Bette Midler has teamed up with designer Rozae Nichols to launch a new gardening-inspired capsule collection. The collaboration with the brand Flora Animalia focuses on bringing "joy" to outdoor activities through functional yet stylish apparel.

A 10-piece collection of floral caftans and gold-embroidered aprons

The new 10-piece line from Flora Animalia includes a variety of items designed for both utility and aesthetic pleasure. According to the report, the collection features overall-style aprons that criss-cross in the back, some adorned with intricate gold floral embroidery. Other pieces include loose button-up shirting, flowy pants, and V-neck long-sleeve caftans that feature garment-dyed flower motifs.

To complete the "garden-to-table" ethos, the collection also includes printed cotton place settings and various table linens designed to bring the garden into the home. The items are produced in Los Angeles and sewn on-site, emphasizing a localized approach to fashion production .

From Barneys boutiques to a shared love of green spaces

Rozae Nichols, the designer behind Flora Animalia, brings a high-fashion pedigree to this more grounded venture. The report notes that Nichols previously sold her designs at luxury retailers such as Barneys and Neiman Marcus during the 1990s. This partnership marks a shift from the traditional fashion system toward a business built on personal passion for nature and design.

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Bette Midler’s interest in this collection is deeply tied to her long history of environmental advocacy. Her passion for nature began in Hawaii, where she was raised and spent time observing a neighbor's garden. This connection eventually led to her founding the New York Restoration Project (NYRP) in the 1990s to address the poor condition of New York City parks, such as Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan. The organization has remained a steady force in urban conservation for 31 years.

How LA ICE raids have disrupted local artisan workshops

While the collection celebrates nature, the production process has faced significant social hurdles in Los Angeles. Midler noted that ICE raids in the city have negatively impacted the network of local artisans that Nichols relies on for her work. The report mentions that many of these essential workshops have been forced to close, which Midler described as a "huge tragedy."

This disruption raises questions about the stability of the brand's local supply chain. It remains unclear if Flora Animalia has specific plans to rebuild these artisan networks or how the brand will mitigate the impact of these raids on their ability to maintain local productiion moving forward.

The "life-affirming" philosophy behind Midler's garden style

Midler views the act of gardening as a way to recharge her batteries and focus the mind on something more significant than the individual. She described the experience as "gigantic" and "endless," filled with things that can delight or even terrify.. By designing clothes that are "meant for joy," Midler and Nichols hope to encourage others to embrace a "wacky" and "semi-chic" approach to the soil, including the use of nice aprons and quality tools.