Mario Nobile

Offfi

Flower designer

©Michael Gardenia

The beauty of imperfection

Mario quit his job to be a flower designer
His compositions are spontaneous and asymmetrical
One of his specialities is “flower sushi”

One day, a few years ago, Mario Nobile was riding his bike through a flower market in the centre of Milan when he spotted a guy, a florist, who was handing over a potted plant to a lady. He had a big smile on his face and Mario instantly wanted to be happy like him. That’s why he resigned from the pharmaceutical company where he had been working for 12 years, after studying chemistry and pharmacy at university. It was a well paid job, but he didn’t like the life he was living. So he opened Offfi, his small flower shop in the heart of the Isola district, one of the most fashionable in town, where he sells his unique floral creations.

Interview

©Michael Gardenia

©Michael Gardenia

Did you take any classes before opening the shop?: Yes, I did. First, I had to learn how to run my own business. Then I studied floral design techniques for one year. But it was just the beginning. Once I had acquired the basis, I developed my own personal style, which is spontaneous and instinctive.
How would you describe your creative process?: Improvisation is the key. To get started, I choose a flower or branch that catches my eye – downy oak, lunaria and allium are my favourites – then I add another one that goes well with it. Then a third, and so on. I don't aim for perfection. My arrangements are always asymmetric, almost rough.
What’s the best part of your craft?: I like it when people trust me and give me a carte blanche to be creative. To get inspired, I don’t browse the internet for mood boards: I’d rather talk to my customers, get to know them and their stories, take a walk in the location where their event will take place.
Do pots and vases play an important role in your creations?: Yes. For example, I enjoy making “flower sushi”, namely a bouquet or composition wrapped in nice, coloured fabric. I usually use felt, but also neoprene scraps that I recycle from a milanese company that produces design backpacks and soft cases.

Mario Nobile is a master artisan: he began his career in 2014 and he started teaching in 2015