In an era defined by steel skylines, digital distractions, and disposable style, MFM presents “Rooted”, a fashion show experience that reconnects fashion to its most fundamental source: the Earth.
Taking place on 17th May at RHS Gardens Bridgewater, Rooted explores the emotional and environmental impact of urban disconnection from green spaces—and the role fashion plays in bridging that gap.
Through a visual narrative unfolding in three phases—Isolation, Realization, and Reconnection—this collection examines how inner-city living distances us from the natural world and how every garment we wear has origins in the soil. From cold, structured silhouettes to flowing natural forms, each piece in the show tells a story of return.
“We live among buildings, but we were born among trees,” says MFM Creative Director, Alison Carlin. “Everything we wear, every fiber, began in nature. Rooted is about remembering that—and about how deeply fashion can heal when it honors its origins.”
The catwalk show will feature sustainably made garments using zero-waste techniques, slow production brands and much more. Paired with a marketplace, storytelling, talks, sounds and the beautiful RHS garden setting the event invites audiences to reimagine their relationship with clothing, nature, and wellbeing.
RHS Garden Bridgewater have also been working with Textiles and Fashion students from Pendleton College. They have designed and produced garments that can be worn by members of the Bridgewater Horticultural team, some of whom will be strutting their stuff on the catwalk highlighting this work, alongside professional models who are celebrating independent northern creatives who champion better fashion habits.
This year the event will include a market in the marquee with stallholders selling ceramics, clothing and accessories. You can browse their wares between 12 noon and 6.00 pm before settling down for the evening event.
Enjoy the garden after normal garden opening hours with an opportunity to sit and relax while enjoying drinks, d light refreshments and pizza* from the Stables Cafe and Shepherds Hut. Listen to a panel discussion from industry experts and then sit back and watch the fashion show being held around Garden Cottage and watch the sun start to go down towards the end of the evening. You can, of course, bring your own outdoor chairs, picnic blankets and your own refreshments. *Pizza is available until 7.00pm
12 noon to 6 pm Market is open in the marquee
6 pm to 8 pm Panel discussion and fashion show to take place around Garden Cottage
8 pm to 8.45 pm Music played by DJ
9 pm Garden closes
Please note our retail area and Bridgewater cafe will close as normal at 6.00 pm.
