An abundance of spring

Rinaldi’s relationship with flowers began early, collecting them from her grandmother's garden as a child, though it wasn't until she encountered them through her work at a photography studio that she decided to seek formal training. 

Rinaldi’s work seeks to bring harmony between the flowers in any arrangement and follows the basic principles of ikebana. “An arrangement can’t simply be pretty: it needs to be more beautiful than what you would find in nature”, she explains. 

She refers to flower arranging as a form of storytelling, describing the Tekla Marylebone display as one of abundance and the return of spring. “These flowers return every season, no matter how harsh the winter before.” 

Rinaldi also draws inspiration from Constance Spry, the influential florist who revolutionised the craft through her use of unconventional vessels. Spry believed anything can hold – and therefore be – beautiful, often arranging in storage jars, measuring jugs and other objects never intended for flowers. Using the candle vessel continues in that spirit.

"When you hold the vessel, it feels very natural," says Rinaldi. "The curvature, the shape – your hands feel part of it. A 57mm kenzan [a spiked base for flower arranging] fits perfectly inside, while the form allows for so many directions, from something full and opulent to something very minimal."

Arranging at home

Rinaldi offers a simple guide to creating a flower arrangement. 

Visit a market 

Handling flowers before you buy them matters. Hold different bunches together, looking for combinations of texture and colour that feel harmonious, and don't be afraid of contrast – just be considerate in your choices. 

Start with a showstopper 

Choose one flower you want to build around – something in a colour, texture or form that draws you in. Let the rest of the arrangement follow from it.

Condition flowers well 

Trim stems to fit the vessel. With a rounder vessel, like the candle vessel, a lower, denser arrangement tends to have more presence. Remove any leaves that will sit below the waterline, as they decay quickly and shorten the life of the whole arrangement.

Refresh the water regularly

Trim stems at an angle each time. If a flower begins to droop, cut the stem again, place it briefly in warm water, then transfer it to cold to revive it.

Follow your instinct 

There are very few rules worth following, apart from to always buy seasonally and that even something imperfect is valid. Follow your instincts and arrange in ways you find beautiful – don’t try to replicate someone else’s ideal.