ROBERT GONZALEZ

Florist-to-the-stars, Roberto’s list of clients includes Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston and Barack Obama. “Surprisingly,” he tells us, “I got into the industry by accident. I was working at a gift shop and we decided to include roses for Valentine’s Day. From there, I was immediately drawn to the world of flowers.”

Soon afterwards, he was snapped up as the floral designer for Oprah Winfrey’s show, which he recalls as one of the highlights of his career so far, along with working on the set of Joyful Noise with Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah.

In his work, he draws on inspirations from trends in the world of fashion: “…they are a huge influence for me. In the past, I have used fabric patterns to create a unique aesthetic for floral arrangements, which can even help new floral designers find their personal sense of style as well.”

When he isn’t working, this Chicago local enjoys travelling, meditating and walking along Lake Michigan. A fitness enthusiast, he also finds solace and inspiration during his regular gym sessions: “I find myself gathering my thoughts… I am the most creative when I’m there,” he says.

His choice for Sexiest Man Alive? “I do find Mayor Peter Buttigieg of Indiana, who is running for President, to be especially sexy… he went to Harvard, is a Rhodes Scholar, a veteran, openly gay, a polyglot who speaks seven languages, and even a concert pianist.”

I find Mayor Peter Buttigieg of Indiana, who is running for President, to be especially sexy…