Everything’s coming up roses in Toronto with the launch of Fleurs de Villes ROSÉ. The event, running until August 8, features stunning fresh floral mannequins and installations in support of Breast Cancer Research.
Co-founder Karen Marshall, says the event is a unique floral experience that is designed to be interactive while drawing attention to an important cause.
“There is always a need to bring awareness to breast cancer research. This is a way to pay tribute through the installations and create a more meaningful flower show,” she says.
Over the past five years, her team has put on 39 shows in 19 cities across three countries. This year features 35 stops at popular locations around Yorkville including Manulife Centre, Holt Renfrew, and Yorkville Village.
“Every installation is different,” Marshall says, noting the experience is meant to bring people together and to be shared with a common goal of raising funds for Breast Cancer Research Foundation. “We want people to walk the trail and bring a friend along.”
Funds are raised through part proceeds of sponsorship, flower market sales, and direct donation spots on the floral trail.
Each piece features a placard that describes the inspiration or meaning behind the design. She notes one of the most stunning pieces in the show was a floral mannequin celebrating Sophie Scholl and the Weiß Rose presented by the German Consulate of Toronto.
Sophie Scholl would have turned 100 years old on May 9, 2021. “She and her brother Hans Scholl belonged to the German resistance group “White Rose” and fought against the Hitler regime. She was only 21 years old when she was executed by the Nazis,” says Marshall, adding the Fleurs de Villes signage links to a QR code that tells the remarkable story of Sophie. “The florist has created a truly outstanding tribute to Sophie through his inventive use of botanicals and florals.”
Pooches are also getting the floral treatment with Fleur de Ville Chein running in tandem with the event. A fun and fresh take on celebrating our furry friends, six unique installations feature floral canine tributes.
Take home a bouquet or design of your own Saturday, August 7th as local florists through the Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood host a flower market featuring exotic and stunning flowers from around the world.
Marshall says she is thankful to all the sponsors, in particular Holt Renfrew, Manulife Centre, Aritzia, Brunello Cucinelli, Church of the Redeemer, MCM, and the Bloor-Yorkville BIA, who have helped make this year’s event a success in spite of the confines of COVID-19.
Installations are on display for viewing August 4-6 from 11-6 pm & August 7-8 from 12-5 pm. More details and specific locations of installations are available on the event website www.bloor-yorkville.com/fleursdevilles/