A Chelsea Ball gown with a crystal theme.
Isn’t it beautiful? It certainly brightened up my working day!
I often nip into the florist over the road, when I have some time to spare, before work. Apart from floristry flowers, they sell plants too – usually the run of the mill bedding etc. but often unusual and reasonably priced specimens.
But today, while checking out their gardening requisites, I came face to face with this beautiful floral ball gown. Now, my immediate reaction was “Is this a homage to Chelsea?”, to be told by one of the girls that she had actually been there and this was her exhibit – somewhat faded by now, she was quick to point out. As you can see, the official R.H.S. plaque is by it. She had been awarded a silver-gilt! She had been so excited by the whole thing but obviously extremely nervous. I had to confess that, despite seeing the floral art coverage, I had not noticed her. I must look again.
She did let me take a photo, and was happy for me to share this, with you all!
So amazing to see one of these so close up and in detail! The hemline and shoulder “straps” were decorated with feathers, and the floral bodice, studded with crystals!
So beautiful! Well done, girl!
The Long Garden Path 
But what flowers were they on the bodice? I couldn’t make them out, even when enlarged. Was there a special category that would have covered this? Sorry for all the questions!
Don’t apologise! I’m afraid I didn’t have the time to study it in too much detail, or to ask too many questions. I came away wanting to ask so many more! There may have been orchids, but not too sure – they were slightly past their best. This award was for the RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year. I believe the brief for this, as well as for the Young Florist of the Year, was the same – to produce a “Fantasy Floral Dress to be worn at a Crystal-themed Ball”.