Australian Wearable Arts

Creating Floral Couture for the Australian Wearable Art Festival Runway

The Australian Wearable Art Festival has always been a celebration of innovation and creativity, and this year, I was honored to open the runway show with a collection of floral couture designed to inspire both awe and joy.

This project was a labor of love, combining the theatricality of high fashion with the unbridled beauty of nature.

www.juliarose.com.au

A Runway Reimagined

When tasked with setting the tone for the festival, I envisioned a performance that was more than a traditional runway walk.

I wanted something interactive, something that would dissolve the invisible barrier between the audience and the art.

My troop of models emerged in a striking procession, their movements initially poised and graceful. But as the music shifted, so did the energy.

To the beats of Kiss – I Was Made for Lovin’ You and We Will Rock You by Queen, the models broke into a playful dance routine.

They wiggled, they giggled, and their joy became contagious, encouraging the audience to stomp, clap, and join in. The crowd’s enthusiastic participation turned the performance into an electrifying communal experience.

The Collection: Rock and Roll Meets Floral Fantasy

The collection consisted of four bold designs that married rock and roll edginess with floral opulence. Each piece was a statement, meticulously crafted to evoke both rebellion and romance. Here’s what made them stand out:

  • Hot Pink Extravagance: Faux fur and satin in vibrant hot pink served as the base, radiating energy and confidence.
  • Blue Accents: Strategic pops of blue provided a cool contrast, adding depth and dynamism to the designs.
  • Rock-Inspired Details: Shredded materials, metallic studs, and leather brought a rebellious edge, grounding the floral elements in a rock and roll aesthetic.
  • Lashings of Tulle: Cascading layers of vibrant tulle added volume and drama, enhancing the visual impact as the models moved.

Florals with Flair

No floral couture collection would be complete without an abundance of flowers, and these designs were no exception. Using a mix of faux blooms, the pieces featured decadent roses, dahlias, orchids, and hydrangeas.

The richness of the floral textures created a stunning juxtaposition with the edgier rock elements, showcasing the versatility and beauty of wearable floral art.

Audience Reaction

As the performance unfolded, the audience’s response was nothing short of exhilarating. Encouraged to stomp and clap along, they became an integral part of the experience.

The blend of music, movement, and floral artistry struck a chord, creating an atmosphere of pure joy and connection. It was a reminder of how wearable art can transcend the boundaries of traditional fashion and performance.

Behind the Scenes

Designing this collection was a journey of experimentation and storytelling. Each piece was meticulously planned to balance softness and edge, nature and rebellion. From the selection of faux flowers to the placement of every stud and the fluff of every tulle layer, the process was as creative as the final result was striking.

A Moment to Remember

Opening the Australian Wearable Art Festival with this collection was a blast!

It was a celebration of color, movement, and community—a moment where art came alive on the runway and spilled into the audience.

For more behind-the-scenes insights and a closer look at the designs, check out the collection on Instagram here. And don’t forget to give us some social love!

We love your lovin’.

New York Fashion Week

Floral Couture on Runway 7 at Sony Hall 

Blooming Big Apple Dreams: Our New York Fashion Week Adventures

New York City, the city that never sleeps, became the backdrop for one of the most exciting chapters in our floral couture journey. 

From garden roses to red carpets, we brought our floral artistry to the global stage of New York Fashion Week (NYFW). 

Here’s a look at our creative adventure, filled with creativity, chaos, and couture that bloomed in the Big Apple.

From Petals to Pavement: Prepping for NYFW

Stepping into NYFW for Runway 7 was a whirlwind of opportunity and excitement. Months of meticulous planning, designing, and sourcing led to this moment.

With the generous support of partners like Malima, RosaPrima, Jetfresh, we had access to an abundance of exquisite garden roses, lashings of textural Greenery and masses of delightful colored gypsophila. 

Our team, fueled by coffee and creativity, transformed heaps of blooms into wearable art. Imagine a studio bursting with petals, scissors snipping in rhythm, and the occasional panicked shout of, “Where’s the floral wire?!” — all part of the pre-show buzz.

The Runway: Where Fashion Meets Florals

On the big day, the energy was electric. The models from Yanii Models, with their grace and poise, became living canvases for our creations. As they walked the Red Carpet draped in floral couture, the audience was captivated by the fusion of fashion and floristry.

