If you live long enough, everything that was considered beautiful or “in” will go “out” and then come back “in” again. Of course, beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, but in this new series of blog posts, I’d like to explore what may be “in” today or “out” yesterday and try to figure out why.
You are probably one of the many, like myself, who considers our work not really work but mostly play. We are blessed with the great job of being designers. We are in this world to create beauty in the form of life’s memories. In a way, designing is about creating magic. And, as you know, one of the main elements in my designs is the use of florals.
After many years of client feedback, I have an ever expanding list of flowers I know are considered to be “in” or “out.” Four of the flowers are shown below. (These images were from books by the amazing photographer Ron van Dongen.)
A. Amaryllis
B. Rose
C. Dahlia
D. Tulip
Which of these do you think is “in” or “out” and why?
We’ll talk about your answers in next week’s post…
On 03-17-10 Rosalba Fasan-Buffat says:
I get a lot of requests for tulips and dahlias. Roses are not as popular as they once were and I never get a request for amaryllis although I see them in a lot of magazines. I think every flower has it’s place.
PS the photos are stunning!
On 03-17-10 Erica Scott says:
In my opinion, amaryllis is ALWAYS in. I LOVE that flower…I wish more girls would use it
On 03-17-10 Georgianne Vinicombe says:
I say that amaryllis is never really in for my brides. It seems to be a flower they don’t really get. Roses are always a classic. Dahlias are not as popular this year as last and tulips are running hot and cold. My luck is that brides keep asking for them in July!! Same goes with the amaryllis!! If they want them, they seem to be out of season!! Yikes!!
On 03-17-10 Helen says:
I’ve just done a big event with amaryllis. I’ve used them a lot this season. I love them. I think they are great for corporate or event work.
On 03-17-10 Aliya M. says:
Roses are out. They are so “traditional”. I think they have been used way too much when artificial color roses were the thing to do. I have used Amaryllis in the majority of my events and I never get tired of seeing them. Hopefully they will not become a passing fad for this reason. In my opinion, tulips are better used in seasonal design themes, no matter the color and will never go out.
On 03-17-10 Trish , Designs By Design says:
Of the four flowers listed I think the rose is getting less popular. I personally love roses with all their beautiful colors and varieties The tulips when in their season are beautiful as well. The one flower that is not mentioned is the Minature calla Sick of it, move on girls, lets do Amyarllis instead.
On 03-17-10 uberVU - social comments says:
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On 03-17-10 Martine Roundtree says:
That’s a tough question to anwer since I believe all flowers are beautiful and have a place in the world. I have noticed that the amaryllis isn’t used much lately and I have heard very often that the rose is “out.” Personally, I adore roses and they will never be “out” to me! Dahlias are stunning and create added drama to any arrangement. As for tulips, I have started using them in full bloom to showcase their beauty as full blossoms. Since very few people have seen blooming tulips in an arrangement, it looks like a new flower has been added to the repetoire.
On 03-18-10 Bisi Bordley says:
Amaryllis is never “out”, if i had my way it will be included in all my floral styling.
I adore it!!!.
It is a classic beauty, that will always stand the test of time, always be in fashion, like Grace Kelly, Jackie O, Lanvin etc.
Did i say i adore it already. lol
On 03-18-10 Brittany Streufert says:
Roses are always in – in someone’s world. With all the new varieties and colors, its hard not to love them.
On 03-18-10 Emily Tolve says:
We’ve actually had a lot of requests for tulips as of late. In our area, they’re going for more stylized & architectural looks. Amaryllis is one of the least requested flowers… I couldn’t even tell you when we’ve had a time where a lot of clients wanted to use them for their events. It’d be great if they did though! Dahlias had their time, but we’ve not had our go-around with that trend again. Roses are out. We sell less & less roses, but when we do them for a centerpiece, we always have to reflex them, or people hate them!
On 03-18-10 Jana says:
I can’t speak from a professional standpoint…yet… but my personal take would be:
Tulips and Amaryllis are “in”
Roses and Dahlias are “out.”
I’m seeing so many arrangements with Hydrangea’s. Is anyone else noticing that too?
On 03-19-10 Alison Ellis says:
They are all IN! It is just a matter of how you use them and what they are paired with. A beautiful bloom is a beautiful bloom and as a floral designer I have too many favorite flowers to think of anything as being “out” other than carnations, babies breath and anything that has been dyed! Dahlias are a perennial favorite of mine. And I agree with Jana that there is a lot of hydrangea in wedding work, but a bride wants what she wants and if she wants hydrangea by golly she’s gonna get it!
On 03-20-10 Gloria Brown says:
Hi everyone and Preston!
My feeling is that this is a trick question by Preston, as he does seem to have a fun sense of humor!
I’ve noticed that these flowers are all timeless and have been used for years but in different ways. With each new trend, each of these flowers is worked in the new “must have” designs. Of course, it does depend on how creative the designer can get with his craft. But these flower choices can make a lazy designer look great.
Preston, was this a trick question? I’m sure you are smiling.
On 03-23-10 Stephanie T says:
tulips are elegant
On 03-24-10 What’s In or Out? Flower trends RESULTS | PrestonBailey.com says:
[...] you for your amazing response to last week’s post about flower trends.Yes, I do agree with most of you: there is no such thing as a “bad” flower. [...]