Whenever I travel to London, I visit Covent Garden, the lively shopping and dining area in the heart of the theater district. The skylit Apple Market, filled with shops and booths, is always a surprise. Look what I discovered in October. The Fleurs de Villes competition put the garden quite literally in Covent Garden.
Once inside the Apple Market, I had to take a second look. White mannequins stood on tables in various poses. Flora and fauna covered the models with the most amazing dress designs.
One was a replica of a dress in the Royal Ballet. The designer replaced wilted blooms and refreshed his living art project.
Amie Bone Flowers took first place.
They had to look fresh all weekend. I’m sure there was some magic involved.
She should have been holding a crystal ball.
Marie Antoinette or Mother Goose? Either way, I love it.
I love this mannequin’s attitude. Bring it world!
Using a spray bottle must help but I would worry too. This was Friday and the living couture had to last until Sunday.
This one has a Polynesian feel with its grasses and reeds.
Fleurs de Ville is a traveling show. Next stop, Toronto in April.
This entry got my vote.
Located between Charing Cross and Drury Lane, Covent Garden got its start in civilization as walled-off land used by Westminster Abbey for crops and orchards in the 1200’s. Somehow or other, the gardens of the Abbey’s convent, dropped the n and became Covent Garden. Something to do with the accent, perhaps?
Henry the VIII seized the property from the Abbey in 1552 and developed fancy-like housing to attract a high-end clientele. This architecture became the standard for estates and towns built thereafter, according to Wikipedia.
By 1654, fruit and vegetable stands lined the marketplace and the once fashionable square slid into disrepair and repute. It soon became a red light district.
In 1830 the area was “reorganized” by Parliament. They cleaned house and hosed it down. Architect, Charles Fowler, erected the neo-classical, Covent Garden Market building.
In 1974, the market relocated since traffic became congested. The Covent Garden Market reopened in 1980 and became a prime tourist location. It’s on the top of my things to do list every time I come to London.
There’s alway so much to discover in Covent Garden. One time, we had tea at the Laduree.
With high-end and marketplace shopping, theater, and restaurants, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your visit too.
Have you ever been to Covent Garden? Have you ever seen living dresses? Is London on your bucket list?
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Gorgeous.
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The floral displays were breath-taking. Eye candy for the soul.
Thanks for stopping by, Jay!
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Been to Covent Garden countless times and its a fabulous place, full of life and so many great little shops and bars. The Fleurs De Villes displays look amazing and what a wonderful place to present it. Love all the history you’ve found out too, wasn’t aware of any of that. Great post Susie.
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Thanks so much, Jonno!
With so much gorgeous eye candy, I had a hard time leaving.
I was glad that I looked up the history since I wasn’t aware either. Interesting place, London. Thanks so much!
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A great post – I love these travel/history blogs, where I get to see terrific displays like this with a nice touch of history thrown in for perspective – bravo!
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Thanks John and for the tweetage!
I enjoyed putting it together too. Henry sure made an impact during his reign, rolling heads included. 🙂
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Indeed!
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Absolutely beautiful to look at. But can you imagine if you really had to wear one of those outfits? The little bugs crawling around in there…. (chuckling, but I’m still blown away by how beautiful it is in spite of that).
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Itchy scratchy!!! Yes, in the line of Gaga’s meat dress but euwwww. In comparison, I would wear flowers any day.
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Yes, yes, YES!
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Okay, now I need to shower. 🙂
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LOL
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Still scratching.
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Loved this, I would wear every single one of them LOLOL
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I loved the hats too! They were so inspirational. Thanks, Linda!
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Id love to see this done somewhere..
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It will be in Toronto this April.
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These are just gorgeous! I’ve never seen anything like them! Thanks so much for sharing.
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Thanks so much for stopping by, RCD. They were beyond eye candy so I had a hard time leaving. 🙂
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Great post ! Fantastic pictures. I love Covent Garden, it has such an energy and buzz about it. Thanks for sharing 😊
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I know what you mean about Covent Garden’s energy. Thanks so much for stopping by, GL!
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I’ve been to Covent Garden but in October. There weren’t that many flowers! But they are beautiful.
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This took place the second week in October. The “gowns” and hats were beautiful! Thanks for reading, Jan!
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Wow! Stunning! Reminds me of the annual flower show in Boston my mother would take us to when we were kids. Thanks for the history lesson and tour of the Covent Garden. If I’m ever in London I’ll have to visit.
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You should! There’s such a cool energy there. Musicians play in one of the markets. Buskers do their thing to entertain in the plaza, and lots of happy people just take it all in.
Thanks so much, Susan! Great to see you.
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These are stunning Susie!
I love that Covent Garden so often has interesting things on display like this! It is always a pleasure to take a detour there to see what is going on. I have never seen anything quite like those dresses though. They must have smelt wonderful!
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The floral couture was stunning and it did smell very fresh. I had a hard time trying to take it all in! Thanks so much for stopping by, Josy!
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I have very happy memories of times with friends in Covent Garden. Thank you for reminding me!
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I’m so glad, Orla! I had no idea it had been a red light district at one time. When they cleaned house, they got out the hose. 🙂 I would love to grab a bite to eat and listen to the musicians some time. There’s always so much to see and do in London. I feel I’ve only scratched the surface.
Thanks for stopping by!
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Nice as always!
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My SIL and our nephews live in London. If we leave from our NYC home it’s 5.5 hours. The only place we go repeatedly is Ronnie Scotts. Or, to the grocery store.
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You’re so lucky, Ray! Any excuse to go and I’m out the door. It’s a longer flight, but it’s been super cheap. I’ll have to check out Ronnie Scotts next time!
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I’m going to keep an eye out for this show when it comes to Toronto in April. It sounds amazing. Thanks for telling us about it.
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It really is eye candy for the soul. I tried to capture it on film, but didn’t do the texture justice. The combination of colors of flowers and leaves was stunning. Thanks for reading, Lydia.
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I have been to Covent Gardens and agree it is a delightful place for many reasons. Didn’t know the history though so thank you for that.
If I wore dresses, those would be something to try. Well, actually I do, but only late at night and after Patty is asleep. But please keep that between us. And the same for your 25,000 followers.
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Hahaha! Your secret is safe with me. High heels or flats?
Europe’s history is so interesting and filled with so many surprises. Compared to London, Denver is brand spanking new!
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I’ve never been to London and have never seen anything quite like this before! Wow! Thanks for sharing!
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You would love London, Denise. I’ve been there a few times and am just starting to get my bearings. I found it best to walk so I don’t ever miss anything! It’s full of history in its nooks and crannies. No wonder so many writers are inspired there. Thanks for reading!
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I absolutely love finding things like this, so clever and colourful! Fab to see in the flesh and I also love Covent Garden. Have pinned this Susie.
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Thanks so much, Deb! Yes, seeing them live with all the color and texture really was amazing.
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i really didn’t know that much about Covent Garden, so thank you for sharing about it. Gorgeous! Simply gorgeous!
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It really is a fun place to visit. I hope you get to travel there sometime!
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This place is fascinating to start with – but with this display – wow- reminds me of The Green Man and floral myths. great pictures!
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I’ll have to look that up. 😀Thanks so much, Phil!
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Loverly. :O)
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