London has come into bloom over the past few weeks—the city is awash with blossoms and swathes of emerald green, serving as a reminder of the reasons why Lily Allen ever felt compelled to pen “LDN.” While you may not know it, there is, in fact, an official marker of the city’s nature-fueled awakening—yes, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the five-day event held in the gardens of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and one of the world’s greatest celebrations of horticulture and floristry as an art form.
This year’s edition was no exception. Despite the fickle skies overhead, crowds descended on this tony corner of West London for the floral festival’s opening day. Naturally, Vogue popped down for the occasion, but the ornate botanical displays weren’t the only things that caught our eye—not only was the city in bloom, but its citizens’ style sensibilities were, too. From Mary Berry’s pink polka dot tea dress to Dame Judi Dench’s effortless transitional look; dashing rising florist Hamish Powell’s directional boxy suiting to the timeless Chelsea pensioners in their vermillion great coats (oh, and gnomes outfitted by Cate Blanchett!), the style seen during the flower show’s opening day was a testament to what London looks like at its brightest and best—much like the flowers themselves.
Below, see Lauren Maccabee’s photographs of the chicest looks at the world’s greatest flower show.