Oasis supported us with the base structures of all our creations, their product was the skeleton, the boning of our Couture . 

Design Master allowed us to change the colours of our creations, dramatizing depth and movement, stealing the spotlight. 

Vibrant hues and velvety tones became a symbol of bold elegance, perfectly embodying the Rock edge fashion fierceness we wanted to showcase. 

Cameras flashed, jaws dropped, and whispers of admiration filled the air. It was a moment we’ll never forget.

Media Madness and Memorable Moments

The media reception at Runway 7 was beyond our wildest dreams. 

Our floral gowns graced the pages of fashion blogs and social media feeds, drawing attention from industry insiders and flower lovers alike. 

The contrast of our lush, delicate blooms against the towering city skyline created a striking visual story, reminding everyone to pause and enjoy the beauty amidst the chaos. 

Our pieces embodied an infusion of rock-and-roll edge with the elegance of nature, proving that bold and beautiful go hand in hand.

Behind the scenes, Rod, Shamay, and Neely worked tirelessly with Julia Rose at Aura Hotel to bring her vision to life. Their dedication and teamwork ensured every floral couture piece was nothing short of spectacular.

Why Book Us for Your Event?

If NYFW taught us anything, it’s that flowers have the power to turn heads, spark conversations, and create unforgettable moments. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or photoshoot, our team specializes in transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences with floral couture and installations.

From bold statement pieces to intricate details, we bring a unique, artistic touch that will leave your guests in awe. Let us help you make your event bloom as beautifully as our NYFW designs.

Let’s Create Magic Together

We’re back home, but the buzz of NYFW still lingers in our studio. If you’re inspired by what you’ve seen and want to bring the magic of floral couture to your event, we’d love to hear from you.

Ready to make your next event a masterpiece? Contact us today to discuss your vision. Let’s create something unforgettable, together.

HARD COVER BOOK – ORDER 

Colour My World Joy, Creativity, and a Life Surrounded by Flowers

ORDER YOUR COPY HERE

$49.95AU + Postage 

Colour My World Joy, Creativity, and a Life Surrounded by Flowers

From her earliest days, renowned floral designer Julia Rose has been inspired by
beauty, creativity and, yes, flowers. In “Colour My World,” Rose shares those passions
through her warm, often whimsical personal stories and glimpses behind the floral
design curtain.

Born in Australia, Rose fell in love with creativity and art early in her life and throughout
formative years of exploration, traipsing through rainforests, snorkelling the Great Barrier
Reef and strolling along golden beaches. She’s always loved to paint, weave, carve and
sculpt, but flowers became her medium of choice. 

Her lavish floral couture designs have taken over the world’s fashion runways, and her creative public floral installations have inspired joy in others, giving Rose the inspiration she thrives on to continually create.
“Colour My World” captures Julia Rose’s singular approach to floral design – both in
stunning images and sweetly told tales – and mixes it with a dash here and there of the
colorful, creative life she’s lived thus far. 

Its pages take you along Rose’s vibrant journey, from her early stomping grounds in Newcastle to worldwide fashion runways, red carpets and festivals and back to her bucolic farm in Australia, where she finds the inspiration to fuel her floral magic.

Impressions

Wearable Art Festival

IMPRESSIONS by Julia Rose

Featured on the Australian Wearable Arts Festival Runway
Featured in Cabinet de l’Art Russia, Malvie Magazine, French Feature in Moevir Paris
Exhibited at Caloundra Regional Gallery & Floriade

This Floral Couture piece features a mass of silk flowers meticulously stitched together on a base of leather, linens, sequins and faux fur.

I designed this Floral couture piece whilst isolated in the March floods of 2022.

A CLOSER LOOK 🖤

Designed whilst isolated by the continuing flood waters.

As you know, I always design in fresh flowers. However this time Mother Nature decided not to give me that opportunity. Flooding me in, yet again.

My whole concept had to change just over a week out from the Show.

I cut up my cats house for the heavy wire. I raided my cupboard for clothes and chopped into furnishings. Finding all the Leathers, linens and faux fur I could to bring my vision to life.

