Budding Interests

Saskia Havekes, Sydney’s Queen Of Flowers, Lets Us Into Her Home And Studio, And Gives Us The Lowdown On Florals, Fragrance And The Perfect Handwritten Note

- Elle Lovelock

WHETHER IT’S A SPECIAL EVENT, A GIFT or simply a pretty posy for the dining table, Grandiflora is the go-to florist in Sydney. It was founded 23 years ago by Saskia Havekes and the tiny Potts Point shop has remained mostly untouched since then. “It was a drycleaner before we moved in and it was pretty dodgy,” Saskia says. “We had to take the ceiling out and were literally on our hands and knees chipping away at the floor – we did all the design ourselves.” But while the decor was shabby, the space had charm; Saskia loved the curved front window and the Art Deco feeling. Plus, the location offered closeness to the city with a village environment.

Saskia’s arts and crafts-style home in Woollahra, which she shares with husband Gary and daughters Ginger and Sunday, is just as charming, filled with beautiful antiques and art, along with a vast collection of vases! “We’ve lived here for 17 years. When we first moved in, we felt like we had already lived here for a long time,” Saskia says. “It’s not the sort of house that would suit a lot of people. It’s very irregular in its shape, and it’s not a traditional family-sized home, but we love it.”

SASKIA’S SCENTED WORLD

How did you segue into fragrances? 

I have forever been fascinated with the natural scent of flowers. My obsession lies mainly with capturing the transient blooms in the form of perfume for the world to share and experience; to encourage a connection with the natural world using fragrance as a trigger. I was aware of how to start the journey after I approached the fragrance historian, Michael Edwards. He cleverly introduced me to Sandrine Videault, our first nose, who helped create the first interpretation of Magnolia Grandiflora – my heaven flower, my most favourite bloom.