Fleurotica at Garfield Park Conservatory

Fleurotica returned to the Garfield Park Conservatory on Oct. 12 to celebrate the creativity and talents of Chicago’s floral design community.

The 10th annual floral fashion show, presented by the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, delighted more than 350 supporters and raised a record-breaking $200,000 for children and family programs.

The evening began among the blooms in the Palm House, designed as an idealized tropical landscape. Guests enjoyed a jazz trio from the Chicago West Community Music Center, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

The runway show, in the Horticulture Hall, featured garments by 18 floral and fashion designers, landscape artists and students; the designs were made entirely from plants, flowers and natural materials.

Participants included A. Hunt Design, Blumgarten, Flora Chicago, Robert Gonzalez Flowers, Whole Foods South Loop, Crystal Gravy, Honey Street Flowers, Marguerite Gardens, The Flower Witch, Medusa’s Greenhouse, Fleur de Lis Florist, Flower Child, Vitruvian Fine Art Studio, the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences and others.

The floral works were judged by Barbara Bates, Maria Pinto, Peter Vrotsos and Caroline Bellios. Flora Chicago and designers Kate Prince and Sarah Leitten won for their garment featuring cockscomb flowers, witch hazel plants, roses and palm pods.

Jennifer Van Valkenburg, GPC Alliance president and CEO, spoke about the nonprofit that works closely with the Chicago Park District to provide educational programming, events and resources to conservatory visitors. She also announced a Children’s Garden renovation, thanks to a $1 million challenge grant from the Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust.

The event, co-chaired by Erika Summers and Chicago first lady Amy Rule, raised funds for the Urban Roots Teen Docent program that engages students from the nearby Al Raby High School.