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Alex Crowder's creative journey began in the Ozarks, where she developed a profound connection with nature, meticulously observing the world around her. This early passion blossomed into Field Studies Flora, her Brooklyn-based studio renowned for its hyperseasonal and hyperlocal floral creations. Rather than traditional arrangements, Crowder crafts what she terms "interventions," site-specific installations designed to captivate and engage viewers, often for prestigious clients like MoMA and Kallmeyer. Her unique approach is deeply rooted in her Missouri upbringing, where she spent countless hours immersed in the natural landscape, an experience that continues to shape her artistic vision and commitment to the environment.

Crowder's path to becoming a celebrated floral artist was unconventional, diverging from a career in graphic design and window displays to establish Field Studies Flora in late 2020. Recognizing a gap in the floristry world, she sought to create large-scale, impactful installations using natural materials, moving beyond the conventional focus on event floristry. This week marks another milestone as she introduces a curated collection of artisan tools, including hand-woven foraging baskets and bespoke florists' aprons. This expansion aims to democratize access to the practice of working with nature, advocating that a deep connection to the natural world is innate and accessible to all, not just those who attend specialized workshops.

A core tenet of Crowder's philosophy is her unwavering commitment to responsible floristry, setting her apart in the industry. She prioritizes transparency in the supply chain, meticulously vetting farms for their growing practices and avoiding materials treated with harmful pesticides. Her dedication to seasonal and local sourcing often leads her to decline clients whose values do not align with her ethical standards, reflecting a strong stance against greenwashing. By drawing parallels to the farm-to-table movement and circular fashion, Crowder endeavors to educate consumers on the importance of conscious choices, empowering them to drive change within the floral industry and foster a more sustainable future. Her work not only showcases the exquisite beauty of nature but also champions a mindful, respectful relationship with our planet, encouraging a childlike sense of wonder and allowing nature itself to guide creative expression.

Alex Crowder’s journey exemplifies how early inspirations can shape a profound and impactful career. Through her innovative approach to floral art and her steadfast commitment to ethical sourcing, she is not only transforming the floristry industry but also inspiring a greater appreciation for the natural world. Her work reminds us that genuine creativity, combined with a strong sense of responsibility, can lead to both personal fulfillment and positive change for the community and the environment.

Experience Timeless Elegance Reimagined: Delano Miami Beach Unveils Its Modern Splendor

The Enduring Allure of the Delano Miami Beach: A Personal Retrospective

For one particular individual, the Delano holds a deep personal significance, representing their inaugural encounter with the vibrant atmosphere of Miami Beach. As a young teenager, they first stepped into this iconic hotel, meeting friends from New York City for lunch at what was then known as the Blue Door restaurant. This initial visit, characterized by the city's radiant sun, dynamic music, exhilarating energy, and glamorous ambiance, ignited a lasting affection for the 305 area code. The profound impact of this experience was so strong that it influenced their decision to attend the University of Miami and later return to the region in 2017, underscoring the hotel's magnetic charm beyond its luxurious facade.

Architectural Grandeur Preserved: The Majestic Exterior and Revitalized Lobby

The Delano's exterior maintains its regal presence, with distinctive Art Deco fins adorning its turret, reminiscent of a unique crown. These architectural elements once made it the tallest structure in Miami Beach. While the building's facade largely retains its original 1947 grandeur, allowing visitors to connect with the city's earlier aspirations and elegance, its interior has seen thoughtful restoration. The grand lobby, particularly, has been partially returned to its initial design, featuring the reintroduction of a bridge spanning its central expanse. This careful preservation ensures that the hotel continues to exude its historical pomp and flair, from its sun-drenched terrazzo entrance to its distinctive sawtooth facade of angled window banks.

A Glimpse into the Raucous Past: The Delano's Boutique Hotel Era

During the boisterous boutique hotel period of the late nineties and early 2000s, the Delano was celebrated as a remarkably chic design masterpiece, brought to life by Ian Schrager and Philippe Starck. Its dazzling aesthetic fostered an atmosphere of playful indulgence. The hotel garnered international acclaim for its visually stunning design, which featured flowing white curtains in the atrium, an oversized winged chair in the foyer, and a whimsical, life-sized chessboard in the outdoor area. A guest's letter from 1997 vividly described the Delano as a 'cathedral of desire,' where pure white walls belied an interior ablaze with temptation and a captivating, dangerous beauty. Starck himself described the hotel's design intent as incorporating 'a little poetry' and 'a little lyrical quality.'

A Refined Evolution: From Wild Glamour to Subtle Sophistication

While the bold, untamed beauty of its past has evolved, the Delano's inherent poetic charm remains. The hotel has gracefully adapted to contemporary tastes, softening its edges to cultivate a more refined ambiance. The revamped spaces, including the reduced 171 guestrooms, now feature boucle-covered, curvilinear seating, imparting a gentler, more inviting atmosphere. The new Delano moves away from a club-like energy towards a more relaxed, lounge-inspired feel, reflecting current hospitality trends. Despite this shift, the hotel still incorporates elements of high design, such as Salvador Dalí's 'Leda' chair and Antonio Gaudí's 'Calvet' chair, creating Starck's signature juxtaposition of high and low art. A nostalgic touch is provided by a lucite piano once owned by Lenny Kravitz, displayed in the lobby, alongside an impressive collection of artworks by local artists, including Nina Surel.

Innovative Additions: The Fourth-Floor Oasis and The Intimate Rose Bar

One of the most significant enhancements in the Delano's latest iteration is the entirely new secondary pool and sun-lounge area located on the fourth floor. This space not only caters to hotel guests but also serves an exclusive members' club, which is currently accepting applications. Anchoring this new level is a fresh outpost of Mimi Kakushi, a Japanese-inspired restaurant and bar that originated in Dubai, featuring a dimly lit, elegantly decorated interior with rosy and wooden tones, and tactile beaded accents. Perhaps the most charming new feature is the Rose Bar, a revived, intimate space reminiscent of the Schrager and Starck era. Tucked behind velvet curtains in the lobby, it reveals a small, red-marble bar top set against a golden liquor display, transporting guests back to the refined grandeur of the 1950s. This blend of historical echoes, contemporary refinement, and welcoming ambiance ensures that the Delano remains a place of both nostalgia and enjoyment, a true piece of history that continues to evolve.