'90s flowers are back

There’s a theory that culture works on a nostalgia pendulum, where what’s old is new again every 20-30 years. It happens thanks to a group of people, who were once the consumers of culture, becoming the creators of culture and repurposing ideas from their upbringing. So, it’s no surprise we’re seeing a resurgence of late '80s/early '90s culture right now.

From Netflix TV series’ (Stranger Things, White Gold), to fashion trends (think scrunchies, round glasses, doc Martens and Mum jeans), and even the music on our radio stations (2dayFM’s OldSkool Hits), '80s/'90s culture is having a real moment, and flowers are along for the ride.

Popular old school flower types are resurfacing all over the place – on the runway, at weddings and in our homes. Fashionable florists Brrch in NYC, Hattie Molloy in Melbourne, Fjura in London and Doctor Cooper in Sydney are fully embracing favourites of the era, and as so flowers that were once outcasted by ideals of “good taste” are now being reconsidered - oh the discomfort!

Five '90s flowers making a comeback:

1. The Anthurium
A popular houseplant in the '80s and '90s, the anthurium officially made it’s come back in 2018 and has stuck around well into 2019 Yep, that plastic-looking flower regularly referred to as “penis on a plate” has done a complete 180 degrees flip from world’s most despised flower to adored and overused by all the cool kids of floristry.

Image: Mary Lennox, April 2019

Image: Hattie Molloy, Feb 2019

Image: WIFE NYC using Anthurium as a canvas, May 2019

2. Birds of Paradise

A commonly despised flower not just among florists but what seems like everyone, Birds of Paradise are slowly finding their way back into the good books thanks to the tropical trend led by Anthuriums and everyone’s favourite houseplant - the Monsteria.

Image: Oh Flora, Jan 2019

Image: Hattie Molloy, Dec 2019

3. Baby's Breath (Gypsophila)

We all know Baby's Breath best for its role as the cheap filler flower in bouquets of carnations or red roses given by well-intentioned lovers on Valentine’s Day in the '90s. But filler no more, baby's breath is back in a big way, without exception. From accessorising models on high fashion runways and shoots, en masse at weddings, used dried or died to create dramatic cloud ceiling installations and garlands, or a small amount added to fun arrangements – there is nothing baby's breath can’t do.

Image: Joseph Free for Rodarte’s Spring 2018 Collection

Image: Mary Lennox for Chanel, June 2019

Image: Hermetica, October 2018

Image: BRRCH - April 2019

4. Lilies

In the early '90s, the beloved white Oriental Lily was THE bridal bouquet of choice. Although the lily's renaissance is still in its very early stages, trendsetters Doctor Cooper and Botanica Bird have re-declared their love for this divisive flower and aren't shying away from the colourful types.

Image: Doctor Cooper, June 2019

Image: Botanica Bird, August 2018

5. Gerbera

Let’s just leave this one here as a sort of “one to watch”. The old gerbera is still very contentious among fashionable florists and met with resistance by most - only a few have been brave enough to go there. But, with new and more interesting colours, varieties and textures entering the market it’s likely this trend will take off.