Couture Flowers Magazine

WEDDINGS MOMENTS OF BEAUTY IN NEW ORLEANS AN INSPIRED WEDDING ART THE MAGICAL UNIVERSE OF FRENCH DESIGNER AND ARTIST NATHALIE LÉTÉ

WELCOME LETTER

COUTURE FLOWERS DIGITAL

W

WE’RE GOING GREEN!

elcome to the inaugural issue of Couture Flowers Digital! We are thrilled to have you join us. Our dedication is, as it always has been, to the natural world of flowers, so we’ve decided it’s only appropriate that we go green ourselves. My heartfelt thanks go out to our amazing team for making this transition happen. Not only are we increasing our frequency we’re also curating the latest up-to-date happenings in the world of floral couture and lifestyle for those of you who need to be in the know; you can check it out on Instagram @ flowerforthepeople. Stay tuned, too, for our own Couture Flowers branded line of floral products, which we’re launching soon.

So, what’s new this month? We have some exquisite design eye candy in store for you. You’ll sigh over Dragana Mihajlovic’s sophisticated take on bridal. Her dresses marry wedding wear to an urban sensibility - perfect for the Rhianna in us all. Lucy Hunter’s gorgeous floral designs capture transient moments from the natural world, re-working them into breathtaking pieces of sublime artistry.

This month, too, we interview top Los Angeles designer Lucie Ayres of 22 Interiors who creates one-of-a-kind rooms that transform the way her clients feel and live. Also check out Manhattan based, celebrity designer Vanessa Deleon’s Room with a New York View and her unique vision for luxury living across the Hudson River.

Are you a mosser? If so, a visit to Twig Terrariums is a must. Unobtrusively housed in a studio in the Ditmas Park area of Brooklyn, Twig turns the spotlight on terrariums. You can learn how to make one – and you’ll find out all about the fascinating world of humble moss, which comes in more than 12,500 varieties. Who knew?

Rounding out our box of editorial goodies we have an inspired wedding in New Orleans and a glimpse into the colorful, fantastical world of French designer and artist, Nathalie Lété.

As always, we would love to hear from you. You can contact me at ruth@coutureflowersmagazine.com

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1 Welcome Letter 2 TOC WEDDINGS

STAFF • Rosa Berland Art and Design Editorial • Alexandra Bromson Director

6 Moments of Beauty in New OrleansAn Inspired Wedding INTERIOR DESIGN

• Brian Bunsen Digital Publisher and Advertising

8 Interview with LA Designer Lucie Ayres - 22 Interiors

• Greg Concha Design

12 Going Green with Wallpaper

• Amanda Dunn Content Curator • Ruth Loiseau Director and Owner

14 Vanessa DeLeon’s Room with A ViewThe Gold Coast of New Jersey

• Bruce Valicenti Interior Design

FLORAL DESIGN

Cover: Model Charlotte Atkinson Photographer Derren Brown Mua Christelle Gbeudjeli Model André Atangana Photographer Francois Rousseau CYRILL TRONCHET Florist - London Facebook Cyrill Tronchet Florist Instagram @cyrillflorist__

18 The Flower Hunter -UK Floral Design with Lucy Hunter FASHION 24 The New Mix and Match Couture of Serbian Fashion Designer Dragana Mihajlovic ART 32 The Magical Universe of French Designer and Artist Nathalie Lété BOTANiCAL 38 Twig Terrariums - A Tiny World of Botanical Delights INNOVATORS

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40 Flowers for Dreams -Creativity and A Charitable Mission

COLOR ME FLORAL On sale March 6, 2018. Available wherever books are sold.

