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Extra Features and Video Online FloristsReview.com R E A D O N L I N E 15 their accessories, like hats, and taking it one step forward, is due to a need for originality," explains British fashion model and jewelry designer Madeleine Kowitz Chenevière, who routinely is invited to U.S. and British events. "With flowers, you can wear the same hat over and over again, and each time it can be tailored to your look or mood. Fresh flowers give an impermanence to an outfit. It's about living in the moment, and no two moments or experiences will be the same." is trend, therefore, is also inviting more opportunities for local florists to help create hats for life events. So, what should a florist be thinking about? First, say observers, don't wait for customers to come to you. Design a variety of flower hats for multiple occasions that you can display, to plant the seed of the idea with your clients. An Easter bonnet with bold lilies. A garden hat with tendrils of Lisianthus or pendulous Amaranthus. Perhaps a small chapeau with sprigs of lavender for a Saturday night dinner to match a purple dress. People also love theme parties and could consider having their own hat parties. How fun! Having the images on your website or displaying them in your store gets people thinking. After all, as writer Linda Lee says, "If hair really was a woman's crowning glory, there would be no need for tiaras, barrettes, crowns or even earrings. In fact, women love hats. Just look at little girls playing in a closet." Floral event designer Jennifer Reed, owner of Jennifer Designs Events in Mantua Township, N.J., whose work was part of the 2023 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, also offers mom-and-kid classes, and hats are often a fun activity. Ditto for grandparents with grandkids. Connecticut-based Rebecca La Flamme teaches flower-crown-making classes, which have been growing in popularity. is is another avenue for florists to consider. She suggests having clients come to a store with their hats and then devising color patterns. "Dried flowers are very helpful and useful," she says. "Especially strawflowers because they are easy to string." You can supplement with fresh flowers, if desired. "A cute idea for a Kentucky Derby-themed party is to use fresh flowers, like roses; fillers like waxflower or other hardy botanicals that work well out of water ; and greenery such as Camellia leaves, Italian Pittosporum or sweet jasmine," says Gina Lett- Shrewsberry, owner of Inspirations by Gina in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay area, in California. "Create a lush flower crown, and tie the ends with a nice satin ribbon. Place on your hat, and you'll be the talk of the party with your crowning glory!" One pitfall to consider with fresh flowers is the weather. Make sure you ask each client when the hat will be worn. Will the hat be worn that day, or will the client be traveling to a destination? What time of day will it be worn? It's not a good day when tulips wilt on the ribbon vine because there is no water source. Of course, one can use an exterior-coating finishing spray like FloraLife® Crowning Glory® or give a hydration bath to protect the flowers' endurance. But better safe than sorry. At New York City's Seasons A Floral Design Studio, owner Gerald Palumbo routinely makes hats for Broadway stars who want drama and fabulousness. Typically, a client comes in with her hat to discuss concepts. Nicole Finch @magnoliamillinery

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