Fashion Meets Flora: Columbia Students Bring Sustainable Couture to Chicago Botanic Garden

"Patterned by Nature" at the Chicago Botanic Garden "Patterned by Nature" at the Chicago Botanic Garden
"Patterned by Nature" at the Chicago Botanic Garden
"Patterned by Nature" at the Chicago Botanic Garden
"Patterned by Nature" at the Chicago Botanic Garden
"Patterned by Nature" at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Fashion students created upcycled couture garments for "Patterned by Nature" at the Chicago Botanic Garden, showcasing sustainable design and innovation.

This summer, Columbia College Chicago’s School of Fashion is part of a vivid celebration of nature, art, and design at the Chicago Botanic Garden. "Patterned by Nature," on view through September 21, 2025, invites visitors to explore large-scale, nature-inspired installations by artists from around the world—including a standout collaboration with Columbia fashion students.

Titled "A Better Pattern," the Columbia-led installation showcases couture-inspired garments made from upcycled materials sourced directly from the Botanic Garden. Fashion students Alexandra Abbott, Tommie Anderson, Brandon Barrera, Ciara Brophy, Lucy Conway, Hidequel Gonzale, Sungwon Kim, Madison Metcalf, David Navarro, Mihir Patel, Logan Reilly, and Nat Sass created original looks that explore sustainability, botanical storytelling, and circular design practices.

The garments were produced during a five-week intensive workshop led by "Project Runway" finalist and Columbia Fashion Studies professor Justin Dougan-LeBlanc. “On the very first day, we kicked things off with a trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden,” says LeBlanc. “Students met the team, gathered inspiration, and selected materials that had been discarded from previous exhibits—everything from canvas banners and vinyl posters to wires and plastic plant pots. They had just three working sessions to finish their designs. Honestly, it felt like we were on 'Project Runway.'”

The limited timeframe and unconventional materials posed design challenges—but also opened the door for innovation. “Those limitations sparked a lot of creativity,” LeBlanc adds. “It was incredibly inspiring to watch students turn constraints into truly unique fashion statements.”

Columbia’s contribution stands alongside works by internationally recognized artists such as Raquel Rodrigo, Rachel B. Hayes, and Kristin Field. But unlike the static installations, "A Better Pattern" offers a wearable interpretation of nature’s influence—demonstrating how fashion can reflect ecological values while pushing creative boundaries.

“Columbia’s School of Fashion stands out for its ability to fluidly shift between ready-to-wear and avant-garde design,” says LeBlanc. “That’s on full display in this exhibition. You’ll see everything from streetwear-inspired silhouettes to bold, conceptual fashion. It really highlights the diverse talents and creative range of our students.” The collaboration also reflects Columbia’s commitment to real-world learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement. In a recent WGN radio segment, Botanic Garden representatives praised the partnership for “bringing the next generation of designers into a conversation about ecology, art, and fashion.” The result is a striking blend of science, style, and sustainability—and a powerful reminder of what happens when education, artistry, and environmental awareness come together in full bloom.

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