This piece is fully lined and finished with meticulous details.

I treated the flowers to give them a leathery look.

Wearable Art Festival

And that was just the design element.

The model and I spent hours behind the scenes choreographing the character that had to be embodied to bring the piece to life.

Wearable Art Festival

Then there were the creative discussions with the photographer in regards to the capturing of the piece. Yes you know it, we did a side shoot!

Many many hours of stitching, weaving and crafting went into this piece.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we all enjoyed bringing it to life.

‘Impressions’ by Julia Rose

Did you know you can hire this piece for photoshoots, runways, red carpets.
Put your own creative spin on this design, by capturing it In your unique style?

Runway Photoshoot: Barry Alsop

Shoot Photos: Colin Mclellan

Model: Tanaya McCarey

Flowers by Julia Rose

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Michigan – USA

Adventure to America: Grand Rapids – Michigan

A Journey of Creativity to GLFEE 

As a floral artist, I have always been captivated by the boundless beauty of nature and the endless possibilities of artistic expression.

 When the opportunity arose to embark on an adventure to America for GLFEE – ‘The Great Lakes Floral Event Expo’ I knew that this would be the perfect chance to explore new landscapes, meet fellow artists, and immerse myself in the vibrant culture of the United States. 

Upon arriving in America, I was immediately struck by the sheer scale of the cities, Los Angeles was a wild urban jungle, however it was the variety of flora that I encountered that delighted me most! 

I knew straight away I wanted to create a piece of Floral Couture and capture in the Urban landscape. The thought of the contrast made my creative soul stir with excitement.

I was imagining Divine Garden Roses, set against hard cold concrete. 

Collaborating with Fellow Artists
I found a Photographer in the state of Michigan, whose style matched my vision perfectly! 

Next up came the selection of model. I needed someone just right, as she is the canvas from which I conceptualise the whole Flower gown around.

She is an essential part of the story. 

The collaboration took place Grand Rapids, Michigan State.

I teamed up with a talented photographer @intricate_exposures and model @itsnatrios to capture a piece of Floral Couture I designed on the Main Stage at the Grand Rapids Floral Event Expo.

A gown designed from Fresh Roses and Greenery. Decadent Floral headpiece.

A Fresh Flower gown! Created from a delightful mixture of Fresh Columbian Garden Roses, nestled in an abundance of Greenery!

I deconstructed the stage piece and reconstructed it on the streets of the city.

Excited to capture the Decadent floral gown against an urban landscape!

We ventured to the Steps of the Grand Rapids Art Gallery…and the magic was made.

As my adventure to America ended, I found myself filled with a sense of inspiration and creativity. The diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and creative collaborations that I experienced during my journey have left an indelible mark on my artistic practice.

Created by Flowers by Julia Rose in Michigan at @greatlakesfloral
Photographed on the stairs of the @grartmuseum
Featuring roses from @alexandrafarms

WFC – BALI

Runway - Julia Rose's Floral couture design features on the Runway in Indonesia - Fashion from Flowers and up cycled items
World Flower Summit – Indonesia

Here is a little bit of what we got up to when we recently headed over to the gorgeous tropical island of Bali, in Indonesia, for the 2019 World Flower Summit.
Each country was given a prop. A handmade item, utilised in day to day life by the Balinese people. 
We had to upcycle our given prop and work it into our design. 

Our prop was a beautiful woven fishing basket, it was almost a shame to reshape it as it would have made a fantastic lampshade! But I cut into it, weaving, and manipulating its form into a piece I could use as a base to design my fresh floral couture on. It was ready to attach flowers to! 

The next day I walked into the Westin with my transformed fishing basket in hand ready to adorn it with fresh flowers and bring my vision to life! Thanks to my awesome team powering down, we created a skirt, headpiece and shoulder throw…. all from one little fishing basket. 

Thank you to Wfc Indonesia for organising such a magnificent event! 
And, Thank you to Flormart for the simply stunning fresh flowers! 

Last but not least…..Thank you to the World Flower Council for giving us the opportunity to not only meet but also design alongside many international Master floral designers. We were truly inspired!

