I’m a big fan of flowers especially when art and flowers come together. For its third consecutive year, Fleurs de Villes comes to South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Fleurs de Villes meaning “flowers of the cities” is an amalgamation of different cities world-class talent, bespoke, flower lovers, and utterly stunning displays of art. The company produces luxury flower events around the world with 67 shows in four countries. It is my second time to attend this event and it will be a tradition. Founded by Tina Barkley who has a passion for event management and entrepreneurship and Karen Marshall a strategic thinker and a publishing industry veteran. Barkley and Marshall both bring flowers to the public and beautiful places like South Coast Plaza.
The media event took place on Wednesday, April 19th where hors d’oeuvres, champagne and mocktails were served during the opening. Debra Downing, Executive Director, Marketing at South Coast Plaza and founders of Fleurs de Villes Tina Barkley and Karen Marshall helped commence Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE.
During the opening, Downing acknowledged the floral designers who were a big part of the event. “I want to personally thank and recognize every floral designer here tonight and their respective teams because I know what it took to spend the money, the creativity, the labor, the blood, sweat, and tears to put each one of these together. They were here all night last night. And you have made us look beautiful and exceptional and we appreciate everything you’ve done for us. Thank you, floral designers.”
I asked Downing what makes Fleurs de Villes event special and will the event be on a regular basis?
“It is a huge hit, it is every time you do it. And I think that we will continue to do it for as long as people love it. It’s always a new theme. There’s always a new way to create it.”
David Navarro, the Senior Lead Floral Designer of CJ Matsumoto & Sons representing the Mexico Mannequin said it’s his third time participating in Fleurs de Villes. For this year he explained, “I feel like every year, it gets more challenging especially this year.” He also added, “I think it’s very important to share the art and challenge yourself.”
I also caught up with Tina Barkley and asked what makes SCP exceptional among other shopping spots. “This is our third event here and South Coast Plaza is such an incredibly important destination for us because it is the ultimate shopping destination. Everyone knows that. It is very important for us to be here for our reputation as well it is the center of the world as far as shopping experience.”
The winners
Most Realistic
Italy Mannequin
Created by EGarden Production
Most Creative
China Mannequin
Created by Keith J. Laverty
Sponsored by Bowers Museum
Best in Show
South Korea Mannequin
Created by Irises Designs
The 5-day floral extravaganza will run until April 23rd and will showcase over 18 fresh floral mannequins and installations celebrating the people, cultures, and heritage of destinations all over the world.
Storefront floral display will be at Canada Goose, REISS and Mikimoto. Aston Martin will have stand-alone floral display.
For more info, click here.
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