FASHION FOR DUMMIES
What the well-dressed mannequin is wearing these days. Shoppers enjoy a flower display inspired by an Indian wedding during Fleurs de Villes at CrossIron Mills on Thursday. It’s the first time the cross-country florist event has hit the Calgary area.
Fifteen Calgary florists are taking part in an exhibition described as “a fusion between fashion and floral.”
Tina Barkley, co-founder of Fleurs de Villes, said the florists were challenged to dress mannequins in fresh blooms and greenery.
“They’ve been delivered a mannequin about a week ahead of time, and what you see when you get here are the crazy, wild, creative installations that they’ve come up with,” said Barkley.
The mannequins will be on display at CrossIron Mills from Friday to Monday.
Calgary is the last stop on a cross-country tour for the floral mannequin series, and the local debut for the event, which started three years ago.
Last year, more than a million people took in shows in Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton and Ottawa.
“People just love it,” said Barkley.
“Flowers make us happy — they put you in a good mood instantly. All day today, while people have been setting up their mannequins, people have been taking pictures and stopping and you can even smell it as you approach it because it’s so fresh.”
Calgarians can vote on their pick for best floral mannequin to determine which florist receives a fanfavourite award.
Barkley noted the exhibition is a fun experience for the florists taking part.
“They can do something totally wild and creative,” she said.
“These people are really artists in a completely different way ... They love the challenge of coming up with something.”