Pursuitist founder Christopher Parr sat down with the exceptionally creative Jeff Leatham to discuss his latest book, “The Art of the Flower,” and his iconic career with the legendary Four Seasons hotel brand. Watch the exclusive interview with the renowned florist to the stars, including Kim Kardashian and Oprah. Additionally, Jeff has served as the Artistic Director at numerous Four Seasons Hotels, including those in Beverly Hills, Philadelphia, and George V in Paris.
You’ll also discover Jeff’s secret origin, his favorite hotel, destination, airline, and the ultimate Jeff Leatham travel tip.
The Pursuitist Interview with Jeff Leatham Begins Now:
About “The Art of the Flower”:
“Every milestone, special event, holiday, and celebration, Jeff has been there to help us create lasting memories with the most beautiful designs to remember them by.”
— Kim Kardashian, from the foreword
“Color, form, vibrancy, luxuriousness, opulence, fantasy, precision, out of this world scale, amazing, inspired, unexpected, utterly brilliant all words that describe Jeff Leatham’s ‘The Art of the Flower.’ Read the book and be as captivated as I.”
— Martha Stewart
Featuring celebrated florist Jeff Leatham’s favorite flower arrangements from throughout his renowned career, “The Art of the Flower” takes readers on a fragrant, floral journey. Dive into Jeff’s over-the-top and world-famous flower arrangements and installations.
Get an inside look at the arrangements and installations made for his A-list celebrity clientele. These include works for luxurious locations like the Four Seasons Hotels in Beverly Hills, Philadelphia, and Paris; the New York Botanical Gardens; the Philadelphia Flower Show; and Bloomingdale’s. “The Art of the Flower” vividly showcases Leatham’s most famous and award-winning floral tapestries with full-color photography.
Jeff Leatham + Christopher Parr Interview Highlights
Christopher Parr: Today, we’re talking to Jeff Leatham about his new book “The Art of the Flower”, available in bookstores and online. Jeff is a florist of the stars, from Kim Kardashian to Oprah. Jeff is also the artistic director for numerous Four Seasons Hotels, including Beverly Hills, Philadelphia, and Paris. Jeff, welcome. Please take us inside your new book “The Art of the Flower”.
Jeff Leatham: Thank you for having me. This is my fourth book, and it catches people up on what I’ve been up to over the last five to six years. It dives into various events, different design concepts, and the beautiful art installations we’ve created, all underlining that it’s not just about flowers – it’s about the art of the flower.
Christopher: Let’s discuss the process. Could you speak about the creative process and inspiration, particularly in Paris?
Jeff: Absolutely. In Paris, it’s all about pushing the limits and doing something we’ve never done before. It’s my 23rd year at the George V, and I’m as excited to create there now as I was in my first couple of years.
Christopher: That’s incredible. Let’s talk about the Four Seasons brand. Why are they successful in luxury hospitality, in your opinion? They’re one of our favorites.
Jeff: I’ve worked with the Four Seasons for 28 years, and it all started with the location at Beverly Hills. Isadore Sharp has placed a strong emphasis on flowers, as they provide a sense of home for guests and enhance the overall luxury experience. I knew I was working for the right company. I visited Pursutist a few days ago and it seems like you’ve spent a lot of time at the George V in Paris.
Christopher: Oh, I love spending time there. It’s one of my favorite destinations in the world. I recall one of your Valentine’s Day installations — it was mirrored cave – it was a truly beautiful experience.
Jeff: Just a couple of weeks ago, we kicked off my book launch at that hotel. It was wonderful, we hadn’t hosted a party outside in the courtyard in quite a while. And of course, there’s my sculpture out there.
Christopher: It sounds like the George V has been integral to your journey.
Jeff: Yes, indeed. With my different offices around the world, it all started for me at the George V when the whole revolution happened. Each time I return, it feels like going home.
Christopher: How do you handle challenging requests?
Jeff: We rarely get challenging requests, and when we do, it’s often fun for us. We love catering to special requests, like marriage proposals, anniversaries, or birthdays.
Christopher: Let’s talk about your transition from modeling in Paris to working with flowers at the Four Seasons. What was that like?
Jeff: It was quite the journey. I needed money at age 23-24, and I found an opportunity to work in a flower shop at the Four Seasons. It was a fluke but it opened my world to flowers.
Christopher: Now, I have some quick Pursuitist questions for you. What are your favorite destination and hotel?
Jeff: My favorite destination and hotel are the Four Seasons Bora Bora and Four Seasons in Kona.
Christopher: What’s your favorite new restaurant?
Jeff: This is where to stray from Four Seasons. To be honest, I prefer my staple spots over new ones, like Hotel Bel Air and Beverly Hills Hotel.
Christopher: How about your favorite airline?
Jeff: I find Delta and Air France to be reliable and accommodating.
Christopher: Lastly, do you have a Jeff Leatham travel tip to share?
Jeff: Always pack an extra day’s clothes and toiletries in your carry-on, just in case.
Christopher: Jeff, thank you for your time today. His new book “The Art of the Flower” is available in bookstores and online.
Jeff: Thank you so much.
About Jeff Leatham
Jeff Leatham, often referred to as the “flower guy”, has revolutionized the art of floral design and arrangement. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Jeff’s journey began unexpectedly at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, where he transformed ordinary spaces into breathtaking floral landscapes. His artistry and dedication to detail quickly propelled him to become one of the world’s most renowned floral designers.
Jeff’s longstanding association with iconic hotels, particularly the Four Seasons, showcases his commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for guests. Having spent over two decades creating magic at the George V in Paris, his floral arrangements are often the first impression for guests, epitomizing luxury and attention to detail.
Leatham’s expertise doesn’t just end at hotel lobbies. He’s celebrated milestones with countless individuals, bringing vibrancy to events ranging from intimate marriage proposals to grand celebrations.
Apart from his commitment to floral design, Jeff is also an accomplished author, with his most recent book titled “The Art of the Flower”. This is his fourth publication, offering readers a deeper dive into his life, designs, and inspiration over the years.
His work with celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and Oprah, has solidified his place as the go-to floral designer for the stars. Yet, Jeff’s roots remain grounded, with an enduring passion for flowers and an insatiable desire to create beauty, making him a true icon in the world of design.
