When Carl Rittner opened his School of Floral Design in Boston, he had the vision of teaching students to take designing flowers to a whole new level. Considered a champion of the industry and a pioneer in the field, Rittner's students wished to honor him in a special way, and they began to observe Floral Design Day on February 28th, Rittner' birthday. In 1995 the mayor of Boston made the day an official holiday for the city, but the idea has since spread across the United States. Talented floral professionals right here in Los Angeles daily create works of art in a living medium, making life just a little more beautiful. 
Floral design through the centuries has reflected the culture and society of the era. To this day, the bouquets and arrangements are designed in styles reminiscent of the past. For instance, in Victorian times flowers were used to send secret messages. Because each flower meant something specific, large lavish bouquets of mixed flowers were commonplace. Today, an unkempt wildflower arrangement would resemble a floral design of those times. Another popular design today. that of tropical flowers in modern designs can be traced back to the Art Deco era (approximately 1925). Sharp lines and geometric angles were all the rage in the art world, which influenced design of all kinds.
The Art Nouveau movement also looked to geometric shapes for inspiration but concentrated on the characteristic 'violent curves' and movement captured in the design. Curvaceous containers, soft petaled flowers such as orchids, and natural elements such as curly willow add to the fluid feel of the design, with none of the sharp linear aspect of the prior style. Another influence on orchid and exotic flower design is the Japanese discipline of ikebana.
Designing flowers today is a truly artistic endeavor that incorporates influences from all times and places. Whether you prefer the lavish romance of the wildflowers, or the delicate movement of the orchid branch, you can trust the experts at French Florist to create the perfect design.
