Among Philippa’s most prestigious clients are Christian Dior, Hermès, and BAFTA – and in 2018, she dressed the interiors and archways of St George’s Chapel in Windsor for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding. See: Floral trends – chic new ways to bring the outside into your home With a globally-renowned floral empire under her belt, we were inevitably curious about the figure behind the success – from her love for coffee to her favorite skincare shop. In an interview with H&G, Philippa revealed all.
1. My design heroine
British fashion designer Phoebe Philo is my design heroine. I love her minimalist, feminine aesthetic, tonal palette, and the quiet practicality that informs her work.
2. My favorite flowers to combine
Flowers I love to combine are orlaya, scabiosa, didiscus, and cow parsley. These whites seen together are delicate yet complex.
3. My favorite little luxury
Super quality, small-batch coffee beans are a little luxury I can’t live without – but I stick to just one espresso early in the morning.
4. My design rules
I don’t work with flowers to a rule book, but I do look at how plants grow – for example, hellebores that bow gently work perfectly on the edge of larger arrangements. See: The top house plants – that all interior design lovers should know about
5. My favorite past-time
My husband and children have given me an artist’s easel, canvases, and oil paints. I haven’t painted seriously since school, and it means so much to start again.
6. My favorite shop
I love to visit Aesop (opens in new tab) shops for the aesthetics and wonderful architectural details as much as their skincare products.
7. My favorite museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum (opens in new tab) is a building I find emotionally moving. I’m awed by its scale and the quietness of the space. It was the first London venue to appoint me onto its preferred supplier list for flowers at its events.
8. My favorite garden
I love gardens that aren’t over-designed – Trebah Garden (opens in new tab) in Cornwall is a great example with the bonus of a beach for swimming.
9. My favorite book
I read cookery books to be inspired by cooks who instinctively know what works together and recently enjoyed Flavour (opens in new tab) by Ottolenghi.
10. My favorite meal
My best meal was at Marle, Heckfield Place (opens in new tab), led by Skye Gyngell. The grilled scallops and roasted pumpkin were truly memorable. See: Health benefits of houseplants – why you need greenery while working from home If you want to follow in Philippa’s footsteps, you can take a Floristry Fundamentals Masterclass (opens in new tab) with the master herself. The classes launch on June 26th and are on sale from June 11th via her website (opens in new tab). We’ve never felt quite so inspired to get involved.
