Nicolette Camille: Capturing the essence of the natural garden

From New York to MADRID BLOOMS, Nicolette Camille on the craft of creating the feeling of a garden in peak bloom.

Could you tell us a little about how you started in the world of floral design? What was your first project?

I started working with flowers about 20 years ago. I grew up learning about flowers through the gardens of my grandmother and my mother. I got my first job at a small flower shop, when I moved from New York to California. That was in 2005.

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

I’m inspired by flowers that are romantic and glossy…The lush of the gardens. I have a background in photography so I like to look at the details of all petals. I’m really into colours and color palettes.

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

Ariella Chezar, she is a dear friend of mine. I freelanced for her and it was such an honor to work with such an influential florist. She is like the Flower Fairy Godmother. (laughs)

"I love to put all my creative energy into floral art. That’s what I love about my job. You can pass a lot of joy to people. And you see all of your fantasies come to life".

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

I’m inspired by the Dutch paintings and masters. I also find a lot of inspiration from museums and gardens.

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

I love to put all my creative energy into floral art. That’s what I love about my job. You can pass a lot of joy to people. And you see all of your fantasies come to life. One of the most difficult projects I worked on was a wedding in Seville, Spain. It was difficult at every level (laughs). When you are an event florist you have to learn to be flexible and adaptable. I remember when we received the flowers for the wedding and when we opened the boxes, all of them were dead. It was Kingsday in the Netherlands so all the wholesalers were closed. I managed to save some things and make it through. You have to stay calm. The wedding was a success in the end. 

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

One of my favorite projects was the last one that I did. It was a Holiday Party, we made it happen in 3 days. We had 38 christmas trees, greenery and battery candles. 

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

For sure the Seville wedding. 

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

I have always been striving for floral design to be more sustainable. I am so happy to see more florists make that shift, especially after 15 years of teaching sustainable practices. It’s very important. When I moved back to New York, the flower scene seemed very competitive. So I started to teach to build a community of florists, where we could share our secrets and grow altogether. 

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

I never use floral foam, we use chicken wire or the flower frog. We also get flowers as locally as possible. All of the plants we use are then given away to gardens.

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

I hope that they experience the joy of beauty of a garden at its peak bloom.

@nicamille | nicolettecamille.com

Nicolette will be joining us as a designer at MADRID BLOOMS on the 21st and 22nd of February 2024.