Creating designs for any event on a strict deadline is tough. Now, imagine the stress if you were working on an event, being taped by a TV crew and being judged on your work — all at the same time. That's the exact situation three floral designers recently found themselves in when they participated in an episode of The Style Network's "Making It Big."

The show, which premiered March 5, featured three "up-and-coming" designers creating floral designs for a deluxe dinner party in just two hours. The prize for enduring the stress and creating the most beautiful designs? A chance to be mentored by celebrity floral designer Preston Bailey.

During the show, contestants designed a table centerpiece for a dinner party of 12; room décor for the dining room and entranceway; and a small gift for the six women at the party. As an extra challenge, they were tasked with creating a floral gift for a male guest.

During the process, contestants were monitored and judged by two industry experts, Rich Salvaggio, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, CAFA, publisher of Flowers& magazine, and Ruth Moyte, event planner for Extraordinary Events in Los Angeles. Floral Designer Hitomi Gilliam, AIFD, best known for combining art with flowers, also made a special appearance.

"Each of the designers had different strengths and weaknesses in their designs," Salvaggio says. "One of them had the best centerpiece because of its use of line and color.  Another one had the best entry and room décor — it was the most clever and accomplished very quickly. The third designer had their strength in the gift for the male guest as well as the a great concept for the small gifts for the women attending the dinner."

The winner was Cory Lonsert, AIFD, of Los Angeles, who's featured on the Web site's video of the show. 

Every week, "Making It Big" highlights professionals from a specific career, from costume designers to Broadway performers, and orchestrates a competition based on their skills. The show airs on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. EST.

 
--Kori Kamradt
kkamradt@safnow.org

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