From Window to Winner by Jenna Newman & Holly Coles

Who would have known that an innovative and vibrant flower arrangement used in a window display would be the secret behind Valerie and Molly’s win at Woollahra’s puppy parade.

In October, Belle Flaneur blogged about their Melbourne Cup collaboration with Robby Ingham’s Directions store featuring flower stylist, Maria Elena (‘Blossom Hunter’). The resulting installation was a floral cacophony – a grand event that took over the sidewalk, engaging every passer-by. Before the hand sprayed flowers even had time to dry, writer Valerie Lawson was stopped in her tracks by the striking window display.

It was love at first sight for Valerie when she set eyes on the hand sculpted floral saddle atop the Moooi horse and she wanted a piece of it! With her Trelise Cooper spring frock and creative flair she envisioned a winning combination for her upcoming entrance into the Eastern Suburbs doggy day.

“The horse had a beautiful saddle of flowers that were so vivid in colour” she said, that she was inspired to adorn her pooch Molly with the same. With the flowers gifted to her for the event, she designed a collar so bright and bold it would call the attention of the crowd. The show stopping pooch-and-owner ensemble of fuchsias and scarlets made a winning combo and Valerie and Molly were awarded with “Best Dressed Couple”.

What began as a collection of recycled roses flourished to become a parading tribute to Spring fashion. The catalyst behind it all – the community of artists that peruse the streets known as Belle Flanuer, inspiring the stylist in us all!