WEDDDINGS

Designer: Olivia Djibo of Souris Rose Photography: Catherine Guidry Floral Design: Cece Designs Wholesale Flowers: Hilverda De Boerr Beauty: Faces of Virtue LLC Makeup Studio Bridal Gown: Lottie Luxe by Heidi Elnora Cake Design: Gambino’s Bakery Model: Kaleigh Vaughn Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations Menus: Papered Wonders, Inc. Silk Ribbon: A Ribbon’s Nest Specialty Linens: Decor to Adore Production: Weddings by LuLu Furniture & Table Top Rentals: Event Rentals Venue: The Monastery Event: Inspire Design Workshop

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MOMENTS BEAUTY OF

IN NEW ORLEANS – AN INSPIRED WEDDING B Y O L I V I A D J I B O O F S O U R I S R O S E • P H O T O G R A P H Y : C AT H E R I N E G U I D R Y FLORAL DESIGN: CECE DESIGNS

The design for the styled shoot was entirely inspired by the venue. The Monastery is not only a historic venue in New Orleans, it is also a sacred place. Imagine arriving to witness the perfect balance of splendid architecture and rich details within the beautiful windows, ancient stone walls and hidden courtyards.

Today there are many nuns still worshipping within the compound, a tradition kept alive since in 1812. In keeping with this spirit, we wanted to come up with a design aesthetic that would honor the holiness of the site surrounding us. The theme for an old elegant world meets pure innocent love was an instant choice for this wedding inspiration.

We achieved this by using all white décor, soft accessories with burgundy and grey accents. The invitation suite was minimalist

and classic reflecting the desire for a simple yet elegant event.

The blooms within the bouquet and center pieces included Roses, Lisianthus, Lilac, seeded Eucalyptus and Clematis.

The A-line wedding gown featured exquisite and meticulous details within a full beaded bodice of pearls, rhinestones, and opals with a soft organza skirt The bride was the center of the story line. Her natural facial expressions captured the youth and innocence we sought and so a beautiful story unfolds as she smiled away during most of the photo shoot, her happiness shining through.

This style shoot turned out to be everything we had hoped for and every part of the monastery was a designer’s dream.

Now we can only hope it will be a great inspiration for brides and designers.

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INTERIOR DESIGN

LUCIE AYRES, PRINCIPAL OF 22 INTERIORS, was born in Prague, raised in New York and studied Design and Environmental Analysis at Cornell University. She is the daughter of a carpenter and a residential real estate developer and thus has been around home renovations most of her life. She has a passion for creating rooms that transform the way clients feel and live.

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INTERVIEW WITH LUCIE OF

22 INTERIORS P H OTO G R A P H Y BY A M Y B A R T L A M

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“ My design philosophy is that rooms should evoke emotion and what that emotion needs to be differs completely based on the client, the architecture, the purpose of the room. ” 1. What can you tell us about this Los Angeles Spanish Revival Bungalow design project?

Our job was to take this lovely 1930s Spanish Revival and create a comfortable and elegant home for our newlywed couple clients. The bones and structural details of a Spanish Revival are inherently wonderful. This home has the classic archways and coved ceilings as well as stained glass window details-all original details that are rare in many Los Angeles houses.

2. Was there an inspiration for the project?

Our clients and the homes they choose are always our inspiration. They have modern sensibilities and are well traveled, so we wanted to make sure their home reflected that.

3. How did you arrive at the color palette?

Most of the palette is muted but we popped in a few colors that we found best worked for the space.

4. What is your design philosophy?

My design philosophy is that rooms should evoke emotion and what that emotion needs to be differs completely based on the client, the architecture, the purpose of the room.

5. Realizing that each of your design projects is uniquely different, how do you approach them?

We look for that one detail that drives the project. Whether it’s a color, a piece of art, or a hobby the client has, that’s where we start.

6 What inspires you as a designer?

Inspiration for me comes from everywhere, but I love big coffee table books on art, architecture, people, gardens, and of course homes.

Learn more: https://www.22interiors.com

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INTERIOR

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THE GOLD COAST OF NEW JERSEY ROOM WITH A VIEW A L U X U R I O U S D E S I G N C O N C E P T B Y VA N E S S A D E L E O N A S S O C I AT E S I N T E R I O R P H O T O G R A P H Y, F R A N C I S C O C O M P A N I O N I • P O R T R A I T O F VA N E S S A , S T E V E N LY O N Leading New York City interior designer Vanessa Deleon is well known for her creative approach, stunning curated spaces and a luxurious design sensibility. In addition to highlights of her work in numerous design and décor coffee table books, Vanessa is a television personality appearing in Terry Crews Saves Christmas, Restaurant Impossible, American Dream Builders, HGTV and Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing to name a few amazing programs.

