowers based on your preferences and the type of jewelry you want to create)
• UV resin (ideal for flowers as it dries quickly and does not damage them)
• Jewelry molds (silicone or metal)
• Glitter, pigments, or other decorative elements (optional)
• Disposable gloves
• Wooden sticks or toothpicks
• UV lamp or direct sunlight

Steps:

• Prepare the flowers: Choose the dried or preserved flowers you want to use. If you collected the flowers yourself, make sure they are completely dry before using them.
• Arrange the flowers in the molds: Place the flowers in the jewelry molds according to your design. You can use a single flower or create compositions with multiple flowers. If desired, you can add glitter, pigments, or other decorative elements.
• Pour the UV resin: Mix the UV resin according to the product instructions. Pour the resin into the molds, ensuring that the flowers are completely covered. Remove any air bubbles with a wooden stick or toothpick.
• Cure the resin: Cure the UV resin under a UV lamp or in direct sunlight. Curing times vary depending on the resin used.
• Demold the jewelry: Once the resin is fully cured, carefully remove the jewelry from the molds. If necessary, refine the edges with fine-grit sandpaper.
• Add hooks and closures: Attach hooks and closures to your jewelry using the appropriate materials (e.g., pliers, jewelry glue).

Beyond its beauty, the orchid is a flower rich in meaning and poetry. In short: the perfect accessory for true trendsetters who want to stay cool even under the umbrella. According to the latest forecasts, we'll also see them appear in the beauty realm, with stunning nail art and makeup that mimic their colors and patterns on the eyes. We can't wait.