The natural dye garden here in Brooklyn is bearing the fruits of all the hard work performed thus far with flowers abound. And across the pond gardens are serving as starting points for other artistic realms.

It’s wonderful to see fashion creatives nod to practicality and sustainability and still retain a sophisticated and stylish aesthetic. I came away inspired from the static exhibition of the talented new cohort of BA fashion design students at Central Saint Martins this June and one menswear designer in particular has embraced all things garden.

Ruina Iida created a lovely and playful collection taking the gardener and his needs as a central focus. Everything from denim overalls, aprons, and canvas jackets with ample storage and utility to trousers with special “seed pockets” at the hem which can quickly and efficiently spread seed with a kick. And I particularly enjoyed Iida’s linen sun hat with a head of lettuce resting atop.

Ruina says “I really want to express what my ideal life is through this collection “. On the sustainable front, all of her fabrics are organic and the range of orange to pink colors are achieved by natural dyeing with onion skins and tea leaves.

I may have to inquire as to whether she has plans of adapting her garden apparel to womens wear any time soon.  I hope to see in the future more textile and fashion students everywhere creatively engage themes of sustainable lifestyles like Ruina.