Florals Are In Fashion This Week at Bayshore Shopping Centre

Photos by Isabel Payne

Fleurs de Villes has made a return to Ottawa! Marking their second year in Ottawa, Fleurs de Villes combines floral art with high fashion, showcasing the work of each city’s top florists, stylists and nurseries to exhibit the best each city has to offer. This year’s stop in Ottawa comes right after their first stop in Quebec and will be held once again at Bayshore Shopping Centre from April 18^th to 22^nd. Shoppers can expect to see some amazing local talent from Ottawa-based florists and witness their ability to transform freshly cut flowers into gorgeous, highly-fashionable dresses. Visitors are encouraged to get up close and personal with the details of each dress and can even vote on their favourite mannequin to win exclusive prizes!

This year, over a dozen local florists have created stunning works of art that make you wish you could just strut around in them all day every day. Each mannequin is jam packed with detail, from small animals to cute shoes and accessories—all 100% made of fresh flowers and plant materials. For all dog lovers, there is also a tiny little plant-based pug that has been stealing hearts left and right!

The event opened last night at with a VIP launch event, where a panel of judges voted on this year’s recipients for the show’s awards. Shoppers will also get to cast their own votes now through the 22^nd for the Fan Favourite award!

This year’s award winners are as follows:

Most Realistic award: Beaudry Flowers for their colourful, succulent-adorned Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation mannequin.

Most creative award: Fresh Flower and Gift Emporium for their beautiful mermaid-themed Cheo mannequin.

Best in Show award: Alta Vista Flowers for their gorgeous Oscar de la Renta inspired dress sponsored by the Canadian Tulip Festival.

Florist Favourite Award: Mill Street Florist for their bright and chic Au Natural Spa mannequin.

Our favourite? It’s tough to decide since all mannequins are crazy beautiful, but we felt ourselves gravitate towards the Look Good Feel Better mannequin designed by The Planted Arrow Flowers & Gifts as well as the stunning mermaid mannequin by Fresh Flower and Gift Emporium (tip: look for the adorable pair of shoes she is pining over)!

You can follow the cross-country tour on Instagram at @fleursdevilles and if you do go check it out (which you should), be sure to use the hashtag #FDVBayshore on any posts you share on social media!

Can’t make it to the show? Bayshore will also be hosting a flower market on May 6^th, where shoppers can purchase fresh cut flowers, potted plants and other gardening supplies to brighten their homes.