Slow fashion: Sustainable prints inspired by real-life garden

By Jacqueline Wake Young

November 24 2022, 5:00 pm

Jewel Hydrangea Duster Coat, £169; Berry Red Velvet Trousers, £109, From My Mother's Garden.

From the bud of an idea just a few years ago, fashion label From My Mother’s Garden is now in full bloom, says Jacqueline Wake Young

Inspiration can strike at any time and for Penny Callaghan it was while looking at photographs of her mum’s garden in Dorset.

Penny’s collection of limited edition clothing and accessories, using prints based on flowers and plants in the garden, launched at the beginning of the pandemic and has continued to grow ever since.

The prints are digitally printed onto different fabrics using sustainable techniques to create “wearable art”.

Petals Tulle Dress, £139, From My Mother’s Garden.

The range started with luxury reversible velvet kimonos, lightweight kimonos and long robes and has since expanded to include dresses, tulle skirts, trousers, tops and accessories.

Penny uses environmentally-responsible fabrics, such as viscose, bamboo, linen and recycled polyester wherever possible.

A technique called ‘sublimation printing’ is used which minimises wastage and only prints the fabric required.

Deep As Dahlias Mesh Top, £65, From My Mother’s Garden.

Penny’s first designs were entitled Harmony, Radiance, Connection and Reflection which she says “captures the vibrant colours and magical beauty of an English garden”.

Her mother Mary, who is nearly 90, came up with the names to denote how she feels when she is in her garden.

Penny explains: “My idea originally came from my mother asking my partner Alistair and me to take photos of her small but very beautiful garden.

Dreamy Peonies mid-length Kimono, £99, From My Mother’s Garden.

“She derives such joy from it and so we wanted to capture some of its beauty.

“When I saw the images, I immediately thought that they could look stunning on fabric because of the colours and so started the idea for the collection.

“I did a BA Hons Creative Arts Degree at University so I have been dreaming of doing a project like this since then.

“For me, it’s about cherishing an item of clothing and valuing it as a work of art in its own right.”

“It fits the ethos of my boutique, where we actively promote slow fashion.”

Pink Peonies Bamboo Scarf, £30, From My Mother’s Garden.

This week Penny told us she had special cause for celebration after being named British Brand of The Year at a fashion industry awards event held at The Mayfair Hotel in London.

Looks like everything’s coming up roses for From My Mother’s Garden.