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Friends of Begg x Co - Paul Thomas-Jeffreys

Friends of Begg x Co - Paul Thomas-Jeffreys

Established in 1989 in Mayfair, London, Paul Thomas has decorated some of the most glittering weddings and events of the last three decades as well as supplying leading London hotels, businesses and private homes with exquisite weekly flowers. We have collaborated with Paul Thomas to create a wild meadow installation in our London Pop-Up shop, inspired by our Spring Summer 2021 Collection Metamorphosis. Read our interview with Paul Thomas-Jeffreys, Founder & Creative Director of Paul Thomas.

 

You designed our current installation in our Begg x Co London Pop-Up window, what was the inspiration behind this?

 

The installation is inspired by the beautiful lightness of the scarves from the Begg x Co Metamorphosis collection. We worked closely with Creative Director Lorraine Acornley to hone and finesse various initial ideas until we arrived at the wild meadow idea concept. Using loose, textured grasses interspersed with pops of colourful dried flowers, the installation reflects of the buoyancy, colours and movement of the collection.

 

Which flowers have you chosen for this display and why?

 

We used a selection of dried achillea, delphiniums, lavender and helichrysum flowers amongst feathery erba grass, phlomis grass and dried barley to create the wild meadow effect.

 

Can you tell us a little about your creative process?

 

We needed to create something that would last in the shop and reflect the light, billowy feel of the scarves. The softness of the dried materials, particularly of the grasses, helped to create this weightless look. We then injected little pops of colour in a random way throughout the grasses, subtly echoing the colours in the collection.

 

Do you have a favourite seasonal flower?

 

Such a difficult question to answer but there is one flower at this time of year which I adore and cannot walk past without stopping to smell their stunning fragrance; Lily of the valley. As a gardener, as well as a florist, I adore this little flower as it looks so delicate but is actually a really tough and determined plant.

 

Any tips on how to arrange flowers at home?

 

Keep it simple. Invest in small vases and place a couple of stems in each before placing them along a mantelpiece or table centre for a special dinner. This is a super way of making a few flowers go a long way.

 

Cashmere is not only one of the finest and softest yarns but is also one of the most durable. When taken care of properly, our cashmere products last a lifetime. Do you have any tips on how to extend the life of fresh cut flowers?

 

There are several tips for making flowers last well. Always re-cut the flower stems on an angle and split woody stems with scissors before putting them into the vase. This helps them to absorb the maximum amount of water. Position the flowers away from direct sunlight, draughts, radiators or air conditioning as they will last longer in a cooler environment. Keep the vase water clean, perhaps changing it every couple of days, making sure that no leaves are submerged in the water as this causes bacteria which shortens the vaselife of the flowers.

 

Our SS21 Collection, 'Metamorphosis', draws inspiration from our domestic landscapes. From deep Scottish forests to the waves of the North Sea. What is your favourite piece from the current Begg x Co collection?

 

I absolutely love the Filigree Clan Stewart Cashmere Scarf, which features in the window installations. The classic tartan contrasted with the contemporary feel of the ultra-lightweight cashmere is lovely.

Filigree Clan Stewart Cashmere Scarf | Begg x Co

 

Visit our Pop Up Store to see the Paul Thomas Installation at 177 Draycott Avenue, London, SW3 3AJ.

Follow Paul Thomas on Instagram @paulthomasflowers

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