Aylesbury florist helps win Best in Show at Fleurs de Villes DIANA

Aylesbury florist Kerrie Raines has helped bring one of Princess Diana’s most iconic looks to life in flowers as part of the spectacular Fleurs de Villes DIANA exhibition at Somerset House in London.

Kerrie, of The Flower House in Aylesbury, joined fellow florists Nicola Armstrong and Donna Cornish to create a floral mannequin on behalf of the British Florist Association.

Their design was inspired by the striking white and gold gown created by British designers David and Elizabeth Emanuel and worn by Diana, Princess of Wales.

Using a combination of fresh flowers, dried materials and intricate floral techniques, the team transformed their mannequin into a floral interpretation of the famous look, right down to the carefully created hair and detailing.

The team’s work was rewarded when their mannequin was awarded Best in Show.

Kerrie said the experience had been an incredible opportunity to celebrate both Princess Diana and the artistry involved in modern floristry.

“Being part of Fleurs de Villes DIANA was such a special experience. So much work goes into creating these mannequins and seeing everything come together at Somerset House was amazing.

“To then find out that we had won Best in Show was the icing on the cake. Nicola, Donna and I worked so closely as a team and we are incredibly proud of what we created.”

Fleurs de Villes is known internationally for its spectacular floral exhibitions, bringing together leading florists and designers to recreate fashion, culture and history entirely through flowers.

The DIANA exhibition celebrates the life, style and legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales through a collection of floral mannequins, each inspired by a memorable outfit or moment from her life.

For Kerrie, who runs her floristry business from her home studio in Aylesbury as well as working within the wider floristry industry, the project was another opportunity to showcase the creativity and technical skill behind professional floristry.

She added: “People often think of floristry as bouquets and arrangements, but events like Fleurs de Villes show just how creative and artistic the industry can be. These pieces are essentially floral sculptures, and it was fantastic to see so many talented florists coming together in one place.”

Fleurs de Villes DIANA is on display at Somerset House in London until 6 October 2026.