Su Whale meets Kirsty Noble, Most Creative Design Award Winner
Florist Kirsty Noble had to put all her knowledge and skill to work when she was selected to design one of Princess Diana’s iconic gowns for Fleur de Villes ‘DIANA’ exhibition. The hours spent and the organisational headache was worth it though when she picked up the award for the most Creative Design.
So what is it like to be part of the Fleurs de Villes experience? The Trade Club caught up with Kirsty to find out more.
How were you selected?
My name was put forward to the organisers by a number of people, from those recommendations I received an invitation to take part.
Were you allowed to choose which gown?
No, although they do try to fit the style of the gown with the style of the florist. The Catherine Walker dress I was given had a very detailed bodice, and as I’m known for detail, it was perfect for me.
Do you have to submit your designs in advance, and are you given a budget?
I submitted sketches of what I planned to do and had a meeting with Tina and Karen, (Barkley and Marshall, the founders of Fleurs de Villes) Every designer is given an honorarium to cover materials and expenses.
You’re based in Bolsover, Derbyshire, the exhibition was held in central London, did that bring up any specific challenges?
That was probably the trickiest part, the logistics. The mannequin is sent to you ahead of the show so that you can work on some of the pieces in advance. The fresh material was delivered to a studio in London ready for build up day, then we (plus the mannequin!) had to drive down to London to complete the build.
How was the dress constructed?
I made a top from fabric which I then covered in a base layer of Hydrangea petals, and used Amaranthus, dyed and preserved flowers for the detail. The front of the skirt is all fresh material, arranged directly into water, the back is made entirely from dried.
What new techniques did you take away from the experience?
The hair was fascinating. Everyone had to make their own Diana hair, and it had to be out of plant material. We used coconut fibre which had been bleached so it was very bright. To make it more realistic we used various methods, including liquid coffee, to darken and streak it. Other designers, such as Acacia Creative Studios, used flax which is something that I’ve not come across before but is something that I will definitely work with in the future.
And finally, would you do it again?
100% Yes!
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.
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