As well, she is a contributing designer for Open House NYC, and stars in Pix 11’s “Vanessa to the Rescue.” Vanessa is also the recipient of the Latina Trail Blazer Award, the Illustrious Award and the Gold Coast Leadership Award, and was named Brand Ambassador at ASID. It is with great pleasure that we present this gorgeous Gold Coast home and our exclusive interview with Vanessa.

Please fill us in on this inspiration behind this special project.

The spectacular view of New York City was the inspiration. This space was a show-house, several designers from the Gold Coast area were assigned a unit. I was selected to design the townhouse featuring a living room, den, kitchen and two bedrooms.

Why did you decide to become a design professional?

I grew up in the furniture business, working at my grandfather’s furniture store and I designed the showroom. Customer inquiries

about the designer meant referrals became a constant, which led to branching out on my own and setting-up my design firm.

How do you feel that color impacts space and what palettes do you like to work with?

Color me happy! First, I like to get a feel for what my client’s favorite colors are and often primary colors are favorites, which makes sense since these are the first colors introduced at an early age.

Studies show that color affects mood and it’s interesting to note too that different cultures perceive color differently. So, when I work with hues and color I also try to understand what others see as well. My palette is truly a massive rainbow of hues.

What is your design philosophy?

My triple-D motto: Drive, Discipline, and Dedication. It’s a great recipe to follow in this business.

How do you feel about sustainable design options?

It’s not an option, but a reality and lately I’m incorporating more sustainable design into my work, especially in the restaurant and commercial venues.

Learn more about Vanessa’s unique style and design innovation at http://vanessadeleon.com

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INTERIOR DESIGN

Thibaut Grasses Green

GOING GREEN WITH B Y B R U C E VA L I C E N T I •

WALLPAPER

IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGN SOURCE CT AND THIBAUT INC

Thibaut Hakka Grass

Thibaut Endless Knot

Sustainability in our environment is so important and the wonderful world of interior design has lots to offer in the area of green wallpaper. Contemporary green wallpaper uses recycled paper, water-based inks, contains no pvc (vinyl) and low or no vocs (volatile organic compound common in paints, wallpapers, adhesives, etc.) Eliminating these chemicals creates a healthier indoor environment.

While this green material has been used since approx. the 1950’s there were at first very limited color options. Excitingly, with technology aiding in design and the ability to blend fibers, grass cloth is now available in many ranges of texture, color and prints. A wonderful source is Thibaut’s Grasscloth Resource including amazing sea grass, grasses, basket weaves, and a timeless damask printed on grass cloth.

As well, many of the new choices also allow you to bring the feel of the natural world into your space. When we take natural elements like grass cloth (yes, made from grass!) raffia and sisal to name a few, their inherent texture and warmth add something truly beautiful to interior design. The tactile appeal of these fibers creates interest, aids in acoustics, and adds an element of relaxation to any space. These materials possess a range of texture that you cannot achieve with just regular paint.

These fibers are often combined with cotton which acts almost like a binding agent making grass cloth one of the most sustainable options for walls. We can expect to see seams in these applications because the fibers are natural and patterns are more random and this element just adds to the natural beauty of the product.

Because of durability and the wide range of colors vinyl wallpapers were a go-to among design professionals in the 1980’s-1990’s. However, today in most industries sustainable practices are now better understood and classic grass cloth has once again become a go to.

Created from natural materials and recycled paper the product is more durable and so a higher quality option is available for a lesser expense. This eco-friendly option requires no trees because it’s made from recycled paper and does not contribute to deforestation and also reduce waste! When you are renovating and deciding on finishes, it’s easy to keep the environment in mind and you don’t have to compromise on style.

