The RHS Chelsea Flower Show remains one of the most elegant fixtures on the social calendar, marking the unofficial start of the summer season. Among its most stylish exhibitors are three designers whose collections have long found favour within royal circles. We met with the royal-approved designers to find out more.
Penelope Chilvers
Each year Penelope Chilvers has a stand at The Chelsea Flower Show - a collaboration of quintessential British-ness. "We love to think up a horticultural theme for our stand at Chelsea each year and we invite friends of the brand to this event," Penelope tells us. "It’s a big celebratory moment for the brand."
Penelope Chilvers is best known for its tassel boots, worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales since 2004. And in a twinning moment, Princess Charlotte has more recently been spotted in the same style. The brand’s embellished Gamine suede styles have also been worn by Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, while Amelia Windsor is a regular visitor to the label’s Chelsea stand.
© Getty ImagesThis year returning to the prestigious horticultural event, alongside footwear (the Dali and Allegra espadrilles are particularly key for this event) will be Penelope’s newly launched ready to wear collection. The floral prints and ruffle hems are equally fitting for the annual event.
© Dave Benett/Getty Images for PenWhat to expect from Penelope this season
"I was very inspired by the wardrobe in the latest rendition of Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) for Netflix, with its bell-shaped, silhouettes of full skirts and sleeves, and highlights in lace details, paying homage to the female form as a vessel of strength, a theme that has run through art since primordial times.
"A collection designed for garden parties and life lived outdoors, in a joyful collection of floral prints on linen and voiles, tipped with lace.
"Blue roses have always been a favourite theme of mine, while the protagonist print in our 'Romance In The Cotswolds' Collection, is a bouquet of blowsy peonies on a biscuit base. A delicate rosebud print completes the floral theme."
© Dave Benett/Getty Images for PenOn her love of florals
"I have collected vintage textiles forever, many of them are English chintz, full of childhood memories. In footwear and leather accessories it’s difficult to use patterns. Footwear is much more about form and function, so it wasn’t until we launched a small clothing range that I was able to use print and colour."
Penelope Chilvers-approved Chelsea Flower Show attire
"A floral print of course! And some colourful and very comfortable footwear (you’re on your feet all day), like a pair of our Dali velvet ribboned espadrilles. A sun hat or headscarf for sun protection, like our chintz scarf or beautiful panamas with colourful bands."
Holland Cooper
From Cheltenham Races and Badminton Horse Trials to The Chelsea Flower show, Holland Cooper has become synonymous with event dressing. "This year feels particularly meaningful as we’re bringing Holland Cooper to Chelsea with our very first exhibition space," founder Jade Holland Cooper tells us. "It’s a real milestone for us. The Royal Horticultural Society represents British heritage, craftsmanship and horticulture in such an authentic way, which aligns so closely with our own values, so it feels like a very natural step for the brand."
The Princess of Wales is a long-standing fan of Holland Cooper, particularly its tailored blazers, structured coats, and knitwear. The label has also been worn by Zara Tindall and Mike Tindall.
© Getty Images"I’ve always loved going to Chelsea Flower Show, it really marks the start of the British summer event season," Jade tells us. "It’s such a special occasion and a wonderful opportunity to dress up.
“We’ll be showcasing some brand new collections, including pieces designed with the gardening and hosting enthusiast in mind. It really feels like a natural extension of the brand, bringing together our love of the garden with how we dress for summer events and outdoor living. I’ll also be there on the first day, which I’m really looking forward to."
Jade's floral inspirations
"I’ve always loved being outdoors and spending time in the garden whenever I can, so florals have naturally become a recurring source of inspiration. You’ll see that influence not only in our occasionwear, but increasingly within our home and lifestyle offering as well, particularly with a new capsule collection launching very soon.
"For me, it’s about designing pieces that feel right for those summer events and outdoor moments, and Chelsea is such a perfect expression of that."
Jade's Chelsea Flower Show style guide
"For Chelsea, it’s all about effortless elegance. Pieces like our Paige or Aimee dress, or even our new linen 360 maxi skirts work beautifully as they’re so versatile and can be styled up or down depending on the day.
"Footwear is also incredibly important. You’re on your feet for most of the day, so it’s about finding that balance between style and practicality. A chic flat or a low block heel always feels like the right choice and will serve you well when being on your feet all day. Ultimately, it’s about feeling polished, comfortable and confident, something that carries you through the day with ease."
Key occasionwear pieces this season
"While we don’t have a specific Chelsea collection, our occasionwear offering is perfectly suited for the event. There’s something for everyone, from flattering dresses to footwear and accessories, and of course our signature tailoring. We also have beautiful new linen suits launching in lemon yellow and ice blue which feel perfect for summer."
Aspiga
For the first time Aspiga will have a stand at The Chelsea Flower show, which will showcase the British brand’s collaboration with The Royal Horticultural Society. "Our floral prints are always a best seller, and nature is a huge source of inspiration," Lucy Macnamara, the Aspiga founder, tells us. "This year we have drawn inspiration from the archives of the RHS Lindley Collections, with both a ditsy floral and a more dramatic print. The collaboration blends our commitment to conscious craftsmanship with the timeless beauty of the natural world."
Aspiga has become a staple of polished summer dressing. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh wore the Victoria Cotton Broderie dress to a Women of Distinction tea at the Castle Hotel in Windsor in June 2025, following earlier appearances in a navy V-neck design at a conference in the Netherlands in 2023. Queen Camilla has also been seen in the brand, choosing a pink tunic dress during an engagement last year.
© UK Press via Getty ImagesLucy's Chelsea Flower Show dress code
"You can’t go wrong with a beautifully cut dress in a natural fabric," Lucy tells us. "Comfort is key, so choose a style that works well under a cardigan or jacket as the British weather is always so unpredictable. As it's summer, I’d always recommend a colourful frock. Brights, pastels or a pretty print are guaranteed to look lovely. But do make sure your shoes are comfortable as you will be getting your steps in."
