Community Always | Ugly Bunch | Episode 52*
For our Community Always series, adidas Originals shines a light on the local independent voices shaping the creative texture of our city. Today, we sit down with the founder of Ugly Bunch, a Perth-based floral and creative practice that bridges the gap between fashion editorial design, organic sculpture, and local community.
What began in a bedroom during the quiet isolation of 2020 as a way to reignite a creative spark has since grown into a distinct, sentimentally named studio that defies traditional floristry. Here, we discuss pivoting careers, fashion as a primary muse, and the power of the local neighbourhood.
What inspired the creation of Ugly Bunch and what makes it unique?
I moved back to Perth after a short stint in Sydney for a fashion editorial internship. It was peak covid, and I’d hit a crossroads with the career I spent most of my life dreaming about. Flowers have always mystified me. So, in the down times of isolation, I used them as a means to spark my creativity again. Social media was such a fun space in 2020 - loads of small businesses created in kitchens and bedrooms, and it didn’t feel as intimidating to post on there as I imagine it could feel now. I had a tricky time finding flower pages I aligned with, so I used that as an opportunity to create arrangements and share them with my loved ones. These arrangements were undeniably ugly, hence the name, which has since evolved to mean something much more sentimental to me. What I think makes Ugly Bunch unique, is that flowers have never been the sole muse. Reflecting, fashion really inspired Ugly Bunch, and is deeply embedded in my work.
Any exciting moments coming up or previous highlights that you'd like to share?
The question we've been asked most since moving into this space is whether we’ll be offering workshops, so we’re super excited to be hosting our first in-studio floral workshop on the 1st of August. We’ve spent some time curating the experience, so we’re really keen to see how the day will unfold. More dates to be announced soon! As we head into spring, we’re also hoping to activate the space with local creatives, and stretch Ugly Bunch outside of the floral world.
How important is community to your business?
Most of the time we enter business alone, but the community you build is what inspires and sustains you to keep creating. From the wholesale workers and fellow florists to our neighbours at The Cool Room and Old Values-family, friends, and customers, both new and loyal-every word of mouth and every Instagram like counts. These are our most nurtured relationships, and we wouldn’t exist without them.
Thanks for reading! Listen to Ugly Bunch's playlist on Spotify or Apple Music.