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wedding floral trends from paris with laura dowling

September 14, 2009

Last week, French floral expert Laura Dowling told us about the differences between American and French flower design styles. Today, she fills us in on what’s hot- and not, in the world of French fleur couture. She also shares some insider tips on how you can incorporate a French look into your overall wedding décor:

laura dowling

parisian party: What are some of the hottest French bouquet and centerpiece trends right now?

laura dowling: The trends that I find the most compelling are the ones that reference a natural garden-style – wild and natural arrangements with a strong artistic vision: 1) The rustique style emphasizes a rich mix of textures and a muted, monochromatic color scheme. It features woodsy elements such as twigs, moss, pods, and grasses in shades of cream, green and brown for a sophisticated and pastoral look. 2) The nostalgique style celebrates a classic, timeless lookfeaturing abundant masses of garden flowers such as snapdragons, roses and hydrangea arranged in classic urns. Color schemes are retro-inspired – peach and green, pale yellow and cornflower blue, amber and red – are set off with either vintage containers or stems and vases decorated with natural elements. 3) The simplicite approach features a pared down aesthetic, relying more on clean geometric forms and monochromatic color schemes than a use of complicated technique. 4) Finally, the haute couture style focuses on the latest colors and trends from the Parisian fashion runways: bright fuchsia or purple paired with black, deep plum and chartreuse, shimmering gold and brown, and the bold use of vivacious hues and patterns that evoke baroque and byzantine influences.

laura dowling

My favorite trends right now in bouquets and centerpieces carry out this natural, organic theme in flowers, containers, and accessories – vine and leaf-wrapped vases, the use of seasonal garden flowers arranged in flowing romantic lines, and the incorporation of charming finishing touches such as butterfly orchids floating in and around the arrangement. For a bolder, more contemporary look I like groupings of lush flowers with a contrasting touch – for example, hot pink hydrangea with a tuft of deep black calla lilies arranged fashionably to one side.

pp: What (if anything) would you put on your “not” list- are there any floral trends (French or otherwise) that you think should be laid to rest for a while?

ld: Flowers are so personal and taste is obviously very subjective. I would say that if you have a strong vision for your flowers you should follow that vision no matter what the current trend or fashion dictates. Personally speaking, there are some trends from which I tend to stay away. For example, I’m not fond of big floral balls – devoid of stems and foliage – placed on top of tall cylinder vases, which I think is a dated an unnatural look. I would also forego the trend of submerging flowers under water for the same reason. In my view, it’s essential to maintain the underlying connection with nature that is inherent in the idea of working with organic materials – using artistry and technique to enhance the presentation of the flowers rather than detract from it. To carry out this kind of natural style, organic containers are an effective tool as is using a variety of greens in designs. Most importantly, flowers should be

laura dowling

arranged as if they’re growing in the garden or in the meadow rather than in a stiff, formulaic composition.

pp: Can you list a few ways that a bride can bring a French touch to her French- or Parisian-inspired wedding décor?

ld: The key to getting a French look for weddings is to incorporate beautiful touches – French-embroidered linens tied with narrow ribbons; Parisian or French motifs from kitsch — Eiffel towers and poodles — to sophisticated – opulent Versaille style, toile de jouy fabric, etc.; vintage silver pieces (e.g., ice buckets, compotes, silverware, etc.); for centerpieces: mirrored cubes with garden roses and trailing ivy for a chic Parisian look or lavender, wheat and sunflowers for a more rustic Provencal style. In addition, I think that the French approach always features ethereal and whimsical touches (e.g., fairy wings, butterflies, ribbon streamers – charming accents that will add that special je ne sais quoi). The most important idea for achieving a French touch in décor is to create a warm and welcoming ambiance for your guests that will set the tone for a spectacular affair, whether petite or grande in scale. This is the secret of the French style.

laura dowling

pp: Who is your Parisian style icon- (man or woman/past or present/fictional or non-fictional), and why?

ld: There are many sources of inspiration for French fleur couture – historical styles, haute couture fashion trends, and of course, nature – all of these

things inspire me and create the chic soignée of French flower design. For me, the most interesting influence on contemporary French flower design is the role of the French fashion industry – the haute couture designers – on providing color and style trends that fleuristes translate into bouquet designs. Of course, Coco Chanel is an important style icon for capturing a haute couture style that translates into elegant and timeless bouquets of green and white flowers — phaleonopsis orchids, peonies, gardenias and white garden roses. Christian Lacroix inspires me with his bold and unusual color choices and even his intriguing line of fragrances. The scents conjure up images of tropical gardens and magical, faraway places that contribute to my creative vision.

