You seem to exist somewhere between fashion, art and floristry. How do you describe
what you do when someone asks?
I usually just say I’m a florist. But I think my work naturally sits somewhere between flowers, art
and fashion. I think of flowers as a material and love using them to bring something else to life,
whether that’s a table for a dinner or something more conceptual. There’s really no end to what
you can do with flowers, and I always want them to bring something to the bigger idea, whatever
the project.
There’s something very sculptural about your work. Do you think of yourself more as a
florist, an artist, a designer, or does that distinction not really matter to you?
I don’t think the distinction matters too much to me. I approach flowers quite instinctively, almost
like drawing or making a sculpture, but ultimately I’m a florist and the flowers have to be at the
centre of what I do. With that come the natural restrictions of seasonality and longevity, which I
actually really enjoy playing with rather than working against.
What was it about fashion that made you want to bring flowers into that world?
I think it happened quite naturally because fashion was already a world I knew and loved.
There’s so much crossover in the way I think about the two. Flowers can completely change the
mood of a space or an image, in the same way clothes can, and I love that they can become
part of the story rather than just decoration.
Your personal style has been described by you as “garden centre chic with a slinky silk
dress”. Has that always been your instinctive way of dressing?
Pretty much. I’ve always liked the tension between something practical or a bit scruffy and
something very feminine. A silk dress with an old jumper or work shoes with something delicate.
I don’t like looking too “done” which works out well because I’m normally carrying a bucket.
You’ve said that you don’t really follow trends and instead gravitate towards shapes,
colours and silhouettes that feel right. How do you know when something feels right?
I’m not sure I could explain it - which is probably the point. I’m quite instinctive with clothes in
the same way I am with flowers. If I have to convince myself I like something, I probably don’t.
What are the pieces in your wardrobe that you reach for constantly?
A charcoal grey cardigan, old jeans, silk slip dress, ballet flats, excellent white tee and a wax
jacket.
What is the most important thing an outfit needs to give you?
I need to feel like I’m wearing the outfit, rather than the outfit wearing me. I still need to feel like
myself and the confidence I get from that.
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