Summer Collection
Presenting the new SS25 Collection from Cathcart. This year, the brand pays homage to the botanical breakthroughs of the early 20th century, and the style of the pioneers who paved the way forward.
The early 20th century was a fascinating time for botany in Britain, marked by a combination of scientific advances and shifting cultural trends. There were several key movements and developments in the field that helped shape modern botanical science and the way plants were studied, understood, and appreciated.
By the early 20th century, plant ecology—essentially the study of the relationship between plants and their environment—had taken off dramatically in Britain, building on earlier work from the 19th century. This was a time when the scientific community was keen to understand the ways that plant communities developed and interacted with their surroundings.
''The new collection encapsulates the spirit of discovery, adventure and enduring, classic style.''
A central figure in plant ecology, Arthur Tansley was instrumental in developing the concept of the ecosystem, emphasizing the interdependence between plants and their environment. His work helped move ecology away from the study of individual plant species towards a more holistic view.
The British Ecological Society, founded in 1913, played a key role in promoting plant ecology as a distinct field of study, and Tansley himself served as one of its early leaders.
Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection had a profound effect on botany throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Botanists were increasingly interested in the evolutionary relationships between plant species, as well as how plants adapted to different environments.
Botanical art also played a significant role in early 20th-century British culture. This was particularly true during the Art Nouveau movement (which began in the late 19th century but influenced the early 20th century). Art Nouveau emphasised organic, flowing lines inspired by plant forms, which helped foster a renewed interest in botanical subjects in the visual arts.
In the early 20th century, Britain began to take more systematic steps toward conservation of rare plant species and natural habitats, although the movement didn’t gain full momentum until later in the century.
Nature Conservation and Botanic Gardens: Botanical gardens like the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and The University of Edinburgh Botanic Garden became essential hubs for the preservation of plant diversity, especially in the face of increasing urbanization. There was also more collaboration with international botanical institutions to conserve plants that were at risk of extinction due to human activity.
''Working in botanical gardens—whether as gardeners, horticulturists, or botanists—required a balance between functionality, comfort, and a respect for the natural world.''
Workers in botanical gardens in the early 20th century had a distinct style of dress, shaped by both the practical needs of their work and the broader cultural trends of the time. While their attire was influenced by the physical demands of horticulture, there were also subtle connections to the evolving social and fashion norms of the period. This dress code, in turn, influenced popular culture and even indirectly impacted mainstream fashion in certain ways.
Working in botanical gardens—whether as gardeners, horticulturists, or botanists—required a balance between functionality, comfort, and a respect for the natural world. Men in these roles adopted a practical style of dress that reflected both the physical demands of gardening and the professional nature of their work.
For practical reasons, most men working in botanical gardens wore durable, often loose-fitting trousers. These were made of sturdy fabrics like cotton or linen, which allowed for freedom of movement.
To protect themselves from the sun, men working in botanical gardens often wore wide-brimmed hats like fedora-style hats, straw hats, or sun hats. These hats provided shade and helped protect workers from sunburn during long hours outside.
While the basic workwear of gardeners was utilitarian, men working as botanists or horticulturists—those studying plant species or involved in the more scientific aspects of botany—might have dressed in a slightly more professional and academic manner, especially in public-facing roles.
''Art Nouveau emphasised organic, flowing lines inspired by plant forms, which helped foster a renewed interest in botanical subjects in the visual arts.''
Botanists, who often worked in labs or offices within botanical gardens, might have worn coats or blazers, reflecting the professional nature of their work. These were typically more formal than the attire of laborers and could be similar to the academic dress of the time, which included linen jackets and vests. These individuals might have also worn cravats or bow ties—styles associated with the more academic or intellectual professions.
When going into the field to collect specimens, botanists might have worn field jackets or lightweight safari-style coats, which were popular in the early 20th century. These jackets, often in khaki or olive green, were designed for practicality and comfort while working outdoors in tropical or subtropical conditions.
Cathcart proudly presents the new SS25 collection, inspired by the attire of pioneering botanical researchers and garden workers. From linen suits to sturdy work trousers, the new collection encapsulates the spirit of discovery, adventure and enduring, classic style. Arriving in lightweight cloths and sturdily handcrafted for years of wear, the collection blends refined elegance with the rugged look of outdoor exploration, offering a versatile wardrobe that transitions seamlessly from work to leisure.
