Gideon Hermosa Traveled To London & Italy To Attend Workshops With Philippa Craddock And Jeff Leatham
When you rely on your inspiration and innovation for a living and you’ve carved out your way as one of the top players in your industry, the only way to go is up from there. That’s why to improve in his craft, leading event stylist Gideon Hermosa recently traveled to London and Italy to study with Philippa Craddock and Jeff Leatham.
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Philippa Craddock is the florist behind the stunning flowers at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in May 2018. Gideon says of Philippa, “Her style is totally different from Jeff. She is known for her organic and lush arrangements by using lots of greeneries, very simple yet impactful. She is also known for her eco-friendly flower arrangements and she remains committed to the use of more environmentally friendly alternatives.” With rustic and garden weddings and events trending now more than ever, the inspiration that Gideon gained from Philippa will undoubtedly come in handy here in the Philippines.
READ: Gideon Hermosa's Red And Gold Candle-Lit Tablescape Is Fit For A Queen
One of Gideon’s fondest memories of Philippa’s class was recreating the same arch that was used for the royal wedding, which made him feel as though he was actually part of the historical event in some unique way. This was one of many group activities that Gideon participated in while studying in London with Philippa, who he said was approachable and easy to work with.
READ: What To Expect If You Have Gideon Hermosa Styling Your Wedding Venue
After London, Gideon jetted off to Italy to attend a workshop with Jeff Leatham, the Artistic Director of the Four Seasons Hotel George V. Gideon says, "Jeff is known for his over-the-top vibrantly lush floral arrangements, as well as being the de facto florist to stars like Oprah Winfrey, the Kardashians, and Madonna.” Coincidentally, Jeff loves the Philippines and has had some close Filipino friends for many years.
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Here's What Went On At Event Designer Jerry Sibal's Masterclass
Admittedly, Gideon has been a long-time fan of Jeff, even before Jeff became famous. “Meeting him was like a dream come true for me, and to be praised by him was icing on the cake,” Gideon tells Metro.Style. The most valuable lesson Gideon learned while studying with Jeff is to be fearless in creating his own distinct style and aesthetic, because that's what sets a stylist apart from others.
Gideon didn’t waste any time making friends and establishing connections with Jeff during the workshop in Italy, seeing as how afterward Jeff personally invited Gideon to Paris to see how they decorate the Four Seasons Hotel George V. During their time together in Paris, Gideon got to know Jeff and his assistant better and learned more about Jeff’s styling aesthetic.
Continuing to build his design portfolio while equipped with new learning, Gideon's clients can expect more breathtakingly beautiful setups from this incredible artist.
Photographs courtesy of Gideon Hermosa
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