Piece together your new season wardrobe with playful patchwork prints

The mismatched vibe is set to be one of spring summer 2017’s hottest trends

At Loewe, we saw long button-down frocks, peasant blouses and tablecloth skirts patched in an array of changeable fabrics (Rex)

If your nana’s quilt making skills are what springs to mind at the mere mention of patchwork then it’s time to think again because this season the traditional craft has come a long, long way.

No longer the reserve of homespun comforters or for fixing holes in jeans, patchwork has been given a high fashion makeover with designers splicing and dicing textiles all over the spring/summer runways.

Though hardly novel in the realms of sewing – it’s a technique that’s been around since the 11th century – there is a new generation of patchwork that’s lapping on the bohemian vibes of the balmy months ahead.

This time, contrasting panels are being sliced and united together with designers mixing and matching just about anything and everything they can get their hands on.

At Loewe, Jonathan Anderson’s commitment to craft saw long button-down frocks, peasant blouses and tablecloth skirts patched in an array of changeable fabrics from stripy mustard yellow to girlish pink and ivory.

A sentiment which the designer carried through to J.W. Anderson too. Here he fashioned asymmetric skirts attached to patchworked bodices and juxtaposed rustic textures with tudor-sleeved cropped jackets flecked with stark padding.

For Giamba, the trend took on a more freethinking feel as models walked the scene in patchwork dresses. Some covered in ditsy florals with ruffled bibs, others ornamented with tassel trims and sequin appliques.

Models walked the runway in patchwork dresses at Giamba (AFP/Getty Images)

Set to make a statement on the sidewalks as well as the runway this season, patchwork prints are that one statement piece that could instantly transform your look.

There’s something so very whimsical about pairing different prints, colours or textures in just one piece and it really promises to take your style credentials up a notch.

That being said, if you are going to give it a go make sure you keep the rest of the outfit simple and allow your statement item to speak for itself. Instead, pair something like a patchwork floaty dress with guileless accessories while a hodgepodge skirt will make an ideal partner for something as simple as a silk cami.