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The School
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With almost 20 years' experience in the world of flowers, our course director Luis da Silva is renowned within the industry as a master florist. Before joining McQueens eight years ago, he worked for some eminent names in UK floristry. His creative flair and eye for style are nothing short of inspirational – just ask anyone who's taken a course at the McQueens flower school.
When he's not teaching, Luis is an integral part of the busy McQueens events team. He's worked on many of our most prestigious and high-profile events including the Vanity Fair post-Oscar party in Hollywood (which McQueens has styled for the past 16 years) and George Michael's star-studded birthday celebration at the Berkeley Hotel.
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Audrey has been creating her own brand of floral magic at McQueens for the past nine years – she's our longest-serving member of staff (apart from Kally, our MD, of course!). With over 12 years experience her skill and professionalism has been in evidence in the fabulous displays at many of London's top restaurants including Quaglino's, Avenue, Plateau, and Bluebird.
Audrey has also been responsible for creating some of the ground-breaking McQueens floral installations at London's destination hotel, the
Berkeley. Wherever there's fashion or glamour on the menu, Audrey is in her
element! She's also worked for us on Vanity Fair parties in New York and
Cannes, and for many fashion house events including Alexander McQueen, Bulgari, Mikimoto, Cartier,
Mulberry and Céline.
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It's been 20 years since I first started working in the flower industry, and I have to say that I'm still as passionate about what I do today as the day I started. I don't think there's any area of contemporary floristry I haven't been involved in - retail, weddings, events, contracts and now also teaching - and I enjoy the variety that comes with working at McQueens. I have demonstrated at all the big shows too, including RHS Chelsea Flower Show, The Hampton Court Flower Show, and I've also taught and demonstrated abroad.
Since I've been at McQueens, I've really enjoyed teaching at their flower school. Of course it gives me a great sense of personal achievement to share my experience and knowledge of flowers, but I've also found I get a real buzz out of getting to know the students, and bringing out their talents. I feel extremely proud when I see former students go on to achieve success as a result of what we started; that really means a lot to me.
The best thing about McQueens? Working with such a creative and talented bunch of people really does spur you on, it makes you better as a florist. The school's reputation is so prestigious, not just here, but also internationally, and that makes such a difference to be a part of that team.
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t: ++44 (0)20 7251 5505