The Lists

Who are the Best Luxury Florists in the World?

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and spring is due to arrive next month. So here at Dandelion Chandelier, we’re thinking flowers. When we travel the globe, one of the things we love the most is the incredible floral displays that we see at 5-star hotels and chic restaurants the world over. For example, at the iconic Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair in London, when you enter you’re greeted not only by friendly and attentive staff, but also by breathtakingly beautiful floral centerpieces.  Larger-than-life arrangements such as these are a significant contribution to the luxuriousness of a grand hotel or a tony fine dining establishment. So if you’re looking to purchase an Instagram-worthy bouquet like the ones created by McQueens at Claridge’s, we’ve got you covered. Our intrepid researchers have sussed out some of the most exquisite florists and floral artists in New York, Paris, London and Hong Kong. These visionaries are relied upon by luxury hotels, glamorous fashion houses and celebrities alike.  From award winning designs to impeccable service, here is where you can find the most luxurious flowers to indulge in this Valentine’s Day and beyond:

New York City:

Emily Thompson Flowers. What initially began as a hobby for Emily Thompson has turned into an eponymous studio whose clients have included the White House, the Museum of Modern Art, Jo Malone, and Chanel. Her Manhattan shop and studio creates striking arrangements that are at times as dark as they are dramatic with stems, seed pods and otherworldly blooms sourced from local growers.  Her recent collaboration of striking, whimsical papier-mâché vases with artist Mark Gagnon have only brought her added acclaim.

L’Olivier Floral AtelierL’Olivier Floral Atelier consistently produces some of the most remarkable floral arrangements in New York.  You can find Olivier Giugni’s work in the restaurants Daniel and Scarpetta, the Plaza and Carlyle hotels and the Frederic Fekkai hair salon, but you can also have smaller arrangements tailored to your home.  His modern, architectural arrangements typically consist of a cluster of monochromatic flowers hand-tied together and wrapped with philodendron leaves. Guiugni is thought to be the first person to do leaf-wrapped vases three decades ago – a trend that is ubiquitous today.

Paris:

LachaumeOnly in Paris would you find a florist shop that has been operated for over a century and where Marcel Proust frequented daily to purchase orchids for his buttonholes.  Today the shop is favored by Karl Lagerfeld and works closely with local producers to create bouquets that are attuned to the seasons. Known for their dramatic and long-stemmed arrangements as well as their incredible selection, Lachaume has exclusives on a number of floral varieties.

MoulieLocated in la Place du Palais Bourbon, Moulie Fleurs opened 1870.  Today the shop is operated by Henri Moulie and his son Julien and is internationally known, serving embassies, ministries, and fashion houses like Valentino and Balenciaga. The shop was even featured in a Miss Dior Cherie commercial shot by Sofia Coppola.  Moulie’s also serves walk in clients, offering heart-shaped rose bouquets, orchids and other exotic flora.

London:

McQueensKally Ellis opened McQueens in 1991, and since then it has grown to become one of the most well-respected florists in London and boasts a client roster that’s hard to beat, supplying flowers to everyone from Harrods to Moët & Chandon. McQueens uses the finest quality resources and flowers to create stylish and striking arrangements making them the forefront of contemporary British Floristry.  If you care to learn how to make their spectacular arrangements, McQueens holds special festive masterclasses and courses every year, attracting aspiring florists and beginners alike from far and wide, which book up months in advance.

Harper & Tom’sKnown for their lush, colorful and seasonal bunches Harper & Tom’s flower kiosk is a legendary spot in Notting Hill. In addition to arrangements, weddings, events and classes, the shop offers flower delivery and gardening subscriptions where they’ll come and arrange all the vases in your house in their signature English countryside inspired styling.

Hong Kong:

Hayden BlestBefore becoming a floral designer Gemma Blest worked at Alexander McQueen and Burberry.  Blest grew up surrounded by flowers and is the great granddaughter of a florist and former judge of the Chelsea Flower Show.  Blest famously transformed The Pawn’s rooftop into a secret garden for an event and works closely with fashion editors in Hong Kong and LA to bring their ideas to life. Her work is not limited to producing events, installations and sets – she is also available for one-off individual pieces too if you can book her.

Flannel FlowersFor over two decades Flannel Flowers has been a notable player in Hong Kong’s flower and florist industry, providing the best bespoke bouquets and floral creations in the city. This commitment to crafting luxurious pieces has won them prestigious clients like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Lane Crawford.  One of their most grand arrangements is known as the ‘99 Rose’ which features 99 of their most luxurious crimson red roses with foliage accents.

There you have it! A starting point for your explorations in the world of fine flowers. Whether you seek an everyday posy, or a show-stopping arrangement for a big day, these artists will help you express your deepest feelings in a lovely bouquet. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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