FleursDC - Diplomatic Tailcoat (artifact)
Inspiration Description:
When I first saw this, it literally stopped me in my tracks. I was mesmerized by the contrast of dark navy wool and gold embroidery. The bold V shape on the front of the tailcoat was so modern that it drew me into all of the amazing details to be discovered on this tailcoat. I loved the use of diagonal lines & swirls of gold laurel leaves. The attention to details demonstrated-from the navy wool, ivory silk lining to all of the gold sequins, buttons and bullion trim are such a dazzling feast for the eyes!
The inspiration behind my floral design is the Diplomatic uniform tailcoat of Larz Anderson. It was created by the bespoke tailors Davies & Son of London, England in 1911. This historic Saville Row establishment has been in business for over 2 centuries since 1803.
Art Description:
Description: Diplomatic uniform tailcoat
Artist/Creator: Davies & Son, London, England
Date of Creation: 1911
Location: second floor, Olmsted Gallery
Made of navy blue wool, sequins, gold, silk and cotton, this tailcoat from a diplomatic uniform was commissioned by Larz Anderson one year before President Taft appointed him to the highest post of his career, Ambassador to Japan. The coat has elaborate gold bullion and sequin embroidery in a laurel leaf and berry design at the standing collar, chest, waistline, tails, and cuffs. It is lined in a beige silk and closes with metal hooks and eyes that alternate sides down the front of the collar and center front. Nine ornamental convex gold buttons with the Great Seal of the United States descend down the center front closure, with two buttons at the center back. The uniform also includes trousers, overcoat, a ceremonial hat and sword belt. The Andersons did not display the uniform, but the Society has since the 1940s.
FleursDC, Ursula Gunther CFD Bio:
Ursula is the proud owner and lead floral designer of fleursDC – a woman-owned business located on Capitol Hill. fleursDC loves to deliver floral dreams to clients’ homes in the DMV. Ursula sees herself as a floral artist constantly inspired by art, fashion, culture, nature and music!
Her avant-garde yet sophisticated floral designs always focus on color and fun. She mindfully creates designs for her clients based on the current trends in design and sourcing unique botanicals that make floral dreams a reality for her clients.
She has studied under both American and European Masters of floral design. She is a Certified Floral Designer and is currently pursuing her European Master Certification. Always a curious student of her craft, she believes in continuous learning and pushing herself out of her comfort zone.
She holds these to be vital to her creative process and growth as an artist. Ursula was a Critical Care Nurse for 18 years before the birth of her son in 2014. She pursued floral design in 2017 during a time of loss and soul searching. She started her business in 2018 while pregnant with her daughter. It’s been full steam ahead ever since and she hasn’t looked back! In her downtime, Ursula enjoys being with her husband, 2 children and dog.
Website: https://www.fleursdc.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fleursdc/