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Oscar Nominated Actress Keira Knightley Wows in Flower Inspired Gown

Posted by Suzie Canale on Thu, Feb 26, 2015

The tables weren’t the only place flowers were inspired at this year’s 87th Oscar Night festivities! Infamous costume and wardrobe designers were also utilizing the gift of floral themed patterns, which even made their way to the red carpet.  Keira Knightley was one of the actresses who was not only praised for her performance in “Begin Again” that hit box offices over the summer but also wowed onlookers in her stunning gown that received quite a reaction.  Although Knightly was in attendance to support the film’s nomination for Best Song, the actress found an overwhelming standing ovation for her dress choice, which is quickly urging tailors to continue this trend.  Why was this frock so special?  Not only did the cut and shape accentuate and flatter Knightley’s very pregnant belly, but also perpetuated a softer, womanly style that many say Hollywood has been waiting to return to.  Too often, starlets shed their clothes for a sexy, sleek appearance instead of selecting designs that present the classic beauty that the silver screen began with. Here are the details of the ingenious creation by Valentino.

 keira_knightley                                                photo credit: NY Times

For starters, the dress couldn’t have been made in any more of a romantic color that was sewn with blush pink and peach silk toile.  Embroidered delicately up and down the front and back were stitched flowers of posies, a favorite of many flower lovers.  The stems were woven in forest and mint green while the heads and petals were designed in silver, red and pastel pink.  The pretty floral touches weren’t the only beautiful detail either.  Written in black script, French wording was also added, striking across the sheath and diagonally.  Flowing freely around the actress’s feet as she walked the red carpet, the simple yet stunning natural fall of the gown did wonders for Knightley’s glamorous entrance.  Originally the pattern had been constructed to hide the upcoming birth of her first child with husband, James Righton.  The illusion was successful although photographs shooting the side of the 29-year-old brunette gave her condition away. 

 1424660908_keira-knightly-flashes-baby-bump-at-oscars-2015-4                                              photo credit: www.ok.co.uk

If the dress isn’t enough to impress you, how about the floral crown that Knightley brilliantly accessorized with?  Setting perfectly on her head of long brown locks, the headband encircled her hairstyle, which was also gentle in appearance being only primped with soft spiral curls that hung past her shoulders.  The band of buds matched the petals that were featured on her dress and accentuated the natural beauty that Keira Knightly has impressed the movie world with.  The actress has ignited a huge flower fad in the fashion world and has also successfully shown Hollywood that her classic face, image and wardrobe choice is still the glamorous way to go!

Suzie Canale, Westwood, MA

Tags: Academy Awards, the Oscars, Hollywood Florist, #EXFL, Fashion

2015 Flowers at The Oscars Parties

Posted by Suzie Canale on Tue, Feb 24, 2015

Once again, Oscar night managed to dazzle millions as we all tuned in to watch our favorite stars receive their awards of recognition.  An evening filled with fabulous costumes, glamorous hairstyles and exquisite décor, this beloved movie tradition has maintained its reputation of being one of the most anticipated events of the year.  One of the reasons is because of the sheer creativity that goes into planning the party including the jobs of the sound technicians, lighting experts and most importantly, the floral experts.  Once again, Mark’s Gardens of Sherman Oaks, California, managed to steal the post celebration party scene for flowers incorporating spectacular pieces throughout the location inspiring new styles that left many in awe.  Diverging from last year’s presentation of mixed bouquets, the clever florist decided to add a chic and bold theme to the 78th annual Oscar festivities. 

 oscars_flowers_2

                                photo credit: Mark's Garden Facebook Page

The vases that were made for the guest’s dining tables were truly a site to behold due to their electric color and soothing shape.  Utilizing orchids, roses and ranunculus, the team manifested both high and low mounds of single variety blossoms in a rounded design.  The color scheme was both attractive and sophisticated ranging from vibrant red and yellow to electric green and pink.  The mix and -match combinations worked well in the dimly lit room and added a pop of drama that complicated the linens, wall color and wardrobes of the actors.  Retro lighting goblets with raised emblems that were tucked in between the arrangements also completed the look by casting a glowing light on the settings.  This old Hollywood style came off as a hit where the room also featured antique portraits of famous movie stars, reminding all in attendance of the honor to be present for such a treasured event. 

 oscars_flowers                                           photo credit: Mark's Garden Los Angeles, CA

Another fabulous floral creation that was erected was a bed of ruby red roses that served as a stage for the Oscar statue mounted outside of the Dolby Theater.  The breathtaking display greeted the red carpet parade and inspired others who waited outside anxiously.  The statue was flattered by the mess free design and benefited from the particular shade of the blooms.  Differing from the burgundy roses used within the table centerpieces, this variety reflected a perky pink, which was a perfect accessory for the high standing luminous gold Oscar as well as kicking off the celebrations with a magnificent bang.

 oscars_flowers_3

                                            photo credit: Mark's Garden, Los Angeles CA

This year, Mark’s Garden’s did not disappoint and held worth of the glamour and glitz Oscar night always promises to deliver.  We can’t wait to see what he creates next year! 

