WITH only flowers for materials Launceston florist Donna Cornish had her work cut out to recreate an iconic Princess Diana look for a top show in London.

Despite week’s of build up and nerves she proved to be a blooming success, with her team’s effort taking home ‘Best in Show’.

Donna said it had been an ‘honour’ to be invited to take part in the special Fleurs de Villes DIANA exhibition at Somerset House in London.

This unique exhibition showcased 15 of the late Princess Diana's most iconic looks — each one crafted from flowers. Donna and team were given the tough job of recreating her striking evening gown designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, and what they created was nothing short of a masterpiece.

The floral masterpiece that won Donna Cornish, Nicola Armstrong and Kerrie Raines 'Best in Show' at the Fleurs de Villes DIANA exhibition at Somerset House in London
The floral masterpiece that won Donna Cornish, Nicola Armstrong and Kerrie Raines 'Best in Show' at the Fleurs de Villes DIANA exhibition at Somerset House in London (Donna Cornish)

As a director of the British Florist Association, Donna was asked to create a design alongside two fellow florists — Nicola Armstrong from The Bloom Room in Cumbria and Kerrie Raines from The Flower House in Aylesbury.

Donna said: “We were given Fashion for a Cause, based around the striking evening gown designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel. Diana first saw the gown at a British Red Cross fundraising fashion show in 1986, where she chose the catwalk sample rather than having one specially made.

“She went on to wear the dress on several occasions and in different ways, changing the detachable sleeves, petticoat and accessories. The story behind the dress is also very special. It began with charity at that British Red Cross fundraiser and, eleven years later, Diana personally selected it for Christie's landmark charitable auction in 1997.

“I think that makes the story of this particular dress even more meaningful.”

The team spent many weeks preparing their floral interpretation before heading to London, and Donna said it had been “wonderful to finally see all those weeks of preparation come to life”.

She added: “For me, the most important part of the whole design was trying to capture the essence of Diana through flowers.

“I wanted our design to reflect her elegance and beauty and for guests visiting Fleurs de Villes DIANA to really enjoy seeing our interpretation of such an iconic look.”

Then came something the team really wasn’t expecting. To top off the whole experience, their design received ‘Best in Show’.

Summing up the event and their accolade, Donna said: “To receive that award after all the weeks of planning, preparation and work that the three of us had put into the design was such a special moment. I'm incredibly proud of what Nicola, Kerrie and I created together and it made the whole experience even more memorable.

“It has been a true honour to be part of this fabulous event and to have the opportunity to represent the British Florist Association at Somerset House.

“Most of all, I hope everyone who gets the chance to visit enjoys our design and can see the elegance, beauty and essence of Diana that we wanted to capture through our flowers.

“An experience I certainly won't forget.”