Sophie Powell
U.Fl.O.
Flower designer
London, United Kingdom
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
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.
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.
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!
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
U.Fl.O.
Flower designer
London, United Kingdom
ADDRESS
Address upon request, London, United Kingdom
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
PHONE
+44 7969853177
LANGUAGES
English
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