Resort fashion goes wild for prints

Abstract, animalistic, floral or pretty; take your pick -- prints are about to have a major moment.

Say goodbye to head-to-toe monochrome and graphic colorblocking -- the resort 2017 collections have spoken, and pattern is top of the list for next season.

As fashion rules go, this one is rather liberating. If you veer towards starker, minimalist fashion choices then there are a range of options available from the upcoming resort collections. Inspired by an iconic image of Diana Ross taken in the 1970s by a swimming pool in Palm Springs and the Gio Tribe from north-eastern Liberia, Edun has produced a striking stripe pattern in a modern color palette of neutral ecrus, rose pinks and soft pale blues, shot through with vibrant yellows and reds. If you prefer your patterns black-and-white then Michael Kors has your back -- his collection features contemporary houndstooth, tinsel-style stripes and precise polka dots, all played out in a monochromatic palette.

Alternative aesthetics are available in the form of floral and feminine motifs from the likes of Carven, whose Prairie-style skirts were livened up with colorful embroidery, and Rochas, whose dainty take on the tropical herbarium saw fluid fabrics dappled with printed orchids, hibiscus, jasmine and wild geraniums. Dior's Anglomania took the form of pretty, understated tea dresses featuring tiny blooms, and even Gucci, whose loud Britannia-loving collection went heavy on Union Jacks and tartans, made space for girlish, flowery maxi skirts.

But fortune favors the bold, and fashion is no different. If you really want to embrace prints next season then you're going to have to go all out. Moschino got wild with full-length animal printed pieces imbued with a 1970s vibe, Emilio Pucci channelled the tropical with vibrant palm tree prints, and Roberto Cavalli unveiled a whirlwind of kaleidoscopic patterns and colors. Even the normally restrained Chanel threw caution to the wind at its Cuban resort show, unveiling patchwork printed jumpsuits and glitzy shift dresses on the catwalk.