In all of my work, I am inspired by Christian Tortu, the legendary Parisian florist who was the founding artistic director of L’Ecole des Fleurs. In his books and classes, he conveys a strong philosophy about French flower design. He believes that there is no real hierarchy in flowers – that the humble grasses and woodland pods are as important as the exotic blooms, and that you need an entire landscape of materials in bouquets to evoke poetic results. Throughout his career, he collaborated with the great French fashion designers, noting that the dialogue between the fashion and flower worlds creates incredible synergy and innovation in design. Tortu’s approach, his philosophy, his generosity of spirit — have all inspired me in my pursuit of my own style in the French manner.

Laura Dowling is herself an inspiration to not only the followers of floral arts, but also to Francophiles and lovers of French style and design across the country. In addition to her boutique, Intérieurs et Fleurs in Alexandria Virginia, she also presents lectures and workshops on the art of French flower design. For a more frequent dose of her flawless floral creations, be sure to bookmark her blog, L’Art du Bouquet.

Mille mercis, Laura, and à bientôt!

laura dowling flowers

laura_dowling

all photos © protected, courtesy of kevin allen photograph, kate headley, and katie stoops

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tête-à-tête with french style floral expert laura dowling

September 9, 2009

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

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tête-à-tête with Paris couturier Reinaldo Alvarez

August 11, 2009

photo: Olivier Lalin

When I decided to start this new tête-à-tête feature, I knew that the first person that I wanted to interview would be couturier Reinaldo Alvarez. I fell in love with Reinaldo at the very first Paris Salon de Mariage that I went to at the Carrousel du Louvre almost 8 years ago. Amidst all of the fluff, feathers and girlie frou-frou that many of the French bridal designers were catering to at the time, here was a collection that was chic, sophisticated and elegant- clearly designed for a woman. I had an opportunity to meet him not too long after that first show, and was completely smitten with his sense of humor and Latin charm. I’ve been stalking him ever since…

Reinaldo Alvarez was born in Bayamon Puerto Rico. He studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design and FIT in New York, and worked extensively on 7th Avenue (including designing accessories for Oscar de la Renta) before taking the leap and moving to Paris. He opened his atelier in the Marais nearly 10 years ago, and a second showroom off the Rue Rivoli several years later. We met in his atelier, which, like his designs, is chic, sleek and devoid of any unnecessary fussiness. After a quick coffee and a bit of “off-the-record” gossip, we got down to the business at hand:

parisian party: Describe the Reinaldo Alvarez style.

reinaldo alvarez: A client once defined my dresses as “the definitive fusion between elegance and simplicity”, and I think that’s true. I like to say that my designs are Timeless. For me, it’s important that a bride doesn’t look at her wedding photos in 20 years, and think that she looks “outdated”.

pp: Who do you design for?

ra: The Reinaldo Alvarez client is the BCBG Parisienne who is “allergique” to lace, rhinestones, beads, tulle and feathers. She wants a beautiful dress in a beautiful fabric that is simple as possible.

pp: So what fabrics do you work in?

ra: I love working in Silk Dupion, Silk Gazar, Organza jacquard… Elegant fabrics that are easy to sculpt.

pp: In addition to your wedding gowns, you also have a strong collection of cocktail and evening wear… reinaldo-alvarez-cocktail

ra: It’s a very contemporary collection, comprised of elegant and practical pieces that go from day to night with a simple change of accessories. It has unique textures and embroidery as decoration. Skirts, pants and jackets are combined with very large, very modern silhouettes. These are simple, elegant looks for cocktail, Mother of The Bride or even Civil wedding ceremonies.

pp: …I think that a lot of them could even work for bridesmaid dresses…

ra: Yes, for the British or American brides for their témoins.

pp: What is the process for ordering a Reinaldo Alvarez piece?

ra: Our dresses are made to order, and typically take 3 fittings. We work with a client to give her the dress she wants- if she wants this style, in this fabric, with this length… She can change whatever she likes.

pp: And how long does it take to receive the final piece.

ra: From start to finish, around 6 or 7 months.

pp: Finally, who is your Parisian style icon- who do you think defines the Parisian woman?

ra: That’s simple- For me, it’s Anna Mouglalis. No explanation needed!

At the forefront of couture wedding design for some time now in Paris, Reinaldo Alvarez is being sought after more and more by stylish American brides who are searching for a uniquely Parisian look for their wedding day. Appointments at his atelier at 9, rue Jarente, 75004, can be made by phoning +33 1 42 77 66 51, or by visiting his website at www.reinaldo-alvarez.com

Reinaldo Alvarez