Fleurs de Villes is Blooming at Hudson Yards

Starting October 25th, Level 5 of The Shops & Restaurants will transform into a one-of-a-kind floral show. The duo behind Fleurs de Villes - Karen Marshall and Tina Barkley - create bespoke pop-up experiences, featuring unique floral mannequins, around the world. They knew they had to work their botanic magic at Hudson Yards as soon as they heard their New York friends buzzing about the neighborhood last spring. We spoke to Marshall about what visitors can expect - and what buds are making a comeback.

First things first: What should visitors expect?

A stop-in-your-tracks moment. We collaborated with the top florists in the city to put together an astounding show of fresh floral mannequins and other installations inspired by New York City. We found a mix of well-known players and up-and-coming florists via social media and asking top event planners and hotels.

What’s unique about the Hudson Yards show?

We’re really playing to our name - Fleurs de Villes, Flowers of the Cities. In this case, New York is one of the best in the world. Our theme is "Iconic New York", so there will be a Studio 54 mannequin, a Sex in the City mannequin and mannequins of the three Schuyler sisters from Hamilton. We’ll have some surprises too - maybe, say, a New York City dog walker, with floral dogs of course.

And why flowers? What makes them a good medium for this experience?

They have a magical power. The photographs we have of our shows are lovely, but only when you see - and smell - these works of art in person, and understand the hours and hours that have gone into making them, can you fully appreciate their beauty. It's a perishable medium, never to be duplicated again. Nature’s wonder made into art in a fabulous public space is just a really exciting combination.

Is this an interactive experience?

People can walk all around them - they’re not behind glass - and we hope everyone will vote on their favorite. Each vote is also an entry in a contest to win a trip to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this spring. I have to say that usually, it’s very hard for people to choose a favorite. 

Finally, any floral trends to look out for, or incorporate at home?

Believe it or not, both baby’s breath and carnations are making big comebacks.

Visit Fleurs de Villes from Friday, October 25, through Sunday, November 3, on Level 5 of The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards. Participating local florists include Oscar Mora Floral Art & Design, fleursBELLA, Botanique Flowers, Damselfly Designs, Rachel Cho Floral Design, fLorEsta, Worship Luxury Inc., and Villanueva Designs.