The Role Models of The Sustainable Fashion World: Flora Rosa by Soni Bloo
Fashion is one of the many ways that we as humans can really express ourselves. The established thing about fashion, is that it is consistently changing. Constantly we see new micro trends booming every week, brands putting out new ‘seasons’ of clothing out on mall floors, recently developed fashion brands, and fast fashion contributing more than ever in our World today. As thrilling and exciting it is to see the constant evolution of fashion - it can become utterly materialistic and wasteful.
For a while now, I have made it my goal to support local, small, and sustainable businesses. To me it is important to know that the brand and quality of whatever product I am buying is truly worth it. The thing is, is that many brands can hit the quality and sustainable aspect. However, I was looking for something more when supporting and buying from a business…
Aside from shopping small, sustainable and local - I was looking for a brand that was authentic, cared for, and soulful. To me, when a business owner puts their entire heart and soul into their brand and product(s); then the item that I had bought from them becomes even more special to me. Because I know, that instead of it being manufactured and distributed from a factory - the product was made with love and genuine care.
As I was scrolling through TikTok one day, I had stumbled upon Flora Rosa by Soni Bloo. Once I had clicked on her profile and her website - right off the bat I was captivated. Not only by the beautifully chic pieces that she handcrafts; but I was also charmed by the love and dedication she has so obviously put into her brand.
The past couple of weeks I have had the pleasure of getting to know Soni and her brand. She is nothing but spectacular! Below is more of a look into her brand: Flora Rosa!
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Interview with Soni Bloo:
How did the start of Flora Rosa and Fleur Femme begin? What do the names of these brands mean to you/signify?
Flora Rosa and Fleur femme started in my own bedroom! I’ve always been interested in fashion ever since I was a little girl. Around 15 years old I pondered about the idea of actually having my own clothing brand, so honestly this is such a big dream for me! One day I just started making clothes, and I’ve loved it ever since.
Flora Rosa means “pink flower” in Spanish, I speak Spanish and just thought that it sounded pretty haha. Also pink flowers in general mean something to me personally so it’s a special part of me.
Fleur femme is French for “flower woman” I love the French culture for fashion. For both brands I wanted to implement flowers because I love flowers!
Are there any role models you look up to? Or elements that you're surrounded with that you incorporate with your designs?
If I had to choose a role model I’d say my grandma. She’s such a strong and good hard working woman and has taught me almost everything I know. I’m so grateful to have her in my life and her great creativity that she’s passed down to me! For elements I’d definitely say my home town, the beach, gardens, chic towns, the tropics, and friendship.
How does your own personal style influence the pieces of clothing you create?
For Flora Rosa it’s definitely more so of my girly side. Super floral and feminine endless light of girl hood. Super chic and classy pieces that can be casual or dressed up, either way you’ll be the best dressed with truly unique pieces! I like to think of nature when wearing Flora, true pieces that allow girls to be girls! Whether you like adventure, shopping, etc. I believe that there is something for everybody.
What elements are put in when curating a piece to sending out a piece that really solidifies the recyclability and sustainability of your brands?
Flora Rosa is clothing handmade by me from 100% recycled material. This makes each piece 10x more special and unique because you truly won’t find it anywhere else. All material is hand sourced by me from thrift stores, vintage markets, or from friends and family, sometimes even from my own closet if I don’t wear something anymore! For my packaging I use recyclable boxes and the tape I use on the boxes are actually made from bamboo instead of plastic! A lot of the fabric I have/ use has been sourced over the past two years and I have a whole dresser full of materials!
Where do you see yourself taking these two brands in the next decade or so? And how do you hope that your emphasis on the sustainability of your brand will impact future fashion choices?
Definitely opening stores in special locations where I think The brands would flourish. Most importantly building and curating a beautiful strong team to support the two brands to grow. I have brainstormed on how to keep it as sustainable as possible, one idea for near future would be by keeping any manufacturing in the USA, mainly for Fleur femme. Although I think also having an in house team for anything made from recycled material. For Flora Rosa I’d like to have an in house production team to keep making the pieces solely from recycled materials. In the future I do have big ideas that I’ll gladly execute in order to help the fashion world become more keen to sustainability and recycle what we have.
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I urge everybody to check out Soni’s brand. She is the epitome of true authentic fashion in a World lost with over production and excessiveness. Flora Rosa and Fleur Femme is the definition of grace, soulful, elegant, and timeless pieces that everybody shall adore and love.
Check out Soni Bloo's website and shop: https://fllorarrosa.com
Instagram: @fllorarrosa and @flleurfemme