Featured at WORLD FLOWER SUMMIT 2019 for the World Flower Council 

Summit Location: Bali, Indonesia WESTIN, Marriot – Nusa Dua

Flowers supplied by Flormart Indonesia

Wearable art. ARTIST. Floral Designer. Master. Floral Couture. Runway. Floral Artist. Creative. Demonstration. Workshops. Wearables. Fashion.

Flowers by Julia Rose.

Spectacular Spectacular’

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

Spectacular Spectacular’ is perfectly peculiar. 

Spectacular Spectacular by Julia Rose Created at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2023

Conceptualised and created by Artist Julia Rose this exhibit is a delightfully intriguing theatrical interactive installation created for fun.

Its quirky and left-of-centre feel, features no less than an enchanting, dancing piglet in a floral tutu and sweet little flower crown, a clown with the wildest flower hair, plus a fortune teller in a fresh floral gown. 

Julia Rose conducted two main stage demonstrations at the 

Melbourne International flower and garden show; 

The demonstrations feature floral couture designs, intricately exquisite fashion-infused fresh flower gowns, shoulder pads and stunning over-the-top floral headpieces. 

After the main stage demonstrations, Julia Rose guides her models into the crowd, where visitors can take see these pieces up close and are welcome to take photos with them. 

Julia Rose and her team then head off for a photo shoot

within the grounds of the Carlton Gardens. 

Julia Rose conducted five days of workshops on site 83, level 2 in the great hall of flowers. From simple sweet flower crowns for garden and flower lovers, to sessions of random weaving and over-the-top headpieces! Sessions were held daily. 

As a treat, we held a one-night session on Friday as part of the night gardens and flowers after dark experience.

OUR PARTNERS

Behind this extravaganza of beauty and fun. 

Bloom Into You Flower Farm is set in glorious Flowerdale, Victoria. A chemical-free flower grower using insect and microbe-friendly methods, committed to producing high-quality, environmentally responsible flowers for the floristry, wedding, and events industry. 

Premium Greens Australia, based in the stunning hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, Qld, has specialised in the harvest, production, and supply of unique cut native foliage and flowers for customers in Australia and around the world since 1989 . From their facilities throughout Queensland, unique native foliage is sustainably harvested, hand graded, and carefully packed; to provide the floral industry worldwide with a premium quality product all year round. 

Gary And The Blue Bear is set in the foothills of the Tweed Hinterland, creating beautiful and lovingly handcrafted sustainable furniture. Designed from locally sourced Australian hardwood, pieces are custom-sized to fit your space perfectly. Each piece has its own unique character to be treasured family keepsakes. 

Agra Wool Sideau®. Bases in the Netherlands AgraWool Sideau® produces 100% biodegradable floral foam alternative known as Earthwool, a natural product made from basalt. In contrast to floral foam, which is made from oil derivatives and phenol resin (plastic), Sideau® is fully biodegradable and perfectly suited for florists and flower arrangers who want to use a fully environmentally friendly base for their creations. 

HARD COVER BOOK – ORDER

Colour My World Joy, Creativity, and a Life Surrounded by Flowers

ORDER YOUR COPY HERE

$49.95AU + Postage 

Colour My World Joy, Creativity, and a Life Surrounded by Flowers

From her earliest days, renowned floral designer Julia Rose has been inspired by
beauty, creativity and, yes, flowers. In “Colour My World,” Rose shares those passions
through her warm, often whimsical personal stories and glimpses behind the floral
design curtain.

Born in Australia, Rose fell in love with creativity and art early in her life and throughout
formative years of exploration, traipsing through rainforests, snorkelling the Great Barrier
Reef and strolling along golden beaches. She’s always loved to paint, weave, carve and
sculpt, but flowers became her medium of choice. 

Her lavish floral couture designs have taken over the world’s fashion runways, and her creative public floral installations have inspired joy in others, giving Rose the inspiration she thrives on to continually create.
“Colour My World” captures Julia Rose’s singular approach to floral design – both in
stunning images and sweetly told tales – and mixes it with a dash here and there of the
colorful, creative life she’s lived thus far. 

Its pages take you along Rose’s vibrant journey, from her early stomping grounds in Newcastle to worldwide fashion runways, red carpets and festivals and back to her bucolic farm in Australia, where she finds the inspiration to fuel her floral magic.