Florals, fascinators and photosynthesis: street style at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025

Photographed in front of Karoo Succulent garden by The Newt in Somerset

The look: This suit was a bespoke creation made for me by a great tailor in Lithuania. My hat is Kangol, the scarf is from a vintage shop in Paris, the shirt is Calvin Klein and the loafers are Christian Louboutin. 

Highlight: The highlight of the day has to be my interview with Monty Don. People are so surprised that I’m into him but in the States he has a 24-hour show so I can catch him anytime I want; I find it so relaxing and educational. Being out in the gardens at home is really important to me and I write about them very often in my music. Metaphorically the garden is a place where love is perfect, love can grow and love can be tended to – the delicate nature of love in all of its forms is the basis to many of my songs.

Photographed in front of the Three Coverings garden by the Saatchi Gallery

The look: I’m wearing Gucci from head to toe. The head of sustainability at Gucci is a dear friend of mine, so we are always discussing how we can exist as fashion forward creatives while bringing awareness to the planet. I know a big part of Gucci's inspiration for starting the luxury brand came from hotel bellboys and elevator operators in London, so I wanted to channel that today. The yellow jacket features the equation for photosynthesis on the back, so wearing it was a no-brainer.

Highlight: I really enjoyed the ChatGPTree garden that is using AI sensors called TreeTalk to give updates on the trees' needs in urban environments, such as when they need watering and how much sunlight they might need.

Photographed in front of Grow the Rainbow by She Grows Veg

The look: These red uniforms are our ceremonial wardrobe, our everyday working dress is blue. There are three different types of hats that we wear, but today we are wearing these which are called Shakos.

Highlight: For us it is all about the camaraderie and experience. Getting to attend the show is a big perk of living here as a pensioner, alongside free visits to watch Chelsea play football. We have both been living at the Royal Hospital Chelsea since January of last year and absolutely love it! Our only regret is that we didn’t come 10 years sooner.

Photographed in front of the Cha No Niwa Japanese Tea Garden by Kazuyuki Ishihara

The look: The floral fascinator is from Chelsea, I’ve been re-wearing it for the past three years. The knitted cardigan is from a retail outlet in Lancashire and the neon yellow dress is from LBD Boutique in Leeds. The glittery shoes are by Crocs and the orange tights were from Camden market in London.

Highlight: My husband is the one who is interested in plants and gardening, but I love accompanying him for the sheer atmosphere and to see what everyone is wearing. People have been stopping me all day to ask for pictures and to say hello, it’s like being a celebrity. I think you might presume I’ve dressed up for the occasion, but this is how I dress all the time.

Photographed in front of the Paul Vanstone sculpture garden

The look: I’m big on secondhand shopping, so the boots, bag and shirt are all thrifted. My trousers are Armani Exchange and the sunglasses are Celine. I feel like everyone's outfit at Chelsea has to be florally coded or linked to gardening in one way or another, which is why I’ve added a few different pops of green to the look. I made this string necklace with pearls especially for today.

Highlight: I hate to be predictable, but I did really love Monty Don’s Dog Garden. I work in visual merchandising for a little independent garden centre in west London, so it’s always really inspiring to come and see what is happening here at the flower show.

Photographed in front of the RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden

The look: The dress coat and hat are from a second-hand store and the slip underneath is from the 1950s. The turtle broaches on my lapel are from a Sotheby's auction. I’m always looking for unique vintage pieces, I prefer not to buy brand new.

Highlight: We have come over from America specifically for the flower show and a trip to the Cotswolds. We loved the new rose in honour of the Princess of Wales, Catherine’s Rose by Harkness Roses.

Photographed in front of the SongBird Survival Garden by Nicola Oakey

The look: The pink waistcoat and skirt are from the girls section in Primark. Everything else I’ve accumulated from vintage stores and markets. I am not one of those people who tends to buy designer, I like to combine and layer pieces in a way that elevates from the ordinary.

Highlight: I’m a member and have attended Chelsea for many years, it is such a magical place. I haven’t picked a favourite yet, but I have a small patio balcony at home, so I’ll be picking the brains of the professionals on what I can grow.

Photographed in front of Peter Beales Roses 

The look: I actually bought this entire outfit yesterday in London. The fascinator and dress were from independent boutiques on the King’s Road, Chelsea. The sliders are Birkenstock and the bag is Max Mara.

Highlight: I have been coming here since I was a little girl; me and my mother would travel from Germany every year. I like to get in at 8:00am as soon as it opens, so I can make the most of the day before it gets super crowded. I loved the Japanese Tea Garden by Kazuyuki Ishihara. I saw it yesterday on TV and it didn’t disappoint.

Photographed in front of The Glasshouse Garden by Jo Thompson

The look: I have been kindly gifted this entire outfit from River Island as I am part of the RHS daytime presenting team.

Highlight: As someone who displayed here in the past, it is always really magical to see the general public's reaction to the show. I have a personal love for the balcony and container gardens. My career in gardening started when I set up a YouTube channel, which followed the creation of my 18th-floor balcony garden in central Manchester.

Photographed in front of the Everyday Eden Potting Shed by Pinstripes & Peonies

The look: The coat is from Moloh and my sunglasses are from a market stall in Crete, Greece. The lace trim vest is from Hollister, which I’ve tried to match to these lace socks and Russell & Bromley brogues. The Shaun the Sheep rucksack is from Ebay.

Highlight: It has to be the display by floral artist Ricky Paul who has done his own take on Chelsea punk with a mohican made from multicoloured pampas grass. Such an innovative idea.

Photographed in front of the KubuCu garden

The look: The jacket was made by a company in Scotland called Geoffrey Tailor, which is up on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. The kilt is from my cadet days at Fettes College some 40 plus years ago. The hat is a bespoke creation by Mister Miller, which has a picture of my children printed into the lining.

Highlight: It’s just too hard to pick one overall favourite. I think the real highlight of the day has been seeing so many happy people; Chelsea really is the best of Britain.

Photographed in front of the Explore Charleston garden

The look: I’m very proud of the dress I’m wearing today as I made it myself with this amazing fruit-filled fabric. I bought the hat at the Chelsea Flower Show a few years ago, I’ve been coming here since the 1980s. My yellow necklace is from the V&A, earrings are Accessorize, the padded bag is from Zara and my shoes are from Embassy London.

Highlight: The South African display of Protea's is absolutely stunning. I recently holidayed there and got to walk through a whole hillside of Protea’s which was just beautiful. There is also a lovely chap showing a British selection of Clivia’s – I’ve bought some seed for a friend.

Photographs and interviews by Sam Deaman