A Floral Tribute to RBG | Update

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A Floral Tribute to RBG | Update

[Update: Sending out a HUGE thank you to all who donated funds to my gofundme in the last couple weeks.  We generated nearly $1,000, plus received sponsorship funds from a national floral wholesaler, Floral Supply Syndicate for supplies. The shoot is still scheduled to take place this Tuesday, April 6th... wish us luck!]

For some time now as a creative, I have daydreamed about how beautiful and fun it might be to recreate Ruth Bader Ginsburg's neck collar collection into floral replicas.  It was all an idea until Debra Prinzing of Slowflowers.com approached me to submit a concept for the 2021 Botanical Couture Collection which celebrates American Flowers Week in June and July. I jumped at the chance for this opportunity.  

Initially, I saw the neck collars as beautiful and a signature style to RBG.  However, as I dug deeper into the history of her collection, I learned there was far more to the story.    

LORA Bloom Vision Board (image source: TimeMagazine.com)
Icons of style have long been recognized on a Paris runway, walking down the red carpet, on the cover of a magazine and in recent times shared millions upon millions of times on social media. A courtroom might be considered one of the least likely places to discover an iconic style.  Yet, the jabot dates back to the mid 1600's and was an essential detail for upper class, male fashion of the baroque period. Jabots are made of lace or fabric falling from the throat and suspended by either a neckband or collar.  By the late 19th century, women were wearing jabots as a cambric or lace bib secured by a broach or pin.  In modern times, jabots are worn by judges of the courts in many countries with English lineage including the Supreme Court of the United States.  
 
The Late Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg frequently wore jabots over her judicial robe, as well as Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor who still does today.  Finding Ginsburg's collection of neckwear to be particularly striking and iconic, I have often wondered how her jabots might look as flowers instead of lace or beadwork. In my research, I learned Ginsburg had favorites of her collection that communicated subtle messages of the Court's decisions. Flowers speak in similar ways. I find this to be a powerfully sophisticated way of communication.
 
Undeniably, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was one of the most distinguished, respected, and educated women in modern-day history. She manifested beauty inside and out.  She walked where few women have. Sadly, I was never able to thank Ginsburg.  Perhaps I can express my gratitude for the journey she created so that I might be able to achieve mine through the language of flowers. 

 

The Overall Vision: This project is quite ambitious for a variety of reasons.  Because LORA Bloom represents a collective of local florists, six LB florists have been selected to design a floral replica from RBG's neck collar collection.  Then, the garment to be worn will be an actual black judicial robe and covered with black flowers and botanicals. No easy task!  Reconstructing this basic robe is local style influencer, Riva La Diva who will also be the model. Lastly, the collection will be photographed by Missy Palacol Photography.  

Participating Brands:
Creative Vision/Sponsor: LORA Bloom
Dress Creation/Model: Riva La Diva
Floral Designers:
- Anne Bradfield of Floressence
- Lori Poliski of Flori
- Kristal Hancock of Sublime Stems
- Maura Whalen of Casablanca Floral
- Sharlet Driggs of Sharlet Floral
- Sophie Strongman of The Old Soul Flower Co. 

 

How did this floral project become a GoFundMe?

In all honesty, not everyone whom I approached for participation of this project supported the idea. Viewed as a political position, this experience taught me there is still much work to be done.  I respect these perspectives but still wanted to see my vision come to life.  Ruth Bader Ginsburg held a non-partisan role.  It's unfortunate everything these days seem to be political in some nature, even her death.  Yet, when we strip all the labels away, Ruth was still a remarkable person and exemplary role model for all humankind. She deserves to be honored. 

This is my way of saying thank you to a person I admired so much.  She was beautiful. She had an incredible sense of style. And I remember her for who she was and achieved not the labels people attached to her.

As the shoot date came closer, I mentioned to friends how I was hoping for sponosored florals for the project.  Black flowers are more difficult to gather.  My best friend, who happens to be an attorney, asked if donations could come from outside the floral community.  She's been a big supporter of this project from the start.  The answer was yes! Determing the best approach, a GoFundMe seemed the best path. 

The photo shoot is tentatively schedule for early April.  Getting the flowers is achievable. Yet like most business owners right now, funds for special projects like this can be a challenge. LORA Bloom will make it happen, but a little help from supporters who would like to see this project flourish would be so appreciated.

If you would like to contribute to the LORA Bloom GoFund Me, click HERE!

*The blog and GoFundMe was created by LORA Bloom. All imagery and details sourced from Time Magazine.

 

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