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FLORAL DESIGN

HUNTER THE FLOWER

F LO R A L D E S I G N BY LU CY H U N T E R

LUCY HUNTER’S aesthetic is characterized by a timeless look paired with a certain essence of stillness and perfection of composition. The classicism present in all her designs also has a creative exuberance, allowing the unfettered beauty of flowers to fill the space with a mood of an untamed gloriousness.

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FLORAL DESIGN

The landscape and floral designer works in a large studio full of light looking out into her garden year-round. Lucy fills this inspiring artistic space with found pieces collected from all over to inspire, shells, seeds, a nineteenth century cast iron urn, a single rose, even bruised fruit.

Tell us about your sources for inspiration?

I am constantly inspired by the landscape and those fleeting, transient moments of natural artistry and beauty that appear within it. As a child (and still as an adult) I would collect shells, fallen leaves, stones and fossils. I liked to press flowers and spend as much time outside as I could in wide open spaces or huge ancient woodlands. I am also quite intrigued by antique objects that have a quiet integrity in their often-humble beginnings, such as a beautiful wood carving or faded fabric with just a trace of once aspirational grandeur. Another example is an imperfect wall or abandoned Chateau that speaks of a gilded past and has at the same time beautiful graceful proportions. I am inspired by the beauty of the unassuming.

If you were to describe your design process from inception, sources and process what might you say?

I obviously listen and respond accordingly to the client brief, whether it is designing a new garden within a 28-acre landscape, or a temporary floral installation for a wedding or event or styling a photoshoot. I work for clients who understand and share my visual aesthetic so I am usually lucky enough to have free reign to carefully consider the ‘sense of place.’

Learn more about Lucy’s beautiful aesthetic and designs at https:// www.theflowerhunter.co.uk

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I am constantly inspired by the landscape and those fleeting, transient moments of natural artistry and beauty that appear within it.

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FASHION

THE NEW MIX AND MATCH COUTURE OF SERBIAN FASHION DESIGNER

DRAGANAMIHAJLOVIC

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY M I N A Š A R E N AC

DRAGANA MIHAJLOVIC is an independent fashion designer whose classic yet cutting edge designs evoke the utmost of contemporary style with a luxurious sense of elegance. The designer notes that there two particular women who she imagines in her clothes Audrey Hepburn and Rhianna. It is just this juxtaposition of the ultra-feminine with the romantic and edgy that makes her designs stand out.

Dragana says: “I create bridal lines for urban women because I want to give alternative options to the traditional white gown. My one-piece dresses can be worn not only for weddings but also as ready-to-wear paired with different accessories to create different styles.”

These designs move past the special day and reflect contemporary fashion lovers’ interest in wearing creative independent labels every day, curating one’s own look. Indeed, creativity was always at the heart of Dragana’s life and her interest in fashion and sewing began at the very young age of six, she helped her mother sew and fold cuts, and by age 11 she was already tailoring and creating her own pieces. From this point and onwards Dragana’s process and inspiration always begins with a fabric. The designer is inspired particularly by hand made fabrics and often choses something quite simple, a one toned material such as satin, lace, Lycra, or tulle.

She explains that the fabrics serve as a basis for the design and she begins combining textiles, noting “I like clear shapes, simple lines and 3D handmade structures on my pieces. I love cutting and reshaping different materials- I usually make flowers and ruffles out of contrasting materials and like to create a variety of shapes.”

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FASHION

“ These designs move past

the special day and reflect contemporary fashion lovers interest in wearing creative independent labels every day, curating one’s own look. ”

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FASHION

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CFM: Tell us about the Mix & Match line?

Dragana: This concept emerged from the desire to provide future brides endless possibilities for the right wedding outfit. I had a vision of a different bride and this picture meant uniting ready to wear and bridal concept as one.

CFM: It’s such a contemporary idea. How does this work?

Dragana: With endless Mix & Match options, every bride can arrange her very own look for her wedding party or any ceremony, selecting a top and a skirt that will fit her perfectly with any accessories to put the whole look together on the wedding day. The pieces separately can be worn with any other clothing item: the tops can be worn on a classy celebration or a night out with pants and heels, and the skirts can be worn with a T-shirt/simple top and sneakers casually in everyday wear.

