The SF and Bay Area-based BloomLin Design takes flowers to a new level of artistry. With three Fleurs de Villes floral mannequins now under her belt, we caught up with floral artist Linda Choi to talk through her creative process.

What was it like creating your work at Lynnewood Hall as it opened to the public for the first time in more than 80 years?

It was so special to be part of the first team to bring a production to life at Lynnewood Hall in almost nine decades. The building is magnificent, with all of the intricate stone and marble details, the woodwork and ceiling painting in the grand ballroom. I even love the deteriorated parts that nothing but time has touched. Stepping back in time there feels like meeting up with an old friend and reminiscing about days gone by. It’s fairytale-like.
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How did you translate Ada Brook’s character and costume into flowers for Fleurs de Villes THE GILDED AGE?

I studied her dress in photos and through video, trying to nail down EVERY detail of the actual dress itself. Then I binge-watched the show to learn about her character — her personality, her strengths and weaknesses, the things that were special to her (her dog, finding love) — all of the aspects that made her unique. After my research, I dove into the mechanics, bloom choices and color palette to bring the dress to life.

I also told a story through her platform. I added a floral cross to represent her marriage to Reverend Forte. Ada is resilient and rises from the shadows — first of her older sister, and then after the death of her beloved husband. Our platform design started with a low floral presence in the front, gradually tapering upward towards the back to represent that rise from the depths to greatness.

What detail would you tell visitors to look closely at on your Ada Brook mannequin?

There were a few details that I really zeroed in on:

Her hair: During my design call, Tina (Fleurs de Villes Co-founder) said, “If you nail the hair, you nail the dress.” It’s how you can tell which character you’re representing, so I really focused on her hair. I created it out of ornamental grasses and attached them one by one to the structure.

The embroidery on her dress: This part is so intricate and detailed, and I really wanted that to shine through. I cut panels out of felt and covered them with grevillea leaves, then added pressed spray roses and nandina to represent the embroidered stitching.

Her earrings: We hole-punched a tiny bird out of a eucalyptus leaf to add to the bottom of her drop earrings.
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Who’s your favourite character from The Gilded Age, and what do you love about them?

Agnes Van Rhijn. As a first-born daughter, I can relate to her. I love that she’s spicy and opinionated — the boss! She has the best lines.

When you’re given a creative brief, what happens next? Take us through your process.

First, I research any information I can find about my piece to make sure that every detail comes to life. The difference between a good design and an extraordinary one is in the details. Once the fine details are laid out, I start figuring out the mechanics so we can actually bring those details to life. The structural part of the design is so important — without that, the flowers cannot do their job. After the base of the design comes together, I start working on bloom choices, color palette and design style.

What’s something about creating a large-scale floral installation that people might be surprised to learn?

You have to be an architect, engineer and carpenter BEFORE you can be a florist! The structures and mechanics of large-scale installations have to be secure and stable before you can make them beautiful.

What’s the most ambitious floral idea you’d love to create if there were no limits on scale, setting or materials?

Wearable florals are my favorite pieces to create. I’d love to create a wearable design for a famous person to model.

Where would you send a flower lover visiting Philadelphia for a little local inspiration?

Longwood Gardens, hands down!

Complete the sentence: Flowers make me happy because…

…they have taken me to places I’ve never been, and I’ve gotten to experience things I’ve always dreamed about.