Let’s talk about something extraordinary – a jacket made entirely of David Austin Wedding Roses Juliet Roses, courtesy of the brilliant mind of Yusif Khalilov, Florist and Art Designer. It all began when Yusif reached out to us via Instagram in the summer of 2023 with this captivating vision. Needless to say, our marketing team was instantly hooked, and thus began the journey of turning this floral dream into a reality.
Fast forward to February 2024, and behold – Yusif’s vision has blossomed into something truly divine. We had the pleasure of sitting down with him to delve into the intricacies behind the creation of the Juliet Rose jacket.
We asked “When did the spark of inspiration for this design ignite?”
Yusif chuckled, “Pinpointing an exact moment is tricky for me, as I’m constantly pondering new ideas. However, this concept had been brewing in my mind for quite some time. I did have a profound message behind this design: flowers aren’t merely decorative; they evoke emotions. Moreover, they symbolize the notion that we can embrace anything cultivated from the earth – even the garment underneath, crafted entirely from 100 percent cotton, a product derived from nature’s bounty, akin to a flower in its own right.”
And the grand total of roses used? A staggering 700 stems! Yes, you read that correctly – 700 stems of pure floral elegance.
The momentous build
Now, onto the meticulous preparations. Yusif meticulously selected the finest David Austin Wedding Roses Juliet Roses from the Parfum Flower Company office, conducting rigorous tests to ensure their longevity and optimum time they could be out of water. With his plan in place, the real work began.
The assembly process was a labour-intensive endeavour, with Yusif and his dedicated team meticulously attaching each rose to the handmade jacket. Minutes turned into hours, but their dedication never waned and after 13 long hours they had finished.
They did it! A Juliet rose jacket!
Yet, amidst the excitement, there was a moment of trepidation. During the constructing of the coat Yusif’s colleague struggled under the weight of the jacket – a hefty 30 kilograms of floral splendour. This made Yusif concerned as to whether he’d be okay wearing the Juliet Jacket during the shoot. However, he persevered, driven by his passion for bringing this vision to life.
On the day of the shoot, anticipation hung in the air as they transported the jacket to the venue. With bated breath, they awaited the moment of truth. Clad in attire crafted by designer Raiesa Kasimbeg, Yusif adorned the Juliet jacket. And the magic ensued as the photographer Nora Maria captured each enchanting moment as I walked into to Museumplein and up the glass stairs – the magic shot!
As for the longevity of this floral marvel? Yusif estimates a lifespan of at least 48 hours with proper care – a testament to the enduring beauty of nature.
We extend our gratitude to Alexandra Farms for supplying their impeccable roses and commend Yusif for his outstanding craftsmanship. And to all our readers, if you have bold and imaginative ideas brewing, don’t hesitate to share them with us at [email protected]
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to petition the powers-that-be for a Juliet jacket of my own. Until next time!
