Exploring FLEUROTICA: Where Nature Breathes into Fashion

	By Samuel González Kelly, Arts and Culture Reporter, The Real Chi

Last month, the Garfield Park Conservatory hosted its annual FLEUROTICA runway show, where floral designers from across the Chicagoland were given the opportunity to showcase garments made entirely of plants, flowers, and organic materials. Proceeds from the event went toward the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, specifically the Urban Roots Teen Docent program, and the show featured performances from Chicago’s own Hiplet dance troupe and the Chicago West Community Music Center.  The Real Chi visited Honey Street Flowers, a florist in East Garfield Park, and Blumgarten, a floral studio in Pilsen, to get a look at the creative process behind their designs and to talk about what makes FLEUROTICA such a unique fashion show–besides, you know, the flowers.