New White House Florist - Virginian leads the pack

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CHR

CHR

Design matters
Nov 28, 2002
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From the Washington Post:

Ahead by a rose? VA. florist pulls out front

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By Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts

The hush-hush search for a new White House florist is almost over: The Reliable Source has learned that Laura Dowling, a floral designer from Alexandria, is the front-runner for the prestigious position.



In June, chief florist Nancy Clarke retired after 31 years in the mansion, and there was speculation that Michelle Obama wanted a more contemporary look for flowers. Two weeks ago, three designers slipped into the White House for a tryout: Each created a state dinner centerpiece, flowers for the Oval Office, etc. -- and Dowling's romantic French look apparently won the day.



The owner of Old Town's Intérieurs et Fleurs specializes in leafy garden-style arrangements that carry the outdoors in -- lots of vines and tendrils. In an interview with Fox Channel 5 this summer, Dowling described her style: "I take inspiration from flower design in Paris. ... I love this natural approach to flower arranging that they have -- it's elegant, it's fresh, and they take these couture touches to make the bouquets very special."


No word if the new florist will be named before the Obamas' first state dinner for India on Nov. 24; neither Dowling nor the White House had any comment.
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Laura's website is quite beautiful and it primarily features lush, monofloral designs with branches, berries and foliages. She calls her work 'garden' style'. Nothing minimalists about it (as was implied in an earlier article about the kind of designer the Obama's were rumored to be searching for).

Anybody know who the other 2 candidates were?
 
I know Laura. Great designer. She's from my hometown.

JLB from Alexandria is also is the running. I heard that he left his company to work for the WH.

I'll ask around.
 
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okay, she's cool........the gallery shows a hand tied with florigenes!!
 
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Very interesting designs, you can definitely see the European influence. I can see those types of things in the white house, lots of antiques and such, very fitting.
 
I love her style. Thanks for sharing that Cathy.

V
 
ooh I have a friend/ex-boss who's a florist in Alexandria/DC, I wonder if he tried it? I will have to ask. What a cool (but demanding) gig that would be!
 
Kind of far from those original speculations after the current florist said she was leaving.

Beautiful work. Any way you slice it, I would love that job.
 
After looking over her shops web site... I love the DIY of her designs that were posted.
 
I have been following her blog for about 6 months(before) I knew who she was.. I e-mailed her to say good luck with the White HOUSE GIG! I got a great e-mail back from her. very nice lady and a ton of talent I love her work!
 
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