If you’re like us, the only reason we would be sitting in front of the television on New Year’s Day would be to watch the Tournament of Roses Parade which takes place every year in Pasadena, California.  We are always amazed at the floral fantasy of the floats and little did we know that J. Keith White AIFD, Creative Director of one of our best silk flower sources, is also the talent behind the FTD VIP Car Designs.

J. Keith White

Keith is a visionary of flowers, known for his extraordinary sense of color and texture and his combination of the modern with the traditional.  As a designer and member of a number of floral organizations including AIFD, the California Cut Flower Commission and the FTD Education Design Team, Keith travels the world participating in various projects and programs. 

TOR - Close-up of Hall of Fame Car

TOR - Mayor's Car

TOR - Close-up of Mayor's Car

TOR - Grand Marshal "Sully" Sullenberger Car

TOR - President's Car

Along with decorating the VIP cars for the Tournament of Roses, Keith has recently collaborated on a book with Florists’ Review on wedding bouquets and will be representing the United States in the 2010 Interflora World Cup, a prestigious floristry and floral art competition, in Shanghai, China this March.

Keith White's New Weave Wedding Bouquet

While Keith loves our designs in silk, we have to say the admiration is mutual and we are so pleased that he collaborated on this Q & A.

1.   What did you want to be when you were a child?
Actor or Doctor…  guess I have the best of both now.  Presenting beautiful designs around the world with a surgeon’s precision.

2.   What is your necessary luxury?
Mmmm…  Chocolate.

3.   What is your favorite decorating accessory?
Chinese Antiques - small tables and artifacts - vases, bowls and statues.

4.   Where do you window shop?
Planet Earth…  it is a small planet and so much to see.  There is so much to take in for inspiration.

5.   What makes a house a home?
Personal treasured items that have a story behind them…  and of course, flowers!

6.   What is the most enjoyable part of your day?
At home, bedtime…  surrounded by peace and quiet on my ranch.  When traveling, waking up to a new adventure.

7.   What is your favorite flower?
My life is flowers…  so always what is in my hand as I’m designing.

8.   If you were a cocktail, what would you be?
Scotch Martini…  to the point - pure and simple!

9.   If your life were made into a movie, what would be the title and who would play your part?
“Million Stems”, starring Pierce Brosnan.

10.  Name one thing from your “Bucket List”.
A home in Paris.

Thank you, Keith, for your beautiful fresh (and silk!) creations.  To see more of Keith’s fabulous flowers, click here for video highlights of the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade.

Photos from J. Keith White and Florists’ Review