Shoppers visiting the new Splendid flagship store on Robertson Boulevard over the weekend ran into unexpected flora growing from the walls—a dare-I-say organic creation, courtesy of floral stylist Holly Visecky of Holly Flora and Woolly Pocket. The latter is a hanging pocket container made of mildew-resistant recycled plastic bottles. With a little potting soil, they are supposed to provide an easy, low-maintenance habitat for ferns, ivy, philodendrons and other greenery.
I don’t have a green thumb, and my two phalaenopsis orchids given to me as gifts months ago are habitually sick-looking and seem to scream Kill us. Now. But Woolly Pocket’s creator, Miguel Nelson, tries to dismiss my anxiety. “We like to say that a green thumb is optional. Trust me.” The sides of the pockets, he explains, have a moisture barrier, but they’re also breathable, aerating the soil and preventing rootbound plants (pockets retail for $39-$49, with modular wall systems starting at $143).
Nelson co-owns event spaces in Los Angeles, including SmogShoppe, a Culver City destination powered entirely by solar energy. Inspired by the living walls he and his wife saw in Paris and New York, Nelson was nevertheless frustrated by the elaborate hydroponics systems needed to keep the plants alive. “I wanted instant gratification,” he says of his thoroughly simpler invention for Woolly, which he launched in January with brother Rodney.
One of his newest products? The Woolly Vagabond, a living handbag. Granted it’s actually more of a décor statement than a fashion accessory. Inventive, yes. Chic? you be the judge. Here’s the video:
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don’t know about the handbag–but I’ve bought several pockets and they’re amazing.
Not sure how practical it is.. but it looks good =)