25. Portrait of Mrs. Larz Anderson
Vivid Experience
Vivian Duru
2026 installation
Second Floor - Dining Room
The Inspiration
This formal portrait of Mrs. Larz Anderson, Isabel Anderson, was finished in 1901. Painted by American artist Cecilia Beaux, the portrait depicts Isabel wearing an evening gown designed by Worth of Paris and an Indian emerald brooch.
The Flowers
Recipe: Roses, other local florals
Florist’s inspiration: In celebration of International Women’s Month, I chose to create Mrs. Larz Anderson as a tribute to the beauty, grace, and quiet strength that women embody. The figure exudes elegance and poise, while the gems that are resting gracefully on her dress symbolizes both richness and natural beauty. It tells a story of refinement, dignity, and timeless femininity. Through this artistic choice, I wanted to capture not only external beauty, but also the depth, strength, and solid grace that women carry.
THE DESIGNER
Vivian Duru
Vivid Experience
With more than twelve years of experience as a floral designer and fifteen years in event planning and production, Vivian Duru is a creative known for crafting breathtaking floral arrangements and immersive event experiences. As the visionary behind Vivid Experience, she blends artistry with passion to design unforgettable events that leave lasting impressions. Vivian is also the founder of 0n25th Creative, a trailblazing agency that redefines social impact through experiential storytelling. Her work seamlessly merges purpose, influence, and entertainment, ensuring that every event she touches fosters connection, engagement, and transformation.
Passionate about uplifting underrepresented voices in the industry, Vivian co-founded Black Women in Events, a platform dedicated to celebrating and connecting Black women in the event space. Through her leadership, she has spearheaded collaborations with non-profits, influencers, and community leaders, curating meaningful experiences that educate and empower audiences. Vivian holds a Master’s in Event Management & Hospitality and a Master’s in Public Health with a Global Focus. A devoted mother of two, she finds joy in bringing visions and love to life through floral artistry, and in her free time, she indulges in her love for collecting stylish purses.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Zoe Shields Photography
Zoe Shields the founder and creative director of a multi-disciplinary studio that brings concept-driven visual identities to life across digital and material mediums.
She began her career in New York, assisting on shoots for W Magazine and photographing backstage at Spring Studios during New York Fashion Week. Since, she has consulted global consumer brands on digital strategy and experiential design, helping them craft meaningful experiences for today's audiences. She holds a BFA in Photo and Imaging from NYU and a master's degree from Vanderbilt.