Learn more about Dragana’s beautiful designs at https://www.draganamihajlovic.com and @draganamihajlovic__

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THE

MAGICAL UNIVERSE OF THE FRENCH DESIGNER AND ARTIST NATHALIE LÉTÉ

BY ROSA JH BERLAND NATHALIE LÉTÉ is renowned for her imaginative compositions and lyrical sense of the natural world, the oeuvre artfully combining fantasy with color, form and mythological sensibility. In addition to her impressive body of paintings and decorated objects, Nathalie’s work has been featured in a number of high profile projects such as Gucci in 2018, as well as her plate series with Anthropologie, designs for Monoprix, and collaborations with Issey Miyake. In 2015, the artist was honored with a retrospective at the Musée La Piscine.

A dynamically inventive artist, Nathalie notes that she always found time to create even as a child she spent countless hours inventing stories and making objects. The artist’s fluidity in medium comes in part from her diverse area of studies including decorative arts, ceramics, fashion and lithography at the Beaux Arts Academy, Paris as well as her interest in creating narrative and worlds that seem to contain their own creatures, colors and botany. It was such a pleasure to interview Nathalie for the magazine.

ART

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Please tell us more about your story of art and life that formed your style and way of working?

When I was in my 20s and 30s I lived with my friend Mathias and we worked together as an artistic team, making painted cardboard stages and sculptures. As well, we made our own clothing, and were interested in the idea of creating an entire story based on one theme, showing our own world. After ten years we separated, and I had to find my own way when it came to making art. During this time, I married Thomas and one year later had our daughter Angele.

Step by step I began to draw more and was interested in depicting what was around me as I took care of my child. I painted for the most part her toys and eventually they became the heroes of my paintings, and slowly I introduced motifs of the natural world, flowers, animals and birds. All of these elements represented my feelings and views I had as a child as well. Over the course of the years, I met more and more people and I was commissioned to use my designs for new products such as clothing. I liked this kind of collaboration, using my art or the right to my images without selling the work itself. However, now I have so many art pieces I have become less attached to them.

Can you tell us about your artistic and design process?

I usually select a personal theme and work around this, beginning with some paintings such as acrylic on paper and or wood. This way I have a full bank of images based on one theme, and I present these groups to brands for potential project collaborations for special projects. When there is interest, I then play around with the different images and create compositions related to the size and shape according to the project.

Your pictures often portray botanical and natural if not imaginative mythic worlds.

Yes, favorite themes include nature, flowers, animals, birds as well as toys and the Eiffel tower.

Other themes over the last few years are motifs like owls, the forest, under the sea, the circus, Little Red Riding Hood, butchery, and even anatomy.

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“A house is like a playground for me, and I truly love artist homes where all the objects, furniture are often personal and handmade, and I do try to do this myself as well.�

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ART

If you had a dream project what might that be?

I would say a collaboration with an architect or decorator on some big project, like a hotel with a swimming pool, a restaurant and guest rooms. I would love to have my art used in public spaces, and to collaboratively build a poetic place !!

Please tell us about your plans for 2019?

When I have some extra time to I love to create for myself. A house is like a playground for me, and I truly love artist homes where all the objects, furniture are often personal and handmade, and I do try to do this myself as well. This year I bought a house along a river in a small countryside village south of Paris, next to Fontainebleau and so my next project is to work on it like a white canvas, I plan to fill it step by step, year after year, with my art and paintings. I would like to have the feeling at the end of my life to leave my world and spirit behind me in this house.

I have dreamt of this for a long time, particularly after visiting artist’s houses like Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant’s house in Charleston, UK and La Maison Picassiette, Chartres, France.

Learn more about the magical world of Nathalie Lété. https://www.nathalie-lete.com

BOTANICAL

TWIG TERRARIUMS A TINY WORLD OF BOTANICAL DELIGHTS “We want to spread plant love and knowledge and to empower folks to understand the language of plants, and to bring greenery into everyone’s lives. That’s our mission!”