Suzie Canale, Westwood, MA

Suzie's favorite night for TV is Oscar night. Like some celebrate the Oscars, Suzie celebrates the Oscars.

Tags: Academy Awards, the Oscars, Celebrity Florist, Hollywood Florist

The Flowers at the 2015 Golden Globe Awards

Posted by Suzie Canale on Tue, Jan 13, 2015

 

On January 10th, movie and TV lovers crowded around their television sets with anticipation to see which of their favorite on screen stars would walk away with a golden globe.   The excitement of the speeches, the glamour of the gowns and the glitter of the sets make this event one of Hollywood’s most grandeur evenings.   Little do we know that in order to orchestrate such a massive undergoing, specialists from around the country must be recruited for their special expertise in lighting, staging, catering and of course, floral design!  But who is chosen and how are the styles and designs selected?  The stakes are high in the competition to snag this gig but this year’s winner went to Mark’s Garden Floral Design of Sherman Oaks, California.  This company has a long, standing history of appeasing the floral tastes of the rich and famous of Hollywood Hills including Charlize Theron, Michael Douglas and Kate Hudson so he was more than ready to tackle the enormity of designing the Golden Globe centerpieces.

 marks_garden

                               photo credit: Mark's Garden, Los Angeles CA

Every year is different and every ceremony has its own specific theme where vendors are asked to reflect within their work.  This time, there was a bright and colorful feel, focusing on the beginning shades of the spectrum of yellows and pinks. 

 

 golden_globe_flowers

                                   photo credit: Mark's Garden, LA, CA


Blooms consisted mainly of roses whose varieties all contained curled petals that gave off a wonderful, accentuated presentation.  Red, yellow, orange and green roses were placed in a ring - like formation forming a rounded mound of beauty.

I love this look but because the pieces are relatively low so that guests can still hobnob with one another without having to stretch their necks around designs that are too bulky and tall. 

 

 marks_garden_la

                            photo credit: Mark's Garden, Los Angeles, CA

Another lovely touch were a few delicate pink orchids protruding from the tight European design.  These flowers were a great choice because not only did they allow for an fuss- free presentation, they are also long lasting and tolerable for warm temperatures.  The Golden Globe function hall keeps the climate pretty steamy for the actresses who don less fabricated clothing designs so the flowers have to hold their resistance.

 Mark’s Garden and Floral Designs did a fantastic job, which was truly worthy of the glitz and glamour this event is built upon.  I can’t wait to see what next years presentation will be!

 selfieLance,Rick, Suzie and Ryan Canale Selfie, 2014

Suzie is a movie buff and celebrates Oscar night every year.

 

Tags: Academy Awards, Movies, Celebrity Florist, Hollywood Florist

Did You Know That Judy Garland Was a Florist ?

Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, Oct 07, 2014

judy-garland-flower-shop-3-1
I often write about pop culture. The subject fasciantes me and you can uncover some cool flower facts along the way. While I was researching my recent Starlets & Stargazers blog post, I came across an amazing fact, Actress Judy Garland was not only a florist but owned her own flower shop on Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles. The actress started this venture at fifteen years old. Her mother thought wanted to make sure that Judy had a trade to fall back on if acting did not work out. The profits from the flower shop[ were meant to put into a trust fund for Judy.
judy_garland_florist The venture was strictly business. After a day of filming the Wizard of Oz, Garland would come to the flower shop and put in one to two days work. 
A true art form of the era was to put out a huge dispaly of cut flowers outside. Some Boston florists still practice this floral merchandising today. shop_judy
bouts_garlands At the time, owners of flower shops would pin boutonieres on the gentlemen who wore them. Unfortunately, gentlemen no longer wear flowers during the day.
judy_florist Garland was clearly no slouch when it came to being a florist. Fortunately for Garland, her star shined and she became more successful as an actress than a florist.

Tags: Academy Awards, Celebrity Florist, Hollywood Florist

Hollywood Legends and Flowers - Starlets with Stargazers

Posted by Rick Canale on Thu, Sep 25, 2014

Jean Harlow Flowers Actress Jean Harlow shows that flowers in your dressing room are not only welcome but appreciated.

Recently screen legend, Sophia Loren turned eighty. With the social media blitz surrounding her birthday, I came across a number of photos of her with fresh flowers. I have always been a big fan of the actress and knew from her cook books that she loved flowers. For example, every Christmas, she looks forward to receving a white azalea topiary from her close friend. 

Sophia Loren with Flowers (This photo was taken at the Cannes Film Festival.)

