Interview: Alison Whittle of Libertine Flowers

The Style Sheet: What led you to launch Libertine Flowers?

Alison Whittle: It was a combination of factors. I’d been working with Diane Nittke at Ellermann for four years, so I understood the floral standard and the level of detail you need to deliver detailed arrangements, and my 20 years with Lane Crawford also fuelled my desire to maintain this location in Pacific Place. It’s a gorgeous space with standout design details like the large walk-in fridge, all designed by Diane. It was also about the people — our boutique manager Mian is a talented and passionate florist who is so dedicated to her customers and her craft that we just had to continue.

How would you describe Libertine’s style?

We lean towards a more modern aesthetic with a focus on exceptional ingredients and powerful design. We aim to delight with our creative vision, and we strive to deliver a quality product sourced ethically.

This year your focus is on pine, firs and cypress. What inspired this trio?

The smell of ‘pinene’ derives from firs and pines. It’s that fresh, crisp, green aroma of a Christmas tree and, for me and many others, the essence of the season. I have a lasting memory of my brother’s winter wedding in a castle in England. On the floor was a combination of pine, cypress, firs and other festive botanicals. With every step, the aroma would fill the room. It was magical. It’s a scent that evokes nostalgia, warmth and celebration.

How do you bring a modern touch to elements like pine, firs and cypress?

Pine, fir and cypress are the thread that ties the collection together and complements the main floral elements. For example, the Snow Queen showcases banksia, famous for its unique cone-shaped flower spikes and woody cones. It’s a statement floral that takes centre stage. Paired with white dahlias, metallic anthurium, white feathers and side flowers, the bouquet evokes memories of cold, frost-filled winter dews. Our collection incorporates other foliage like asparagus ferns, ilex (holly) and amaryllis.

Cypress doesn’t have a strong aroma, but it lends texture and tonal variation. Cypress trees grow in warm, temperate and subtropical regions of Asia, Europe and North America. We have small and medium potted cypress trees that make great gifts and can be kept year to year.

Do you have any tips for making arrangements last longer at home?

Trim stems, remove any leaves below the waterline and change the water every two to three days. Keep arrangements out of direct sunlight and use the flower food provided. I’ve also used the Sprite method (a quarter cup of Sprite to one cup water) — the sugar provides food and the acidity helps with water absorption.

Any advice for choosing flowers for Christmas?

Christmas ignites all the senses, so the aroma is a key point — ensure you have green botanicals such as pine, fir, cypress or eucalyptus. And choose something long-lasting so you can focus on your family and guests rather than your arrangements. I always try to have one unifying element in the room — an ingredient that appears throughout.

What ceramics or homeware pieces do you love pairing with florals?

We have vessels that are extremely user-friendly. Our ikebana vessels by Jaime Hayon for Fritz Hansen make great gifts and work well for centrepieces. We carry pieces by Felicia Ferrone, including the Splash Vase and the Trio Candelabra, and we also have beautiful crystal vases in amber and smoke that are perfect for bouquets.

What’s your favourite festive tradition?

Most definitely the fresh Christmas tree and wreath every year! Although my son is older now, we loved seeing that Santa had been, with muddy boot marks on newspaper on the floor and a half-eaten mince pie. It’s been a tradition in my family for years.

Your top pick for a Libertine Flowers floral gift?

A bouquet in a vase is always a great gift. We offer these in our Christmas, contemporary and designer ranges. Pair one with a Claus candle from August&Piers for a perfect festive gift. Our potted mini trees and amaryllis plants in various colours are also beautiful. For a designer gift, the Fritz Hansen Ikebana vases are crafted to showcase florals and botanicals beautifully.

What’s your most memorable holiday memory, and how does it influence your designs?

I was born in Surrey, in the suburbs of London. Often it snowed at Christmas, and our garden would be a blanket of white. The silver birch tree would be bereft of leaves. My father would play Christmas songs, and we’d all dress the fresh Christmas tree. The smell of pine filled our house. This year’s collection is completely nostalgic for me.