Twig Terrariums is a neighborhood shop that reminds us of the way people used to share garden and crafting techniques, creative secrets, and loves. Located in Ditmas Park Brooklyn, the open studio and shop began with two friends Michelle Inciarrano and Katy Maslow. From do-it-yourself kits to a diverse selection of moss, plant, succulent and even air plant terrariums Twig Terrariums feature natural vignettes, sweet, and even naughty scenery.

The team loves to create wedding centerpieces including personal details by-finding out where the proposal took place, where the couple traveled to together, asking the question “How can we recreate your entire romance in miniature??

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Creativity rules this venture….this began when plant lover Michelle convinced Katy the poet to gather some mosses and repurpose a cruet jar from her kitchen cabinet. After much experimentation, they were able to find the correct moisture and nutrient levels to sustain a healthy moss terrarium. Katy critically examined the landscaped cruet, and said “it looks like a little garden. It needs little people.”

When they had accumulated nearly fifty pieces, the time was right to branch out and open a shop. Seeking inspiration for the perfect name they strolled through the beautiful Brooklyn greenery that is historic Prospect Park and came upon, yes a twig!

“We are born DIYers, and we love the craft of creation - no matter what project is in front of us, we take great joy in the act of making.

We’re inspired by the world around us, as well as the world within - our homes are extensions of nature, the place we go to recharge,

and the sanctity of our homes are made so much more special by the introduction of plant life. We consider ourselves to be biophiles - lovers of life and living - and that means our homes are filled with animals, plants, and tons of projects and new ideas!”

Michelle and Katy also adore working with people in their studio, sharing “We also love interacting with folks in the studio who come to us, ashamed and bereft at their plant-killing capabilities. We play “plant

matchmaker” and connect folks with plants that will do best in their space, in their lighting, and to fit their maintenance needs and schedule. Also, just interacting with folks on social media can be quite charming - the lush landscapes and miniature scenes really evoke a lot of joy in people!”

Learn more about this unique shop, tiny hand-crafted worlds and more @twigterrariums and http://www.twigterrariums.com

SOCIAL INNOVATORS

FLOWERS FOR

DREAMS

SIMPLICITY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND A COMMITMENT TO CHARITY DESCRIBE CHICAGO BASED FLORIST FLOWERS FOR DREAMS. Every bouquet created by Flowers for Dreams is uniquely designed, the stems hand selected from daily local flower markets. Packaged in recyclable and reusable materials like cloth, vintage tins, and reclaimed wood these modern bouquets are hand delivered by bicycle or are available for sale in the Flowers for Dreams trucks throughout the city.

How did this all begin? When Joseph and Steven were in college they began selling roses outside of a high school graduation ceremony. They used half of their profit to buy backpacks for a group of low income students they had met through a tutoring program.

More high schools invited the pair to sell their blooms at graduation ceremonies and within two months the team had donated 600 backpacks. This unique business continued to grow over the next few summers and they decided it was time to build a more equitable and sustainable business model of floral design while also continuing their commitment to charitable causes.

Students from the Gardeneers, a special organization that provides Chicago students in in food desert communities equal access to healthy foods and food education. Gardeneers was Flowers for Dreams’ charity of the month in August 2017 and the studio continues to receive deliveries from the organization’s south and west Chicago gardens.

Flowers for Dreams donates a percentage of each purchase to local charities, and every month they feature a local charity on their website to which they contribute of all profits. Since 2012, this unique company has contributed nearly $270,000 to Milwaukee and Chicago charities.

“We wanted to make flowers more

inspiring and accessible. In 2012, we launched our first website with a unique suite of organic bouquets, fair and honest prices, and a model where each purchase would benefit a local charity.”

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SOCIAL INNOVATORS

Floral: Staci Miller for Flowers for Dreams Design/Styling: Katherine Healy Brown for Clover Events Lindsay Andjelic for West Elm Chicago Emily Vaca for La Vaca Designhouse Photography: Belen Aquino for Gerber Scarpelli Learn more about this fascinating company, beautiful botanicals and charitable mission: https://www.flowersfordreams.com

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