Sophie Powell

U.Fl.O.

Flower designer

©Giorgio Ghezzi

Flower crowns and other follies

Sophie is a flower designer with a whimsical and eclectic style
Wearable flower crowns are her signature pieces
She likes to mix old and new, old-fashioned with trendy

In 2022, when it came to giving a name to her brand-new studio, Sophie Powell coined the acronym U.Fl.O, which stands for “Unidentified Floral Object”. Until then, she had worked for McQueens, a prestigious floral design company in London. For years, Sophie had made luxury arrangements, installed amazing designs for events and taught at McQueens Flower School. “I loved it,” she admits. “But I was close to turning 40 and I felt like my wings were a bit clipped there. All I did, I had to do it in the McQueens’s way, which was fine, because it was beautiful. But it was not 100% me,” she explains. So Sophie left and launched her own business, giving it a name that unmistakably refers to her fantastical and diverse inspiration. Nowadays her works are truly a reflection of her: exciting, magical, and a little bit wild, too.

Interview

©Giorgio Ghezzi

Why do you think your style has been described as “time travelling”?: I believe it is because I am always mixing old and modern. I love to put trendy flowers, like peonies, in a vintage vase, or use 'granny' flowers among fashionable ones. I did this recently for an event: my client was surprised when she saw pots of old-fashioned petunias, but she understood they were the real stars of the show.
Do you often take your customers by surprise?: I go along with what they want, but on the day of the event, I might add flowers they did not specifically ask for. People tend to request what they see on the Internet, and if I suggest something different, they will say no. But when they see the result, they are always happy with my suggestions.
How do you use colour in your works?: I went to art school, so colours are key to me. They are more important than the flower types. I usually use analogous colours – purples with blues or reds with yellows. Opposite are too garish, to my eye. I do not like it when people put filters on photos and alter the original hues!
How did you begin making flower crowns, which are your signature pieces?: I made the first one just after lockdown. I wore it for Pride and everybody loved it. So I continued, using the leftover flowers from McQueens. Soon my headdresses became popular on Instagram. Actually, one of the highlights of my career is linked to these crowns: I was invited to do a crown workshop in Frida Kahlo’s house in Mexico City. It was simply amazing!

Sophie Powell is a master artisan: she began her career in 2010 and she started teaching in 2016