Welcome to RENDEZ-VOUS - monthly inspiring chats with our celebrated global florists. The latest in our spotlight is Jade Rojas from Raven Hollow Child, New York City who wowed visitors to our NYC shows with her beautiful creations.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER YOUR LOVE FOR FLOWERS?
I’ve always been dazzled by nature. Walking to school as a little girl I would stop and cheer on the tulips, daffodils and crocus that bloomed in the snow in late winter.
IF YOU WERE A FLOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
A blush colored scented english garden rose. There’s nothing like the scent of a rose in the soft breeze. Garden Roses are hearty, beautiful, and can create shrubs that bloom for generations. Leaving behind a lasting beautiful legacy, kind of like the legacy I’d like to leave as well.
WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL ARRANGEMENT YOU HAVE CREATED?
The most meaningful arrangements are always the ones that celebrate a life. It is an honor and privilege to create customized floral arrangements that bring beauty and comfort to those grieving the loss of a loved one.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP FLORAL TIP FOR VISITORS TO FLEURS DE VILLES SHOWS?
My top floral tip is to enjoy all types of flowers throughout the seasons. Make yourself a monochromatic bouquet of yellow parrot tulips in the spring, enjoy a mixed arrangement with blue hydrangeas in the summer, pumpkin colored mums in the fall and gorgeous red amaryllis in the winter with sprinkles of pine. Treat yourself to all the colors and textures that each season has to offer.
WHO INSPIRES YOU FROM THE WORLDS OF ART, FASHION, ENTERTAINMENT OR DESIGN?
Sustainability is at the forefront of what inspires me as an artist. How designers and artists of all disciplines and industries can embrace more sustainability in their artform. Nature offers so many examples and clues. Ultimately our natural world is what inspires us all.
HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE FLOWERS INTO YOUR PERSONAL STYLE – FASHION AND/OR HOME?
I have flowers in every room of my home. Mini purple phalaenopsis orchids in the shower window alcove with my collection of jumbo sea sponges, massive hot pink David Austin garden roses in the living and dining rooms, and black Rothschilds calla lilies in the master bedroom.
WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF THE PERFECT FLOWER ARRANGEMENT TO RECEIVE?
A mix of late summer blooms, hand cut straight out of the garden.
IS THERE AN OUTSTANDING FLOWER THAT HAS PLAYED A ROLE IN A KEY MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE?
The Black Calla has helped put my design sensibility on the map for my clients. A monochromatic arrangement of black callas is astoundingly mesmerizing.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE YOU SEE PEOPLE MAKING WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING FLOWERS?
Shunning certain flowers by thinking they’re a cheap, lower grade option. All flowers are beautiful in their own way. It is up to us as designers to find a place for that beauty.
WHAT IS THE MOST UNDERRATED FLOWER IN YOUR OPINION?
Mums as they come in so many lovely shapes and colors.
CARNATIONS. YES OR NO?
Absolutely YES - they come in all colors now and are quite versatile. They add lovely texture and bright punches of color to any arrangement or installation.
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