An affirmed street-style star known for her unique approach to fashion, Veronika Heilbrunner has long been a source of inspiration to editors, designers and women around the globe. Style is in Veronika’s blood, and it is no surprise that she was previously a model and also perfectly suited her role as style editor of German Harper’s Bazaar. We recently caught up with Veronika at the Mayfair home she shares with fiancé, Justin O’Shea, and her new baby boy, Walter to discuss her love of cherry blossom, her childhood memories of daisies and her greatest inspirations, from Gothic churches to the Bavarian mountains.

GREEN CHEESEPLANT LEAF FOLIAGE

White or coloured flowers?

Colour! Always colour! Either bubblegum pink or autumn forest colours - except lilies, they are stunning in white!

Tell us about the first flowers you ever received and how they made you feel?

The first time I really felt touched by flowers was on a Valentine’s Day a while back. Justin was in New York and I was working in Munich. I received the most perfect pink roses in the morning. So romantic. With lunchtime, bright red roses arrived and my colleagues started giving me a bit of a side eye. In the late afternoon I received beautiful dark red roses and cried a big fat tear of overwhelming appreciation. To get home I had to take a taxi. It was quite an unreal ride. The colours were glowing in the dark and the fantastic smell made me almost dizzy. I felt a bit like a movie star in the 20’s.

Is there a significant flower that has played an important role in any of lifeʼs milestone moments?

Daisies. They play a huge role in my returning childhood nightmares for reasons I still can’t grasp. And the first craft skill I was very proud of was a daisy necklace.

Which flowers do you like to give and why?

I love giving what I most love receiving: roses. They are the flower that expresses pure love.

LITTLE KISS GERBERA DAISY

WICKSTEAD VASE COLLECTION

“They have this special gift of making people happy and their surroundings beautiful”

VERONIKA HEILBRUNNER

LITTLE KISS GERBERA DAISY

What is your most powerful memory involving flowers and scent?

A summer party in Berlin, a long time ago. It was 30 degrees until late in the night and the museum the party took place in was filled with thousands of pink lilies. The smell was almost suffocating, heavy and sweet at the same time. Since that evening, that is the most exciting scent in the world for me.

What do you love most about flowers?

They have this special gift of making people happy and their surroundings beautiful.

How does your flower choice reflect your personal style?

Classic, but with an unexpected contrast. Like autumn colours in the spring.

What’s your favourite flower season?

Spring. The smell of hyacinths everywhere. And cherry blossom season, I’m very excited to be going to Japan during cherry blossom season for the very first time!

What’s in your dream wedding bouquet?

Lily of the Valley. Classic.

DOVE WING ASTILBE

AUTUMN FEATHER ASTILBE

What are your top tips for hosting a dinner party or any special occasion?

A lot of small vases with just a few flowers here and there. All in one colour theme. Huge bouquets in the middle of the table are too disruptive. But extensive flower decoration puts everybody in a festive mood.

Who would you invite to your own dream dinner party?

I was always dreaming of Karl Lagerfeld, bless him. He was for me the last person who truly speaks from his heart without thinking about the consequences.

Is there an area in your home where you always have flowers?

Yes, I always have green leaves in the kitchen and a few roses in the window.

What are your favourite vase styles and/or vase shapes?

I love small ones. They look beautiful when empty too. I love oxidized green ones or those made of onyx. And I love painted porcelain. I always find good ones at antique markets.

Describe your interior style?

Classic, maybe a bit retro. I love velvet, marble and mirrors, but also cozy carpets and colour from ceiling to floor.

BALTHAZAR ROSE

TUBEROSE ROOM SPRAY

“I love giving what I most love receiving: roses. They are the flower that expresses pure love. ”

VERONIKA HEILBRUNNER

SNOW WHITE LONG-STEM DELUXE LILY

Who inspires you in either art, design, fashion or music?

Everything I love. Starting with Gothic churches, King Ludwig’s Bavarian castles to Tony Soprano’s house and Hansaviertel in Berlin.

Do you have a favourite piece of art? If so, what?

My Christophe Chemin drawing from his Prada collaboration. And the horse head by Wes Lang.

Which designers are you wearing right now?

Chanel, Prada, Miu Miu, SSS Worldcorp, Ralph Lauren, Loewe, Celine (the new bags and the Fall/Winter collection!!) and Christopher Kane.

Where is your perfect escape?

The Bavarian mountains. Summer or winter, it doesn’t matter!

GREEN CINEREA EUCALYPTUS FOLIAGE

LARGE APOTHECARY VASE

Where is your favourite Berlin hotspot?

Kantstrasse in the West. Paris Bar or 893 are both fantastic places located on that wild street, which is so different from what you would expect from Berlin.

Which is your favourite city?

London. I still pinch myself every day I wake up here.

How do you begin your day?

With lots and lots of green tea and coffee!

How do you end your day?

With my boys Justin and Walter. Both falling asleep next to me.

TUBEROSE HOME FRAGRANCE

TALL WICKSTEAD VASE

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