Laura Dowling, Intérieurs et Fleurs
Laura Dowling parlayed her love of all things French and an almost obsessive passion for flowers into her dream job: she’s the principal florist and creative mastermind behind Intérieurs et Fleurs in Alexandria, Virginia. Known across the U.S. for her expertise in the French style of floral design, Laura’s devoted followers find daily inspiration in her exquisitely crafted designs. Her work has appeared in magazines, television and style blogs all over the States, and so I was understandably thrilled when she agreed to be interviewed for tête-à-tête. In this first part of a 2-part series, Laura talks about the differences between French, Parisian and American styles of floral design:
parisian party: Define the “French Style” of floral design. How does it differ from a traditional American style?
laura dowling
laura dowling: If you were to boil the French bouquet down to its essential elements, I would say that there are 3 key points: 1) the idea that there is usually an overarching concept or theme to the bouquet – a strong point-of-view that defines every element of the bouquet from container to flowers to the finishing touches, 2) a structured round shape – the classic bouquet rond , and 3) special, intricate and couture-style techniques that focus on creativity and innovation. Although the French approach starts with a general concept and distinctive point of view (based on a seasonal idea, a color, a particular flower, a place, etc.), it is important to improvise as the bouquet develops and takes shape. In the French style, there is a great premium placed on creativity and originality in design.
Once you have selected the overarching theme for your bouquet, the next step is to choose a color scheme that carries out your creative vision. The French approach typically involves working in a sophisticated, monochromatic color palette. By using flowers in a tight color scheme, you create a sense of drama and impact in the design. In addition to choosing a chic color combination, it’s important to incorporate a broad range of materials – an entire landscape, if you will – into the French bouquet. The secret of the French style is that it blends refined artistry with a respect and reverence for nature which makes the bouquet both beautiful and natural. It is this combination of wild chaos and strong artistic vision that I find so compelling in the French style.
In my view, the American style is much more diffuse – there is not just one identifiable style. Some U.S. designers favor sleek, contemporary designs while others might specialize in an English garden style look. Another difference is that because we tend to be a bit more practical and pragmatic (as opposed to romantic) in our view of flowers, we’re not as connected to the poetry and emotion of l’art du bouquet. By bringing a greater sense of passion and joie de vivre into our work, it’s possible to create and enjoy flowers as essential embellishments to everyday life a la francaise. This is a great takeaway lesson we can learn from the French approach.
laura dowing
pp: Is there such a thing as a “Parisian” style, and if yes - how does it differ from a more champêtre or French country style?
ld: Oui! There is definitely a Parisian floral style. It is a very sophisticated approach to flowers that spans a broad range of styles — from the lush, garden-style bouquet with tumbling vines to the rustic-style French market bouquet made of fruits and vegetables to haute couture arrangements based on the latest colors and trends from the Parisian fashion runways.
On the other hand, the French “champetre” or country style of flowers focuses on simplicité in design – a single country flower (zinnias, garden roses, daisies, etc.) arranged simply in a rustic vase. A bouquet champetre can also be a bouquet of meadow wildflowers mixed with grasses and herbs. There is a romantic charm to this style of bouquet that is very appealing. Both the Parisian and champetre styles are very beautiful – and very French!
pp: America has always looked to Paris for fashion inspiration - do you think that the same can be said for floral design?
Although those of us who live in or travel to Paris marvel at the flowers – it’s one of the most striking elements that make up the ambiance of the city, the French approach to flower arranging is still not so well known in the U.S. I think it’s because the techniques and philosophy of the French style are very specialized and have – until just a short time ago — only been taught to young French students in technical training schools. Now that top Parisian florists are teaching the art of French flower arranging to students from all over the world, there are more and more of us who have studied these special techniques and can serve as ambassadors for promoting the French approach. Through L’Ecole des Fleurs and other programs, I think that there is great potential for making the l’art du bouquet more accessible to appreciative audiences worldwide.
Next time, Laura will tell us what’s hot…and NOT in Paris floral trends, as well as share some tips on adding a touch of French Flair to your own wedding bouquets and decorations.
laura dowling, intérieurs et fleurs
laura dowling, intérieurs et fleurs
