HOW TO STYLE FLORALS THE CABBAGES & ROSES WAY
Ready to go behind the scenes of the River Island x Cabbages & Roses collaboration and meet the team who brought it to life? Discover how the Somerset-based design brand styles floral prints for every moment, whether you're dressing for special occasions, everyday outings, or relaxed downtime, across every season.
What's the meaning behind the name Cabbages & Roses?
Cabbages & Roses reflects our founders Brigitte and Christina, their favourite things in the garden, but the sense of it runs through the core of what we do. There is a marriage of contrasting elements, combining earthy, utilitarian practicality ("Cabbages") with romantic, soft beauty ("Roses"). We create enduring, gentle floral textiles & designs that bring a rustic, "faded" charm to daily life.
What’s the secret to summer event dressing?
In the UK, layering is key, especially for day-to-night events. Find a perfect dress or skirt, layer with a cardigan, bring a charming coat and wear comfortable shoes – we love plimsolls, Converse and Mary Janes.
What’s your favourite print and piece from the collection?
We adore the reversible quilted jacket that combines a patchwork of prints on the inside and a beautiful gentle green on the outside with the matching sun hat. The quality of the fabrics and prints in this collection make it very hard to choose and we love that there is something for everyone.
What’s your advice for accessorising floral outfits?
Balance a sweet floral with something to anchor it. This can be with a beautiful thick cotton knit sweater in the summer, or a fisherman’s sweater for the winter. Pair with Breton stripes if in doubt.
What’s your proudest moment since starting Cabbages & Roses?
There is nothing better than publishing a book, of which we have five (you can find them on Amazon and Blackwells). Our best is Green Housekeeping: Recipes and Solutions For a Cleaner, More Sustainable Home which was ahead of its time and still relevant today.
You’ve collaborated with some big names. How do you decide which collaborations to take on?
The most important thing is to have synergy with anyone we work with but also to see a new perspective and to work with the best at what they do. River Island is a special collaboration as it is an iconic family-run British brand, while we are smaller and younger, we are similar. We were also excited to see a River Island interpretation of our prints, designed by a talented team with a new demographic in the design brief.
What do you hope people feel when they wear your designs?
We have always wanted to create pieces that become part of your everyday life. A beautiful coat or dress that you could wear to a wedding or on a muddy walk, comfort should not exclude beauty. We also love cross-generational dressing, so many of our customers came to buy for themselves and their children.
How do you think florals can adapt with the trends?
There are so many ways you can wear florals. You can mix and match, anchoring your outfits through colour. Mixing small prints with large prints or pair them with plain wardrobe staples, such as the perfect white T-shirt or pair of jeans. You can balance them with a striped T-shirt, sweater or accessory. Florals are so versatile, allowing you to style them however you like, and they’ll continue to be relevant – after all, who doesn’t love flowers?
