Lucia Milan: The practice of sustainable elegance

In preparation of MADRID BLOOMS, Lucía Milan, the designer renowned for her originality, shares the influences in the creation of her signature floral poetry.

How did you start in the world of floral design?

Well, I started because my mother is a florist. She is 83 now. Since she was young, she specialized in bridal bouquets. But it was very informal; she would work from home. When I got married, I was already working in fashion when my mother asked me to join her. Twenty-six years ago, I started working together with my mom, and here we are now.

My first arrangement was for a neighbor’s house. It was a ceramic vase with sunflowers. I remember being nervous, and my mother telling me, “Just do it, it’s alright.”

Are there specific themes, colors, or elements that you are drawn to repeatedly in your work?

I am always trying to find unusual elements for my arrangements. I try to give it a personal touch, a signature, whether it’s a dry leaf or a vegetable… Something not supposed to be there.

Who or what are your main sources of inspiration in the world of floral design?

So many people. Azuma Makoto, Putnam Flowers, Ariella Chezar, WagnerJk, La musa de las flores…

"I want them to feel a sense of romanticism, that they feel they are experiencing something extremely poetic".

Are there other artists or designers, not necessarily in the floral industry, who inspire your work?

I am very inspired by the Dutch Masters’ paintings. I went to Amsterdam to see the museums, and it really inspired me. I’m also inspired by Vik Munik, he is a Brazilian artist I really like. Any art form is inspiring. I love architecture and traveling.

What has been the most significant learning experience in your career as a floral designer?

I don’t know if I can pinpoint one thing. I think I learned a lot from doing events; you have to keep up with many things like logistics, techniques for watering,ecc… You learn to have everything under control.

Could you highlight one of your favorite floral design projects and what made it special to you? What was your last project?

The last project that I did for me is the best. It was a huge wedding on a farm near Sao Paulo, Brazil, this year. I had to deal with a lot of strong weather conditions. It was super hot, and at the same time, raining, but in the end, I managed to get through it and use sustainable techniques. I’m really proud of the result.

Is there an event or client that stands out in your memory as especially rewarding?

I have a customer in Sao Paulo who is my best client. She loves flowers and art. And she loves to have my arrangements in her house. She sees it as a way to enrich her life.

Are there any emerging trends or innovative techniques that you find especially exciting?

Being 100% sustainable when you first start out as a florist is hard. The first thing you need to do is leave out the floral foam. I find it very important to find new sustainable ways for floral design.

What specific sustainable practices do you incorporate into your daily work as a floral designer?

First of all, we don’t use floral foam. We use chicken wire. And we limit our use of plastic. Even when we deliver our arrangements, we use paper for wrapping.

When people experience your floral designs, what message or emotion do you hope they take away?

I want them to feel a sense of romanticism, that they feel they are experiencing something extremely poetic.