Ovando

Unquestionably so, Sandra de Ovando was fated to become an influential force in New York’s design milieu. Born in Mexico City to Spanish and Russian parents, Sandra fell in love with nature, flowers and bold colors at a very young age when she spent countless weekends gardening with her mother. “I was fascinated with the intrinsic beauty of flowers and loved to spend hours mismatching different colors, shapes and blossoms!” she remembers. Later, in her travels throughout Europe and Asia, Sandra discovered exotic flowers, plants and fruits that she began incorporating into her designs – there the signature style was born that today defines Ovando’s dynamic compositions and custom installations.

Intent on indulging her bright passion for design, Sandra moved to New York and launched into several entrepreneurial ventures in the design industry. Finally, in 2003, she opened Ovando’s West Village luxury boutique, marking the culmination of Sandra’s life journeys and artful expertise. The space was accredited for its distinctive décor and brilliantly crafted window installations, and Sandra’s dramatic compositions, recognized for their love of color and natural sophistication, became the favorite of New York’s elite, including celebrities, high-end restaurants, fashion houses and luxury hotels.

Today, after sizable expansion, including the opening of a 2, 500 square foot production studio, a second boutique on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, and the launch of a dedicated event production wing, Ovando has blossomed into one of New York’s most sought after design & event production firms. Under Sandra’s direction and impeccable eye, the company continues to break ground and win international acclaim for its work with prestigious clients to the likes of Hermes, The US Open Tennis Association, Donna Karan, Four Seasons, Saks Fifth Avenue, and The MOMA, to name only a few. From stunning floral installations, custom props & moody lighting, and the full-scale construction of breathtaking displays and environments, Ovando is a dazzling celebration of form, function, and flowers.

Needless to say, flowers are breathtaking creatures. What is it specifically that you most love about working with flowers?

Nature is incredibly awe-inspiring. Flowers demonstrate the cycle of life, in all of its beauty and infinite transformations. I am wowed literally everyday!

From where do you draw your inspiration?

Fashion is one of my greatest inspirations. There’s a wide spectrum of different colors and textures to work with, just as there are with flowers. The flowers themselves are also incredibly inspiring. Each flower is sophisticated in its own way. Lastly, I must admit that I draw a lot of my inspiration from my kids. It’s wonderful to watch how creative and uninhibited kids are. I often think the best work comes from this state of beautiful self-abandon.

Your passion for flowers developed at a very young age. Are there any specific memories or particular moments where you can recall knowing that you would one day own a floral design company?

Flowers have always been a big part of my life. I often spent Saturday mornings gardening with my mom, or at the flower markets in Xochimilco, a neighborhood in Mexico City. I would also help my mom arrange them in vases. She also loved to decorate the dinner table with flowers from our garden…the visuals of those beautifully designed tables have always stayed with me.

What have some of the most rewarding moments been for you as a creative entrepreneur?

Opening Ovando’s Bleecker Street boutique was one of the most incredible moments for me. I had been in the industry 6 years prior but knew that I wanted to open my own business, one with a vision that really embraced a more minimalist and sculptural style.

Ovando is lucky to have a rather exceptional roster of high-end clients. Why do clients choose Ovando and what is it that truly sets Ovando apart?

I think that what truly sets Ovando apart is the consistency of our performance, both in terms of service and design. It is crucial for me that our clients trust us because that is why they continue wanting to work with Ovando.

What is your design philosophy?

Ovando’s design philosophy is “Simple not Simplistic.” In other words, we aim to create a style that embraces simplicity and natural elegance. While many of the arrangements look as though they were simple to make, the actual truth is that a great deal of thought & intricately detailed work is invested in each arrangement. The idea is to create an arrangement that has a veneer of effortlessness, simplicity and weightlessness.

What are your favorite flowers?

Roses, tulips and peonies because they perform. One can see the life and movement in the short life spans of these ever-evolving flowers. I also love sweet peas because they have the most incredible fragrance. Lastly, I love carnations, not only because they come in so many colors, but because they have such a bad reputation!

If you were going to give advice to a new flower designer, what would it be?

I think the most important thing to consider when creating a stunning arrangement is to take the time to hand-pick beautiful flowers, always keeping in mind freshness, color and texture.