Maison Fleur, a trio of sophisticated floral boutiques in Brisbane, embodies elegance, style, and seasonal beauty. Co-founded by world-renowned floral designer Bart Hassam—winner of the 2019 World Cup of Floral Design and a five-time Australian Florist of the Year—and seasoned entrepreneur Carolyn Williamson, the brand brings an international, refined aesthetic to the heart of the city.
Recently, Bart shared insights into Maison Fleur’s vision for the festive season, focusing on a unique “Summer Christmas” philosophy that adapts traditional holiday motifs to Brisbane’s specific climate.
The New Festive Palette: Elegance Over Tradition
In a departure from the heavy, high-contrast reds and greens typical of a European holiday, Maison Fleur has pioneered a “lighter and cooler” aesthetic designed specifically for the Brisbane summer climate. Bart Hassam explains that, while the boutiques still embrace traditional textures like blue spruce and holly, they favour a sophisticated palette of whites, creams, beiges, and fawns. This move towards more subtle, tonal colours provides a refreshing and refined feel that contrasts with the bold styles often found in grocery stores, ensuring a Maison Fleur arrangement remains a distinctively elegant statement in any home.
Summer Signature: The Resilient Florum Lily
For those seeking the perfect holiday gift, the long, trumpet-shaped Florum lily (Lilium longiflorum) stands out as a seasonal favourite at Maison Fleur. Beyond its deep roots in Christmas iconography, people prise this specific variety for its incredible durability in the intense Queensland heat. Bart notes that these lilies can be delivered as late as December 22nd and will remain vibrant and open for up to two weeks, making them a practical yet stunning choice for a gift that lasts well into the New Year.
Pro Tips for Your Home: The Power of Simplicity
For home enthusiasts looking to create their own festive displays, Bart’s primary advice is to resist the urge to overcomplicate. He champions a “one variety” rule, suggesting that choosing a single type of flower—such as a mass of lilies, orchids, or even just architectural branches of blue spruce—often creates a more spectacular and high-impact look than a complex, multi-floral arrangement. By paring back the materials and focusing on quality, anyone can achieve a professional, refined result that mirrors the minimalist elegance found in Maison Fleur’s own boutiques.
The Maison Fleur Promise: A Legacy of Excellence
Maison Fleur is defined by a steadfast commitment to quality, consistency, and artistic integrity. As Bart Hassam notes, the brand aligns its philosophy with luxury houses like Chanel, maintaining a no-discount policy to ensure that the value of their premium, hand-selected materials is never diminished. This dedication to high standards is why the team remains cautious about rapid expansion, focusing on the high level of craftsmanship that has made their three Brisbane boutiques local icons.
Maison Fleur’s vision was to fuse a contemporary aesthetic with classic holiday motifs and global design inspirations. Beyond the boutiques, their influence extends into the heart of Brisbane’s cultural scene through prestigious partnerships, such as their work with the Queensland Ballet. This includes:
- Curating a unified floral aesthetic for the company’s premier events and private functions throughout the year.
- Artistic Alignment: Designing for opening nights and after-parties where the brands’ values of elegance and grace align perfectly.
Whether it is a grand wedding, a corporate opening, or a simple, single-variety arrangement for a local apartment, the Maison Fleur touch remains an unmistakable mark of Brisbane’s finest floral design.
For more information on Maison Fleur, visit www.maisonfleur.com.au
