Flowers out in full force at the Oscars

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Flowers out in full force at the Oscars

February 22, 2008

Flowers were featured so prominently in spring fashion collections, it seems a good bet that we’ll see some floral accents at the Oscars on Sunday – perhaps a fresh bloom behind the ear of Keira Knightley or twice-nominated Cate Blanchett? Or maybe even Johnny Depp, definitely a risk-taker on the fashion front!

But even if they don’t, there will be flowers galore on the red carpet and everywhere else. This year, the color scheme is TV-friendly (I can’t say any more than that) so they should look just as pretty to viewers around the world as they do to the lucky few who see the ceremony in person.

I checked in with Rich Salvaggio (pictured above), who helps direct the massive project with Charisma Floats and Designs charismafloats.com. Specifically, he coordinates the efforts of 21 floral designers from around the country who come in to lend their talents.

Between 70,000 and 80,000 stems are used for the Oscars, including roses, lilies, carnations, alstroemeria, freesia, hydrangea, mini cala lilies, orchids, mums, sunflowers, snapdragon, French tulips, fresh wheat, ferns and ivy.

Most of the flowers arrived on Tuesday, which gives them time to open. The designers will be super busy right up until 11 a.m. Sunday, their final deadline.

In addition to decorating high-traffic areas – like the arrivals tent, artists’ entrance and the red carpet, just to name a few – there are 100 VIP arrangements to be made as well as bouquets for the dressing rooms. And new this year: special flowers for the winners’ walkway that only those clutching their awards will get to experience!

The stars, the gowns, the flowers, Jon Stewart – is it Sunday night yet?

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