Diana: A Fleur de Villes World Premiere
‘What message will I be giving out if I wear this?’ Diana, Princess of Wales to Jasper Conran.
The message given out at Fleurs de Villes World Premier of ‘DIANA’ was that the skill and artistry of the florist is very much alive and well. Fleurs de Villes are renowned for their floral exhibitions in cities around the world. In support of the Diana Award, this celebration of fifteen of Princess Diana’s most iconic outfits, meticulously reimagined in flowers, was set against the Georgian splendour of London’s Somerset House.
Best in Show ‘Fashion for a Cause’
How do you recreate an opulent ball gown, originally designed by David and Elizabeth Emmanuel? A very talented trio representing the BFA - Donna Cornish, Nikki Armstrong and Kerri Raines - pulled it off magnificently. The detail was staggering, using Asparagus fern, bleached Ruscus, Lunaria and Amaranthus for structure, they added Phalaenopsis, large headed roses, Gypsophila and Eustoma (amongst many others) to bring this luxurious creation to life.
Most Creative Design ‘Authentic Diplomacy’
Detail makes all the difference, and the work that Kirsty Noble of Blum Floral in Chesterfield put in to produce an almost exact replica of the floral bodice of this beautiful dress was incredible. Dried and preserved flowers were used, including hundreds of Dianthus petals. Kirsty also produced a floral version of the Spencer family tiara, which completed this gown worn by Diana to many overseas diplomatic events.
Most Realistic Design ‘A World Without Landmines’
Not everything in Diana’s life was glamourous, she also brought attention to the dangers of the aftermath of war. This minefield outfit was recreated by Charmaine Taylor of C Taylor’s Floristry, who managed to skilfully tailor a shirt, trousers and protective vest (not the most inspiring clothing) out of bleached Aspidistra leaves, corn husks and preserved Eucalyptus. A striking fireplace design by Yan Skates, drawing inspiration from the grasslands of the Angolan minefields, set the background to this painstakingly researched design.
Tina Barkley
Tina is the co-founder of Fleurs de Villes. Along with her partner Karen Marshall, they put on shows in cities in Canada, USA, UK and Europe. Working with over 1,600 florists worldwide, their aim is to bring the skill and art of florists, plus the joy of flowers, to the wider public. And the secret of getting a design just right? According to Tina, it comes down to the hair: ‘If you can get the hair right, you’ve cracked it.’
Judging by the level of expertise and the reaction of the visitors to ‘DIANA’ all the florists who participated had definitely cracked it.
‘Diana’ runs until October 6th, Somerset House, The Strand, London.
Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.
Comments