It's been a year since my darling sister Alex opened her amazing floral and event design shop "A Love Affair" on Bourke street. In a quick year her stunning and original floral arrangements have garnered the enthusiasm of editors and stylists from Australia's top publications. Her delicious seasonal bouquets and center pieces have not only gained her some of Sydney's most influential clients, but have rivaled the best floral and event design companies in the business. I've devoted this recent blog to my talented sister. If you don't know the shop, get down and check out what all the locals are raving about.
ALEX OATLEY- FLORAL AND EVENT DESIGNER
1. What inspires you?
Nature and the Australian landscape, fashion, architecture, art, design and films. Basically anything can spark an idea, I’m constantly drawing inspiration from my surroundings and culture.
2. Who inspires you?
Fashion designers Victor & Rolf for their clever construction of garments, Architects, especially Gaudi for his organic, sculptural forms, as well as Australian business women who turned their passions into hugely successful brands such as Donna Hay, Florence Broadhurst (although not originally Australian) and my family. My Dad pretty much had an Oliver Twist upbringing and over came many obstacles to get where he is today.
3. What do you like to do to unwind on your time off?
I like going to the organic markets, bike riding, catching up with friends, going swimming at the beach, eating delicious food and getting out into nature.
4. What do you love about working with flowers?
I love the changing seasons and discovering unusual delights. The natural beauty of them inspires me with their amazing array of colours textures and fragrance. It brings me total peace of mind and makes me happy.
5. How did you get into this industry?
I studied events and entertainment design and then went on to work in commercial production and styling weddings and events throughout Australia. I started introducing flowers and botanical elements into every design I created, so it was a natural progression really. I like to say I combine nature and design.
6. What’s your favorite destination?
I love traveling and exploring new territory, I don’t have a particular favorite place, anything new and exciting satisfies me.
7. What’s been your favorite project?
I love every new project as it gives me an opportunity to create something fresh and inspiring, however I have particularly fond memories of working in Port Douglas styling large events in remote off site locations, such as the rain forest, everything was so fertile and abundant, nature really is our oyster!
8. What sort of response has the community had to the shop?
The community has had a really positive reaction to our store. The locals make a point of coming in to say hello and continually thanking us for inspiring them with our ever changing window displays and beautiful shop.
A Love Affair Floral and Event Design
1/748, Bourke Street, Redfern NSW 2016 T. 9698 1968 Email alex@aloveaffair.com
www.aloveaffair.com.au
