Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Jane Packer

I am so sad to learn the news today that floral design visionary Jane Packer has passed away. I was fortunate enough to have worked for the company when they first opened in New York. The experience changed the course of my life. Not only did I meet other talented designers that I still call friends, but it allowed me to peek inside the workings of a successful design business and hone  valuable flower making chops. Most importantly it gave me the confidence to take my own jobs which eventually led to...well, this phase of life.

I only met Jane in person once but I remember clearly the impression she made. It was of an lively, funny, smart woman with a clear vision. She was the only florist I knew of at the time that used black tissue. She had custom made black square bags with long cords to place the flowers in - no boxes, no cellophane, no raffia, no colored ribbon. It was very chic, very modern. She said to me that she wanted the gifting of a Jane Packer arrangement to be the floral equivalent of getting a box from Tiffany's. I have one bracelet from Tiffany's that I got on my high school graduation. Unfortunately I don't remember the bracelet making that much of an impact on me but I sure remember that blue box. Brilliant.

I remember 6am calls at the Ritz Carlton Hotel doing what seemed like 100s of bud vases for the room service trays and making massive branch arrangements in crystal urns that I feared would fall on my head. I learned how they got water out of those heavy urns (suck in on an inserted rubber hose and quickly deposit into a bucket unless you get a mouthful...easier than it sounds). I perfected my spiral. I folded lots of aspidistra leaves. I saw how it's done.

Thank you Jane and your incredible team for so much inspiration throughout the years. Your new book is a must have.You will be missed but the beauty you brought to the world will live on.


11 comments:

flwrjane said...

How lucky were you to work with/for her.

She was a visionary indeed and how nice to hear stories form "inside" the Pack, so to speak.

Jane Packer has dies but Jane Packer Flowers will live on.

xo Jane

OF SPRING AND SUMMER said...

Hi,
Lovely tribute to Jane Packer. I wrote my own from over here in London. Wonderful and amazing lady.
All the best,
Ingrid xx

alicia.. said...

beautiful tribute to a beautiful person, what a lovely experience you must have had working with/for her.

Lotte and Bloom said...

so lovely to hear your stories. this is such a nice tribute
L x

Brooke Howsley said...

Oh no! What a loss-she has been one of my favorite designers for many years... You are so lucky to have had that wonderful time working with her company.

flowers on my table said...

Oh crickey, sometimes I must live in a bubble! I did'nt know she had died, how very sad, still so young. I am a great admirer of her work and style too. How wonderful that you met her.

This is a lovely tribute, and thankyou for bringing it to my attention. Have a great weekend, love Linda x

Joan -BORNAY- said...

Hello Denise,

You and I have one thing in common: Donna Stain!
I saw your name in a comment on Facebook under mine! What a surprise!

From Bornay share the sadness of a loss that inspired us a lot.

Kisses,
Joan

StephieB said...

Lovely tribute and great that you had an opportunity like that. I love her work and I think you are right about the book.

Hugs, Stephie x

Mimi said...

Thanks you for this lovely post on Jane Packer. Never had the opportunity to meet her, but as a florist, I admired her greatly. Can't wait to get her latest book.

chelsea said...

I don't know how I missed this news. I just went to her site to see what was new and saw the sad news. I am hearbroken. I didn't realize you worked for her! I took a class from her in 2002-- she was so, so lovely in person. She's inspired so many people!

Melanie said...

I cannot believe I missed this news either. She was definitely an influencer to our field. I've enjoyed her books and met her once through a mentor. I remember making a special pilgrimage to her shop in London on my honeymoon and showing my husband the brilliance of European floral branding and design. I interned over in Europe for another well known designer and am a frequent follower of those that are exceptionally brilliant at mixing floral art. rip Jane .....