The Splendor of “Floral Couture”

Thousands of flowers. Incredible color combinations. Installations that turn entire spaces into works of art. Enter the spectacular world of globally renowned floral designer Jeff Leatham. Our new “Floral Couture” collection captures the beauty and scale of his extraordinary creations, where flowers become something truly unforgettable. Color these breathtaking scenes in the Happy Color app and get to know the artist behind them in our exclusive interview.

Your work is often described not as flower arrangements, but as art. Where do you see the line between floral design and contemporary art?
Each time I create a composition for a hotel lobby or an event, I really look at it as art. It’s just like art: the textures are important, the shape is important, and the color combinations are important. I look at it like a painter – starting with a blank canvas and painting with colors, textures, and shapes. Most importantly, I hope that my work, like art, makes people think and inspires them.

Your large-scale floral installations amaze thousands of people, yet most of them exist only for a short time. Is it ever difficult to create something so monumental knowing it won’t last?
My true philosophy in life – and the principle that guides my work – is that the best moments are short-lived but stay in our memories forever. That’s why I really believe that when someone is looking at a flower arrangement or taking the whole experience in, they need to hold onto that memory and make it last, because nothing in the world lasts forever.

When putting together your book The Art of the Flower, what did you hope people would understand about your work that they might miss when seeing just one installation?
I really want people to understand that flowers are art, and that floral design and connecting with nature are artistic experiences. For any designer or artist – including amazing painters like Monet or Picasso – flowers are such a deep inspiration, so I feel incredibly lucky to work with them.
When I create these installations at the George V, in Philadelphia, or in Beverly Hills, my favorite thing to do is sit back and watch people’s reactions as they come in the door – seeing their eyes get wide, their mouths drop open, and watching them take in all this floral design just like they’re in an art museum and say, “Wow, they did all this for us to enjoy.” Watching people’s reactions is truly my favorite thing to do.