WedLuxe Luminary Spotlight
LondonWedLuxe Luminary Spotlight: An Interview With Floral Couturier Neill Strain
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Neill Strain of Neill Strain Floral Couture is the go-to florist for Arabian Royalty, Hollywood celebrities, and floral enthusiasts who frequent his London boutique and concession at Harrods, London’s iconic department store. Neill and his talented team have also opulently decorated the most exquisite weddings, venues, and homes around London and beyond, including superyachts in the Mediterranean!
Originally hailing from Ireland, Neill Strain opened his first flower boutique in London’s posh Belgravia neighborhood in 2008 and became one of the pioneers in fashioning grand floral installations for luxury boutique exteriors.
Neill is also reputed for his unique way of sourcing flowers, working closely with the best artisan Dutch growers who select unique and new breeds, some of which have never been seen before. These extraordinary blooms are sent directly from the growers’ glasshouses to Neill’s boutique and arrive within 24 hours of harvesting, introducing an incomparable new quality and freshness to the London flower scene.
WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST UNIQUE FLORAL EXPERIENCE THAT YOU’VE CREATED FOR A CLIENT?
One particular moment that stands out in my mind was when I was flown to Milan by Lady Gaga. My task was to create giant floral letters spelling out ‘DV’ and surprise Donatella Versace on her birthday. Donatella’s favorite flowers are Gardenias, and through our strategic grower network in Holland, I was able to source thousands of freshly cut Gardenia flowers to incorporate into the design. This was the ultimate grandiose floral gesture, and the look of shock and surprise on Donatella’s face when she walked into the room is something that will stay with me forever.
FLORAL ENTHUSIASTS APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY AND RARITY OF THE SPECIAL VANDA ORCHIDS FEATURED IN YOUR SIGNATURE ARRANGEMENTS, RETAILED EXCLUSIVELY AT YOUR NEILL STRAIN FLORAL COUTURE CONCESSION AT HARRODS. HOW DO YOU SOURCE THESE BLOOMS?
Our relationship with our esteemed Vanda orchid grower, Ansu, is one that we hold in high regard. Vanda Orchids are renowned as the ‘crown jewels’ of the floral world, and Ansu’s dedication to finding the rarest and most majestic specimens is truly remarkable. His passion for these exquisite flowers is evident in the rich jewel tones that they exude. We are privileged to receive small crops from Ansu, often consisting of just a few stems. Once these rare beauties are gone, they are gone forever, never to be produced again. This level of exclusivity is highly sought after by our discerning clients, who are always on the lookout for what’s new, rare, and unique.
