At one point or another it seems every little girl falls in love with the magical world of flowers, fairies and wood nymphs. As a result, it’s no surprise that Rawan Rihani, the Brooklyn-based designer and floral artist, has hit a Proustian nerve with her company Aurora Botanica, whose signature look, ethereal crowns made out of blossoms and berries, seem to be appearing at all the chicest weddings and events around town. Here, Rihani tells us a bit about her inspirations, gives us some tips for setting a summer table and shares the most important rule of thumb when it comes to creating an arrangement at home.
I’ve always loved flowers and they have always been a motif in my artwork. Even my name means “scent of a flower” in Arabic, so I always identified myself with flowers!
My floral aesthetic is…
I love to experiment with color and combine lots of different textures, also fuse a bohemian, loose and wild style with lush and high-end rare flowers. Overall, I try to keep a personal connection to my work so I put my heart and style into everything I do, which always comes through in the aesthetics.
I decided to launch Aurora Botanica because…
It was the next step — I’ve always wanted to have my own business. It happened all very organically and I had a strong vision of the company as well as the drive to create a lot of work and work a lot. With my background in fashion and art, my intention for Aurora Botanica was to fuse them together and express my style through flowers, like art. I’m very grateful for my experience previous to launching AB, when I freelanced with Stone Fox Bride, evolving my floral techniques, experimenting with fresh ideas and being able to create bouquets and flower headpieces that shine on gorgeous bohemian brides. I eventually launched AB, and got to finally devote 100% of my work into my own business, which has been really fulfilling.
The key to the early success of my business…
I think it was not being scared with my approach. One of my first projects was a collaborative photo shoot for a beauty editorial and I created some bold imagery with over-the-top floral headpieces, which got a quick response. Besides that one shoot, I am not afraid to dive into creating bold imagery with flowers and that imagery is part of the world of Aurora Botanica, which is abundant, lush yet untamed, ethereal and bold.
My pro tip for floral arrangements…
Combine, at the least, four different textures, and play with also cutting the stems at different lengths to give movement and interest in your bouquet.
And my favorite summer arrangements always include…
Citrus, berries, scabiosa, Juliet roses, cosmos and local picked wildflowers including wheat and beach grass for texture.
My summer tablescapes include…
I love to make a fresh garland of wild greenery, picked wildflowers and citrus across the center line of a long table,adding a variety of candles as well. Lemons and orange tree cuttings bring in pops of bright color, which always looks good with a tan!
And go-to menu for a summer BBQ…
Love fresh corn and veggies, kabob style, on the grill; tomato caprese salad; quinoa, pea and mint salad, and, for dessert, watermelon.
Dream party guests…
Stevie Nicks, Elvis, Jimi Hendrix, Audrey Hepburn, Frida Kahlo.
And summer party soundtrack…
“Gypsy” by Fleetwood Mac, “I Wanna Be Your Lover” by Prince and “Hound Dog” by Elvis.
Current inspirations…
I’m really inspired by Dolce & Gabbana’s most recent Alta Moda show. I loved how many of the models were styled with large blooms and wine-colored lips and the mix of floral motifs through the dresses. Also, I’m really inspired by mixing desert flowers with a lush Mediterranean aesthetic — so mixing desert flowers, proteas, cacti and succulents with lush tree peonies and fruit like lemons, figs and berry branches. I am probably obsessed with proteas right now — I recently got married in June and made my own bouquet with three gigantic king proteas!
Top party inspiration…
Margherita Missoni’s wedding.
My favorite gardens around the world…
1. Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech — on the way there you walk by orange trees and Moroccan rugs laid on on rose-distressed walls, and when you enter the gardens, the cacti varieties are so interesting and sculptural. It is a desert wonder and almost feels like you are looking at a sculpture garden, filled with interesting shapes, lines and compositions in soft, dusty desert shades. Also the Berber Museum is a part of the gardens that is rich in the roots of the people of Morocco; treasures of their craft are on display.
2. Brooklyn Botanic Garden — because cherry-blossom season makes you feel like you’re in a dream filled with pink clouds of confetti. You get transported into a pink dream world.
3. Municipal Rose Gardens in Rome — because there are more varieties of roses than you could ever dream of.
4. Most importantly, one of my most favorite gardens is my moms! Because she always has fresh basil, lavender and sage and the most beautiful flowers and plants, she tends to everyday. :)
And favorite flower markets…
I’d love to visit the ones in France, Holland and China.
Follow Aurora Botanica on Instagram.
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