"FLOWERS HAVE BROUGHT ME GREAT PEACE + HAPPINESS DURING DIFFICULT TIMES IN MY LIFE. THEY HAVE BEEN HEALING TO MY MENTAL HEALTH. I REALISED I HAD TO WORK WITH MY BORDERLINE OBSESSION + HAVE FOUND A NEW LOVE OF LIFE THROUGH FLOWERS."
India Robinson is the creative director of Melbourne based BLOSSM BBY. Her floral compositions are a lot like her - bright, unexpected + full of energy. When we came across her work we were struck at how unique each piece was from the striking colour palette, use of unexpected flora + the fact that each creation is delivered in its very own milk crate.
We invited India to shoot our Series 6 Beast Bloom collection as an ode to the notion of re-blooming. The results, as you can see are pretty stunning. We caught up to discuss her path to becoming a floral designer, where she seeks inspiration + how BLOSSM BBY will continue to bloom in the coming months.
SB: HOW DID FLORAL ARTISTRY FIND YOU?
Flowers, or fleurs have always played an important role in my family life. One of my earliest memories of florals was my late Oma’s Dutch tradition of decorating the chair at the head of the table with flowers on birthdays.
I wanted to be a florist when I was in high school + but my careers councillor tried to deter me so I studied Interior Design instead. Florals were never far from my mind. I would find myself walking down the street with friends + a fleur would catch my eye. They’d keep walking blissfully unaware, next thing they would turn around + I’d be far behind in someone’s front garden, in a weird position taking a photo of the beauty I'd just found. The rest as they say is history + I knew I was destined to work with flowers.
SB: WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT FROM A BLOSSM BBY PIECE?
Each BLOSSM BBY piece is made with a lot of love. I pour my heart into every arrangement. I make sure each piece is unique + every stem of flowers is hand picked specifically.
I am drawn to using the weirdest, textural + structural flowers available. I like to think each creature is a little alien. Arrangements are delivered in a milk crate which you are then able to recycle at your local cafe on your daily walk.
SB: WHERE DO YOU SEEK INSPIRATION?
It’s without a doubt a fact that I love anime, particularly Sailor Moon, which is ever present even in the names of my compositions. I feel a strong connection to the florals + pastel colours in anime. I'm inspired by old interiors + my travels to Europe + the street culture of which I am a part of.
I have a strong connection to nature - especially the landscape. I'm studying Landscape Architecture part time + find great inspiration in that. And of course my family inspire me.
SB: HOW IS BLOSSM BBY GOING TO CONTINUE TO BLOOM IN 2021?
We had some really magical events booked in 2020 that we’ve had to postpone indefinitely. Fingers crossed the restrictions have eased + those events can go ahead in 2021 - it certainly is already shaping up to be the year of the unknown.
We are currently relocating our studio space which is super exciting. Hopefully by this time next year we have a van so we don’t have to do a pit stop at the studio to reload my little hatchback every few hours.
This pandemic has forced us to reshape the industry + connect with other floral artist bbys in a new way. It has given me great joy to be able to spread the love through flowers during this strange time so for now, that’s my main focus. We will continue to be a safe space + inclusive of all. We are also currently working with an Indigenous mental health organisation - stay tuned.
SB: WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE FLOWER + WHY?
It's hard to choose just one as when each flower comes into season it symbolises times of the year that bring a sense of nostalgia for me. Anthuriums are obviously one of my all time favourites + very present in my pieces - they remind me of living in Barcelona. Jasmine reminds me of my Oma so it also holds a special place in my heart.
SB: SUM UP BLOSSM BBY IN 3 WORDS?
Dreamy, cute + seasonal.
SB: FAVE SERIES 6 SANS BEAST PIECE?
Lilac Lobby Crossbody Bag - absolutely obsessed with this colour + this was a fun one to shoot.
India's beautiful floral compositions are available to order via her website(which is currently undergoing a makeover) and her Instagram.
