Sarah Raven has launched a new and exclusive range of dahlia collections selected by five influential figures in fashion, floristry and design.
Sarah Raven launches a new range of dahlia collections, curated by designers and florists
Sarah Raven has announced the launch of The Collective, a new range of exclusive dahlia collections selected by five of the UK’s most influential figures in fashion, floristry and design. Each of them is also passionate about gardening.
Sarah’s collaborators are Cath Kidston, Shane Connolly, Savannah Miller, Milli Proust and Willow Crossley, chosen as they are known for setting trends and pushing boundaries in their respective fields.
Working with Sarah, each person has combined own their style and favourite flowers to create a unique collection. Sarah says: “I thoroughly enjoyed working with friends old and new to select dahlia collections that reflect each person’s way of gathering beautiful things together.”
Milli Proust
Milli Proust, florist and flower grower, has focused her collection on a soft, romantic-coloured palette drawing inspiration from her work in wedding floristry. “I wanted to build a collection that would work well on its own and pair equally well with late summer annuals. Smoky watermelon, peach, and raspberry tones have been the colours I’ve been drawn to. They bring a playful yet romantic quality to the garden and vase.” Milli’s collection includes Dahlia ‘La Belle Epoque’, D. ‘Natalie G’ and D. ‘Caitlin’s Joy’.
Shane Connolly
Shane Connolly, sustainable floral designer and florist to the King, is passionate about single dahlias. “To me they look interesting and ‘historical’ as they’re more like the original dahlias discovered by Anders Dahl in the 18th century. I also like that bees and insects find them more accommodating than the deeply petalled hybrids we’re accustomed to nowadays. Single dahlias look so much more garden-like than cultivated and speak of a different, simpler time, somehow managing to be both subtle and impactful at once. This is especially the case for the mouth-watering jewel-box colours I’ve chosen for this collection.” It includes Dahlia ‘Schipper’s Bronze’, D. ‘Verrone’s Obsidian’, D. ‘Bishop of Auckland’, D. ‘Lou Farman’ and D. ‘Sarah Raven’
Cath Kidston
Cath Kidston Padgham MBE is a British entrepreneur and designer known the world over for her pattern and print design. She recently launched C. Atherley, a bodycare range based around scented pelargoniums. “I couldn’t wait to ask her to create a collection that encompasses her story, showy-pattern-like dahlias and a fragrant pelargonium,” says Sarah.
“Choosing dahlias and pelargoniums, my two favourite plants, was absolute heaven,” says Cath. Her collection includes Dahlia ‘Time for All’, D. ‘Dutch Delight, D. ‘Orange Girl’ and D. ‘Still Going Strong’ and Pelargonium ‘Attar of Roses’.
Savannah Miller
Savannah Miller is a bridal gown designer. “I love Savannah’s style and she loves dahlias – so this collection chosen by her is a marriage made in heaven,” says Sarah. “Soft and subtle, yet strong at the same time, with great shapes – that’s just what you’ll see in Savannah’s dress designs – and in this selection.”
“Dahlias make brilliant wedding flowers,” says Savannah. “If you want to grow your own, you get so much bang for your buck. I love the pinks, and styling them with oranges and yellows to get this beautiful tonal story.” Her collection includes Dahlia ‘Penhill Watermelon’, D. ‘Erpeler Ley’, D. ‘Perch Hill’, D. ‘Frizzle Sizzle’, D. ‘Destiny’s Teachers’ and D. ‘Clyde’s Choice’.
Willow Crossley
Willow Crossley is a celebrated floral stylist known for her seasonal, wild and beautiful arrangements. “Willow loves a bold flower and so of the course the dahlia in all its stripes and curves is a top favourite,” says Sarah. Willow’s collection include Dahlia ‘Verrone’s Obsidian’, D. ‘Radegast’, D. ‘Tartan’, D. ‘Santa Claus’, D. ‘Moor Place’, D. ‘Thomas A. Edison’ (or Admiral Rawlings), D. ‘Samourai’ (or ‘Hollyhill Spider Woman’) with the foliage of Pelargonium tomentosum.
The Collective will be available exclusively at sarahraven.com from 6th January.