Setting the bar for a new era of luxury with the official opening of its 550 square metre emporium at 8 Faraday Street, Parnell, Visitors can now experience and shop from some of the world’s most coveted designers and luxury brands for the very first time, including Givenchy, Alaia, Loewe, Christian Louboutin, Alexandre Vauthier, and Giuseppe Zanotti alongside local luxury label, Dadelszen; lingerie and sleepwear from La Perla and Bordelle; tableware, gifts and soft furnishings from Ginori 1735, Stories of Italy and Saved NY; artworks from Gow Langsford Gallery and more.
Along with their curation of designer wares, you’ll notice the abundant vision of florals and their intoxicating scent greeting you at the door with every visit, thanks to FARADAYS’ appointed in-house florist, Grace and Flora.
Established in 2017, Grace and Flora was conceptualised through Hannah Low’s love of people and nature. Sourcing only the highest-quality flowers and foliage both from local and international growers; Hannah and her team create elegant, textural and one-of-a-kind arrangements.
Verve had the pleasure of catching up with Hannah Low, the founder of Grace and Flora this week, in celebration of FARADAYS’ grand opening.
Tell us about your floral journey – where it began and where it is taking you.
I studied a fine arts degree, so was always going to do something creative, and flowers have been the medium that inspires me the most. I did a short floristry course in Brisbane, then was lucky to come back to get a job in Auckland working under an amazing woman that pretty much trained Spartan-like florists. A few years later I was itching to express my own style so took a leap and started Grace and Flora with essentially nothing but a flower van and some business cards. Moving into Faradays is such an exciting next step as we are expanding and will have a fresh new look.
What guides you when it comes to designing a bouquet – OR – How do you keep your creative drive going?
This probably sounds cliche but I’m so intrinsically inspired by flowers. I like experimenting with weird and interesting varieties and colour combinations, which is a must for staying motivated. I like getting people to try new things and to see beauty in something they would perhaps not have thought to look at.
How do you begin your days? (seems like a weird question – but was thinking that perhaps you start off by visiting the flower market – and could take about the purchasing and selection of your blooms).
No matter what unsightly hour I get up the first thing I do is meditate and have coffee.
What sort of floral arrangements do you most prefer creating.
From gift bouquets to large scale installations, I find the best results always come when given a quick brief or colour palette and then a client saying “I’ll leave you to it…” when I know creativity is appreciated and encouraged I will always push myself to try new things.
The fastest way to create a stunning arrangement?
Selecting the right vase can really elevate or devalue an arrangement. Making sure the proportions are right can make all the difference. For example the structural qualities of a simple single magnolia branch or a few stems of orchid are enhanced when sitting in the right complimentary vase.
What you like about being located in Parnell.
Faraday Street is a hub of amazing talent and creative businesses. There are so many people I enjoy seeing day to day and a supportive community of locals which has really been emphasised and appreciated during this pandemic.
Tell us more about your new venture with Faradays and your beautiful in-house floral bar.
I’m excited to see the luxe vision and plans come to life, and to have a beautiful new space to work in, especially as you know anything by Cheshire Architects is going to be stunning. The founders of Faradays who I’ve previously worked with on creative projects and events has been really fulfilling work, so I’m looking forward to more ongoing collaboration within the space.
How do you think your business will change?
Faradays is going to be a new platform for displaying and experimenting with our arrangements. When posting things on social media you can’t actually see people’s reactions so I am really looking forward to seeing people engage with our work more in person, at the beautiful Faradays store.
Favourite Faradays brand?
There are some exquisite lingerie brands coming which I love – Bordelle is my favourite I’m excited that my brides to be will be able to find special wedding night lingerie in the beautiful Faradays space.
If you could travel to any floral destination of your choice – where would you go?
The Aalsmeer flower auction in the Netherlands is a must, it’s the world’s largest auction. When I last travelled and lived overseas, I wasn’t yet a florist – I would love to go back to places like Paris and New York and wander into florist shops again now in this profession. One day!
Shop Grace and Flora online at www.faradays.store or visit in store to purchase exclusively at FARADAYS, No. 8 Faraday Street, Parnell, Auckland.
