Just a quick scroll through the flamboyant flowers on Rebel Rebel’s Instagram pages illustrates the dizzying heights florists Mairead Curtin and Athena Duncan have reached since launching their business almost 20 years ago. Unashamedly decadent, their flowery extravaganzas have secured a host of A-list clients, including the BAFTAs, American Vogue and Victoria Beckham, as well as ordinary people looking for something extraordinary for a wedding or special event. With visions of the glamorous world the florists inhabit, it’s surprising to find Rebel Rebel’s headquarters tucked away in two small industrial units in Hackney, east London, where desks , sofas, flowers, vases and other paraphernalia are crammed into the tiny spaces in a seemingly haphazard fashion. The florists were first introduced through Athena’s sister Cassandra, who studied with Mairead in Dublin. By coincidence the design duo then went on to work at the same television company, where their friendship grew. ‘After I had children I gave up my job, but was instantly bored,’ says Mairead. Meanwhile, Athena also left her job, leaving the pair free to embark on a new adventure. Athena says, ‘I’ve always loved flowers and so, in 2000, armed with very little knowledge, I did a week’s course at Paula Pryke’s school and Mairead attended a half-day at Jane Packer’s. We decided to set up a floristry business and Rebel Rebel was born.’ A bouquet in Rebel Rebel’s signature style. Success for Rebel Rebel grew initially from their contacts in the TV industry and they soon made a name for themselves with their extravagant installations in the most fashionable venues. Last year, for London’s Sketch they wanted to create a fusion of feathery decorations for a Christmas event, using pampas grass, honesty and old man’s beard. ‘The problem was, we couldn’t get any honesty in the UK […]