Imagine this: you’ve just picked out a stunning bouquet. The colors perfectly match the scheme of the room you plan to place your newfound blooms in. It’s the perfect spring arrangement. You never want to let go. And you never have to.
Why? Because that perfect floral arrangement was created by the master of faux florals: Diane James. She’ll be making an appearance at Neiman Marcus’s downtown flagship store until 4pm today to show off her spring 2015 collection, but she was kind enough to take a few moments to chat with me about all things faux, Neiman Marcus, and designing with her twin daughters.
What initially drew you to begin working with flowers?
I have always been into flowers! My mother and I use to put floral arrangements together all of the time. When I lived in Europe and the dollar wasn’t strong you could fill your car with flowers for $20. I would buy so many and not know what to do with them, so I started taking floral arranging classes.
How did you begin working with Neiman Marcus/Bergdorf Goodman?
A good friend of mine had a silver collection at Bergdorf Goodman, she asked me to create something for silver bud vases she was creating. I not only designed something for the bud vases, but much larger arrangements as well. BG then called and asked me to put an entire line together. They sold out in 2 weeks and Neiman Marcus called shortly after. That was 18 years ago!
What are your favorite flowers to create?
Asking me to pick my favorite flower to create is like asking me to pick my favorite child! However, I have always loved peonies and roses.
What inspired your latest seasonal collection?
The latest collection was really inspired by Oscar de la Renta and his love of Garden Glamour. What’s interesting is that gardening isn’t really glamorous, but the result of gardening is the epitome of glamour.
What do you enjoy most about designing the seasonal collections with your daughters, Carolyn and Cynthia?
I do the designing and Carolyn and Cynthia keep me in line!
I’ve heard your arrangements described as “Not Your Grandmothers” faux flowers. What would you like to explain to people who may still believe in the stigma about using silk flowers?
I once felt that way too! One of the reasons people don’t like silk flowers is that they just haven’t had any good ones yet.