In the midst of Loren's social media celebration, I stumbled across many screen legends surrounded by flowers. Hollywood knew then that flowers create a stunning photo opportunity. In the age of Instagram, we see stars like Holly Robinson Peete and Britney Spears  share striking photos of flowers they receive. Publicity and flowers go hand in hand.

Below are some of my favorite photos of screen legends that I discovered.

carole lombard flowers Carole Lombard in her dressing room is flanked by two vases of gladioli.

Audrey Hepburn Flower Design Audrey Hepburn showing off her skills at the flower design bench.

Vivien Leigh FLowers Vivien Leigh poses with her Oscar alongside a floral arrangement featuring birds of paradise and gerbera daisies. Editorial note, this floral arrangement was way ahead of its time.

Bogie and Bacall picking flowers Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall picking flowers.

Mae West FlowersMae West and roses. Ed. note, roses have come a long way in size and petal count.

Ginger Rogers flowers I can't help but wonder if Ginger Rogers is reading a card from dance partner Fred Astaire.

Marlene Dietrich flowers Marlene Dietrich caught strolling in Warsaw with a bundle of lilacs.

Elizabeth Taylor Flowers Elizabeth Taylor's love for flowers is well known. This earlier photo of her shows her knack for floral design.

stiller garbo travel resized 600 Greta Garbor is engulfed in flowers.

ingrid bergman flower casablanca resized 600 Ingrid Bergman looking like she has Rick Blaine on her mind.

bette davis arranging flowers resized 600 Bette Davis definitely has an idea of spacial organization.

Bardot flowers A rare photo of Brigitte Bardot with a typical floral design of the era.

Jayne Mansfield Flowers Jayne Mansfield picking flowers. Florists often grew their own flowers at that time. Note the greenhouse in the back. Most flower shops in the mid 20th century had their own greenhouses to grow flowers.

 Marilyn Monrose No collection of screen legends would be complete without Marilyn. She even adds grace to a simple carnation.

 

Tags: Academy Awards, Movies, Florist in the Movies, the Oscars, Celebrity Florist, Hollywood Florist

The Flowers at the 2014 Golden Globe Awards

Posted by Rick Canale on Mon, Jan 13, 2014

2014 GOLDEN GLOBE FLOWERS CBS resized 600photo credit cbsnews.com

When you fill a ballroom with star power like Amy Adams, Diane Keaton, Bono, Leonardo DiCaprio and Michael Douglas you must use flowers that honor the stars. My two favorite flowers were chosen for the table centerpieces at the 2014 Golden Globe Awards. An accent of cymbidium orchids lends its beauty to the show stopping bouquet of roses. Peach, yellow, and orange roses served as the centerpiece at the awards dinner. With all the black clothing and amber table setting this floral arrangement really popped off the table and illuminated the room.

SUSIE BACON GOLDEN GLOVBE EONLINE resized 600

phot credit: eonline.com

Miss Golden Girl 2014 is shown carrying a eye popping presentation bouquet of hydrangea and Movie Star roses. It is no coincidence that this LA florist uses the same lime green tissue paper that we use at Exotic Flowers in Boston to really make the flowers 'pop'.

Tags: Special Events Florist, Academy Awards, Movies, Event Florist, Celebrity Florist, Hollywood Florist

Hollywood Shows Love for Florists

Posted by Rick Canale on Sat, Feb 26, 2011

Flowers at the Oscars

Hollywood has always appreciated flora and fauna. From lavish Oscar Night parties to the dazzling floral displays along the red carpet. Hollywood's love affair with floral design has deep roots and even carries over to some top stars portraying florists on the big screen. As we approach the Academy Awards, the staff at Exotic Flowers in Boston has picked their top six florist movies of all time.

6. I Hate Valentine's Day - the title says it all. most florists do hate Valentine's Day. It is one of the only days of the year we have to turn away business; and turning away business in this economy is never good.

I hate valentines day movie florist

5. Valentine's Day - Ashton Kutcher adopts the role as florist. Surely a little more polished than the designers at most Boston flower shops.

Kutcher the florist

4. Love Happens with Jennifer Aniston - Unfortunately another less than stellar movie featuring a florist. But having a headliner like Aniston always helps keep the floral industry in the public eye. Aniston the florist

3. The Town - although Fergie the florist does not resemble any Charlestown florist I know, Fergie's florist appears the ideal front for the crime boss.

Fergie the florist

2. Bed of Roses with Christian Slater - one of the better movies featuring a florist. Christian Slater shows where florists bring their poinsettias on Christmas eve.

Slater the florist

1. Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo. Although a florist is not the star, legendary San Francisco florist Podesta Baldocchi features prominently in the 1958 thriller.

Vertigo florist

 

Tags: Academy Awards, Flowers in the Movies, the Oscars

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