At the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton on Friday, flowers were in the air, on display and worn by thousands of people for the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
“We’re celebrating gardens and flowers here,” says the show’s director, Trent Cornish, who created Floral Fridays. “Wearing florals makes you just feel fun and free. Like you don’t take yourself too seriously.” Attenders were invited to wear florals in exchange for discounts at the flower market and best-dressed prizes. “We want the audience to feel like they can dress up, create moments and take photos in front of the lavender,” he says.
Among garden displays and stands of tulips and sunflowers, bright pink petal patterns, purple paisleys and swirls of green leaves could be seen. Whether adorning a blouse or a dress, the floral prints were (almost) always accessorised with a satchel and sensible sandals or sneakers. The looks were a welcome deviation from the highly curated, borrowed and designer-sponsored “street style” that has come to dominate local fashion weeks. The down-to-earth appeal also offered a stark contrast to the heel and fascinator set usually seen at the races.
Sue Brown, a runner-up in the best dressed competition who travelled to the show from Adelaide, decoupaged worms, bees and flowers on to her red linen shirt dress. “I’m a keen gardener and I knit and embroider so this is my in-between project,” she says. “All my art is about flowers.”
Carol Green, a model and retired ballerina from Preston, wore head-to-toe Balenciaga in a matching print. “I bought the boots in 2017, they were my first expensive purchase. Recently, I found the skirt and the top for 70% off and I thought I don’t need it, but I actually do need it!” she says. “I don’t normally wear florals, but I love this print, and for the flower show I think it’s perfect.”
The show has been running for 30 years and for many, attendance at the Unesco heritage-listed Carlton Gardens is a tradition shared between generations. “I’m here spending time with my sister and two nieces,” says Brown. “Gardening is a connection to my mum, her sisters and my grandmother too.”
Wearing a pair of Gorman pants covered in orange, yellow, pink and red flowers with a cream blouse and aqua sneakers, Michelle Downs, who works for the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, explains she wears florals and gardens as a way to alleviate the pressures of her work. “My garden is my solace and my haven,” she says. “I’m in court every day dealing with pretty traumatic stuff and believe it or not, I wear this stuff to court.” She explains her hope is that her sartorial choices make her client’s experience less intimidating.
Michelle Jokic, an after-hours child protection worker, describes florals and gardening as a form of escapism and self-expression. She says her pink long-sleeved top with a swirling floral pattern is a way to be in a beautiful colourful world. “When I’m wearing pink and feeling feminine, I’m getting in touch with that love, that beautiful love.”
Unsurprisingly, a love of flowers is the driver of most people’s visit. “I would spend my last dollar on flowers,” says Leesa Thornthwaite, in a cobalt blue floral jumpsuit, also by Gorman. “Everything bright and practical shoes is my regular attire. It makes me smile.”
