From Paris to Tokyo: 12 Flower Shops That Redefine Luxury

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and spring will be along any minute after that. So, we’re thinking flowers. And as a result, we’re sharing the results of our research on the 12 best luxury florists, flower shops and floral artists in the world right now. These are the designers behind the most artistic statement bouquets and floral arrangements. And they’re the perfect go-to professionals for luxury Valentine’s Day flowers, wedding flowers, Mother’s Day and everyday sparks of much-needed flower joy.

flower power is totally a thing

It’s no secret that we love flowers here at Dandelion Chandelier. We’ve attended flower arranging courses and learned how to handcraft our own bouquets. Explored the art of faux florals at length. And received expert advice on how to incorporate blossoms into our tablescapes.

Back in the Before Times when we used to travel the globe, one of the things we always looked forward to were the incredible floral displays at 5-star hotels and chic restaurants the world over. From Mayfair to Milan, statement floral arrangements are a significant element in the over-the-top luxuriousness of a grand hotel or a tony fine dining establishment.

And don’t get us started on the joys of an iconic botanical garden. Or a secret garden. Or even a glass garden.

We’ve explored the world’s most glorious gardens in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa in depth and spent much of the great lockdown tending to our own gardens.

‘Cause, really, who doesn’t love seeing beautiful blooms and greenery, especially when we’re spending more time indoors at the moment?

With Valentine’s Day next month and wedding season coming along soon, we thought it a fitting moment to assess who the most exquisite florists and floral artists in the world are right now.  Whether you’re looking for wedding flowers, a romantic gesture, an Instagram-worthy bouquet or something lovely for your own home or office, we’ve got you covered.

who are the best luxury florists in the world right now?

From New York to Paris to Hong Kong and London, these 12 visionaries are relied upon by luxury hotels, glamorous fashion houses and celebrities alike. They’re the go-to florists and floral artists for people in the know for occasions large and small. From award-winning designs to impeccable service, here is where you can find the most artistic luxury flowers, bouquets and floral arrangements for Valentine’s Day and beyond.

1. emily thompson flowers

What initially began as a hobby for Emily Thompson has turned into a highly popular eponymous studio. Thompson’s clients have included the White House, the Museum of Modern Art, perfumer Jo Malone and Chanel.

Her Manhattan shop and studio create striking arrangements. At times, they are as dark as they are dramatic. They’re crafted from stems, seed pods and otherworldly blooms sourced from local growers.

2. putnam & putnam

Operated by husband-and-husband team Michael and Darroch, the ethereal arrangements of Putnam & Putnam have graced the tabletops of tastemakers Gwyneth Paltrow, Adam Lippes and Jason Wu. And luxury brands like Bergdorf Goodman, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

While grand events are their specialty, they also deliver smaller-scale arrangements and host classes and workshops.

3. winston flowers

When Ted and David Winston’s grandfather Robert wheeled his flower cart onto Boston’s Newbury Street in 1944, he wasn’t planning on starting something of a flower empire. But that’s just what Winston Flowers has become.

Using their highly personal approach, the 75-year old company has built a discerning high-end clientele around the world. Including Presidential families, celebrities, musicians and notable socialites.  And with the studio’s recent acquisition of the famed L’Olivier Florists and it’s expansion into Greenwich, Connecticut, the empire continues to grow.

4. studio choo florists + wild season florals

Co-founded by San Francisco friends Alethea Harampolis and Jill Rizzo in 2009, Studio Choo is a one-stop source if you’re looking for something a little wild.

Big fans of incorporating budding branches into seasonal arrangements, the Choo look is never overly precious or styled. In 2015, Rizzo opened an East Coast branch in Newport, Rhode Island called Wild Season Florals. The shop hosts private classes and on-site workshops, in addition to blooms for deliveries, events and weddings.

5. eric buterbaugh florals

To say that LA-based Eric Buterbaugh is an institution in the floral world is no exaggeration.

From working with Jessica Alba and Gwyneth Paltrow, to being the first American to design for the royal family at Princess Beatrice’s 18th birthday at Windsor Castle, Buterbaugh’s résumé is truly impressive.  And if arranging beautiful bouquets was not enough, he also stewards a perfume collection with more than 17 floral fragrances.

6. lachaume

Only in Paris would you find a luxury flower shop that has been operated for over a century. One where Marcel Proust frequented daily to purchase orchids for his buttonholes. 

Today this luxury florist is a favorite of many of the city’s grand couturiers. It works closely with local producers to create bouquets attuned to the seasons. Known for their dramatic and long-stemmed arrangements as well as their incredible selection, Lachaume has exclusives on a number of rare floral varieties.

7. moulie fleurs

Located in la Place du Palais Bourbon, Moulie Fleurs opened 1870.  Today the shop is operated by Henri Moulie and his son Julien. It is internationally known, serving embassies, ministries, and fashion houses like Valentino and Balenciaga.

The shop was even featured in a Miss Dior Cherie commercial shot by Sofia Coppola.  Moulie also serves walk-in clients, offering heart-shaped rose bouquets, orchids and other exotic flora.

8. mcqueens

Kally Ellis opened McQueens in 1991. Since then it has grown to become one of the most well-respected florists in London. The luxury florist boasts a client roster that’s hard to beat, supplying flowers to everyone from Harrods to Moët & Chandon.

McQueens uses the finest quality resources and flowers to create stylish and striking arrangements. If you care to learn how to make their spectacular arrangements, McQueens holds masterclasses and courses every year, attracting aspiring florists and beginners alike from far and wide. Just note: these sessions are so popular, they book up months in advance.

9. shane connolly

Born in Northern Ireland, Shane Connolly always had an interest in horticulture.  But it wasn’t until he met the great British floral designer Michael Goulding that he would turn his passion into something more.

He’s now a florist to the Royal Family, having designed the floral arrangements for the weddings of the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  Connolly’s work is heavily rooted in nature, focusing on seasonable and sustainable techniques that enable him to let the character of individual flowers shine through.

10. philippa craddock

Philippa Craddock is a self-taught florist with a down-to-earth approach to floristry. She’s known for creating designs that are timeless and authentic, with a focus towards sustainability.

Craddock took her place on the world stage when she designed the cascading floral archways, the façade and interior of St George’s Chapel in Windsor for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.  In addition to large-scale events for the likes of Vogue, BAFTA, Christian Dior and the Victoria & Albert Museum, Craddock offers online and in person studio courses for beginners and experienced florists (which we ourselves have indulged in!)

11. flannel flowers

For over two decades Flannel Flowers has been a notable player in Hong Kong’s flower and florist industry. The luxury flower shop provides the best bespoke bouquets and floral creations in the city.

This commitment to crafting luxurious pieces has won them prestigious clients like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Lane Crawford.  One of their most grand arrangements is the ‘99 Rose.’ It features 99 of their most luxurious crimson red roses with foliage accents.

12. charlotte puxley

The name Charlotte Puxley has become synonymous with flowers in Singapore.  With a style based on the English countryside mixed with a slight adaptation to the tropics, there’s no arguing that her arrangements and bouquets are as unique as they are beautiful.

Expect wild and wonderful bouquets that come in all shapes, colors and textures.

the world’s best luxury floral artists

There you have it! A starting point for your explorations in the world of fine flowers. Whether you seek an everyday posy, luxury wedding flowers, or a show-stopping arrangement for a big day, these luxury floral artists will help you express your deepest feelings in a lovely bouquet.