Every summer, there's a fruit that captures the fashion world's imagination. Over the past few years, we've had pineapples, cherries, lemons and bananas, but this season the focus is on watermelons.

Online shopping destination Lyst confirms that watermelon-related searches are up 140 percent year on year and in the last month search has doubled for watermelon prints. While it cites the millennial-friendly Lazy Oaf dress as the most popular related piece, accessories themed around the tropical fruit are also gaining a firm following. Dolce & Gabbana and Prada both have offerings in this arena - from ladylike bags and statement earrings to playful phone covers.

The watermelon pool float has also replaced the inflatable swan as this summer's holiday must-have for all Instagrammers.

Pattern, Pink, Magenta, Polka dot, Design, Peach, Pattern, Button, pinterest
Prada phone cover, £125
Handbag, Bag, Yellow, Fashion accessory, Shoulder bag, Tote bag, Watermelon, Plant, Fruit, Beige, pinterest
Dolce & Gabbana shoulder bag, £930
Brassiere, Clothing, Swimsuit top, Lingerie, Undergarment, Bikini, Lingerie top, Swimwear, Crop top, pinterest
Topshop watermelon bralette, £18

So what's the appeal? Well for starters, it's not age exclusive. Millennials might be tempted by the a full-on watermelon dungaree dress, while those over the age of 30 are more likely to buy into one of luxury bags or jewellery, which evoke a playful summer edge without looking too gimicky.

The alternative, subtler way of tapping into the trend is by wearing watermelon pink - a softer version of coral seen on Balenciaga's spring/summer 2017 catwalk.

Watermelon bagpinterest
Getty Images

Watermelon juice was predicted to be a big foodie trend this year, so perhaps it's not surprising that it's caught on in fashion too. Comprising of watermelon flesh, rind and lemon, the juice is already very popular in America with Beyoncé even buying a stake in a watermelon water company in May last year.

From: Harper's BAZAAR UK