Michele Stueven
Just in time for the long-awaited season four premiere of the HBO original series The Gilded Age on Sunday, Nov. 1, Fleurs de Villes THE GILDED AGE floral exhibition opens today at the historic Greystone Mansion and Gardens in Beverly Hills
More than a dozen local florists have reimagined the cast and the opulence of late 19th-century New York through a collection of one-of-a-kind mannequins dressed in thousands of fresh blooms inspired by the fashion, characters, and drama of the series. Built in 1928, the Doheny Family’s Greystone Mansion is the perfect setting for the breathtaking design showcase. The exhibit runs through the great hall, breakfast room, kitchen, dining room, library, card room, living room, and terrace.
“Hundreds of hours go into one model,” Fleurs de Villes founder Karen Marshall tells LA Weekly in the historic mansion’s great hall, with towering figures of George and Bertha Russell. “First, the florists get their installation photo from the HBO Gilded Age team, when they study the characters to fit the flora. There are hours spent planning, and the florists get the mannequins two weeks in advance, and they have eight hours on the day to set up.”
Peggy Scott (Michele Stueven)
Some are done with dried material and freshly picked flowers. Hydrangea petals are picked apart and then hand-glued onto the mannequins. For the male figures, tropical Ti leaves, magnolia, and eucalyptus leaves are sprayed with different colors, and white preserved Skeleton leaves make up shirts. The hair on every model is botanical hair, no wigs.
Even the floral staircase, which is a signature part of the show, is worthy of Bertha, and the scent of flowers meanders throughout the mansion.
Winners included:
“It’s a perishable art, but we refresh it every day or two days,” says Marshall, who will judge the 2027 Rose Parade. “We replace them when needed because we want people on the last day to get the same fresh experience. Some of the florists will keep the dried work. If it can’t be saved, it all goes into the compost. We believe that flowers can tell stories and that’s what we do here: bring these characters to life.”
Mrs. Astor (Michele Stueven)
The show runs through Wednesday, Nov. 4; get tickets here.
Gallery courtesy of Fleurs de Villes and Michele Stueven
The Gilded Age at Sunset on Friday, Oct. 30 is an exclusive after-hours experience at Greystone Mansion & Gardens, offering rare access to the venue and an elevated exhibition experience with champagne, live music, and charcuterie as the sun sets over Beverly Hills.
Other The Gilded Age Celebrations Across Beverly Hills Hotels include
- At the rooftop restaurant Above 60 at SIXTY Beverly Hills, share a toast with The Gilded Rose, an elegant cocktail featuring Hendrick’s Gin, St-Germain, rose syrup, fresh lemon, and sparkling wine, finished with an edible blossom and a touch of edible gold, available through Friday, Nov. 6.
- Vera’s Chantilly Lace Spritz (made in collaboration with Vera Wang Haute) is being served at Costa Covo Osteria in L’Ermitage, Beverly Hills. The cocktail features Vera Wang Party Prosecco, elderflower, honey, lemon, and a touch of shimmering gold glitter.
Agnes van Rhijn (Michele Stueven)
Aurora Fane (Michele Stueven)