IN BLOOM: Retailers and restaurateurs in west London are marking the annual Chelsea Flower Show with some spectacular displays of their own. The event, which runs until May 28 on the grounds of the Royal Hospital, also coincides this year with the Queen’s 90th-birthday celebrations.
“Belgravia in Bloom” has seen the neighborhood’s shop windows, cafés and streets decorated with floral displays. Among those taking part are footwear brand Bionda Castana, denim retailer Donna Ida and the patisserie Pierre Hermé.
Fendi is doing its bit with a pop-up concept store at Selfridges. The Roman label teamed with the Japanese flower artist Azuma Makoto, who created installations featuring floral bouquets inside glass bottles and a typical Italian three-wheeled scooter, or “Ape,” covered in flowers and greens.
Limited-edition leather collars handmade by Fendi artisans are also on display, alongside signature Peekaboo handbags decorated with 3-D floral motifs.
Earlier this week, for the first time, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry headed together to the London flower showcase. The Duchess wore an emerald-green Catherine Walker coatdress.