How did you get started in the world of floral design?
Well, I started because my mother is a florist. She’s 83 now. From a young age, she specialized in bridal bouquets. But it was informal; I worked from home. When I got married, I was working in fashion when my mother asked me to join her. 26 years ago, I started working alongside my mother, and here we are now… My first arrangement was for a neighbor’s house. It was a ceramic vase of sunflowers. I remember being nervous and my mother telling me, “Just do it, it’s fine.”
Are there specific themes, colors, or elements that you find yourself repeatedly drawn to in your work?
I’m always trying to find unusual elements for my arrangements. I try to give it a personal touch, a signature, whether it’s a dried leaf or a vegetable… Something that shouldn’t be there.
“I want them to feel a sense of romance, that they are experiencing something extremely poetic.”
Who or what are your main sources of inspiration in the world of floral design?
So many florists. Azuma Makoto, Putnam Flowers, Ariella Chezar, WagnerJk, The Muse of Flowers…
Are there other artists or designers, not necessarily in the floral industry, who inspire your work?
I’m very inspired by the paintings of the Dutch Masters. I went to Amsterdam to see the museums and it really inspired me. I’m also inspired by Vik Munik, a Brazilian artist I really like. Any form of art is inspiring. I love architecture and traveling.
What has been the most significant learning experience in your career as a floral designer?
I don’t know if I can pinpoint one thing. I think I learned a lot from doing events; you have to be on top of a lot of things, like logistics and irrigation techniques. You learn to keep everything under control.
Could you highlight one of your favorite floral design projects and what made it special for you? What was your last project?
The last project I did is the best for me. It was a big farm wedding near São Paulo, Brazil, this year. I had to deal with a lot of adverse weather conditions. It was very hot and rainy at the same time, but in the end, I managed to overcome it and use sustainable techniques. I’m really proud of the result.
Is there any event or client that stands out in your memory as particularly rewarding?
I have a client in São Paulo who is my best client. She loves flowers and art. And she loves having my arrangements in her home. She sees it as a way to enrich her life.
Are there any emerging trends or innovative techniques that you find particularly exciting?
Being 100% sustainable when you’re just starting out as a florist is difficult. The first thing you need to do is stop using floral foam. I find it very important to find new, sustainable ways for floral design.
What specific sustainable practices do you incorporate into your daily work as a floral designer?
First of all, we don’t use floral foam. We use chicken wire. And we limit our use of plastic. Even when we deliver our arrangements, we use wrapping paper.
When people experience your floral designs, what message or emotion do you hope they take away?
I want them to feel a sense of romance, that they are experiencing something extremely poetic.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY FACIBENI PHOTOGRAPHY
