Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

A dozen long stemmed red roses is a thoughtful and appreciated gift. But for the more adventurous lovers out there, why not shop around for a more exotic bunch?

An estimated 190 million roses are sold on Valentine’s Day just in the USA, making the rose, red rose to be exact the most popular flower to gift on Valentine’s Day. Here at Swide we know what women want, of the list of qualities women look for in a man- originality, inventiveness and the ability to surprise are top of the list. Steer clear of the beautiful, yet tried and tested red roses and follow our advice on how to stun your woman with botanical delights this Valentine’s Day.  And for your convenience, as yes, we know men too, everything is easily purchasable with one click of your mouse.

Daniel Guittat, Paris

Paris is awash with traditional, artisanal florists, but Paris being Paris and the French being the French there are few reputable places that allow you to order online some of their beautiful creations. Daniel Guittat is well known for his high-octane botanical creations. For those who cannot do without red, the colour of love, amongst his inventive creations, we’ve spotted a simple yet high impact bunch of red Amaryllis in a presentation vase.

 Daniel Guittat, 68, bd de la Tour Maubourg, Paris, tel. (0033) 0147054993

Fiori Rosalba, Milan

Still looking for the right gift to your special one without being too banal? In Milan, Fiori Rosalba, a flower shop near Corso Buenos Aires, is more than a place where to find a gift – whether it’s for yourself or for your loved ones – it’s about living an experience. Rosalba Piccinni, the owner, has thought about everything: big tropical plants, small rare bunches of flowers, design vases, maverick windows – and in her spare time, she sings jazz! (Her first CD, “Arrivi” (“Arrivals”) has just been released…)

Swide suggests for your loved one a succulent plant. Why? Because, unlike roses, it has no thorns, just soft little leaves. And whether it’s winter or Summer, it survives any weather condition as long as you double check on it once in a while and never take it for granted (if you do, they die: I tried). Sounds like it works just like love is supposed to, doesn’t it?

Fiori Rosalba, Via Broggi 17, Milano, tel. (0039) 0236708487

Moyses Stevens, London

Mosyes Stevens is one of the most popular florists in the British Capital. Winner of multiple prizes at the Chelsea Flower Show and florist of choice for many A list weddings, their choice of bouquets for valentine’s day is mind boggling. For a more long-lasting present, and perhaps more useful than flowers, we’ve spotted the perfect gift. Is your other half a keen cook? Well this fun basket of season herbs such as marjoram, thyme, rosemary and dill is sure to perfume more than just the room.

Moyses Stevens, 98 Fleet Street EC4VY 1DE, London, tel. (0044) (0) 2087720094

Ariston Flowers, New York

New York gives you many options, all the time. This is why on Valentine’s Day the expectations your loved ones are higher than anyone else’s in the world. Ariston flowers (http://www.aristonflowers.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=547) is what you need: one of the luxury florists in the Big Apple, it has flowers, plants, even fruit baskets of all kinds (and if you are ready to take the big step of getting engaged on that day, they’ll take care of your weddings, too).  Pick their composition of orange orchids, something colorful and never banal.

 Ariston Flowers, 110 West 17th, NY, New York, tel. (001) 2129294226

Interflora, Worldwide

But what if you are not from one of these beautiful cities and still want to homage your other half with something special (without spending a fortune for delivery overseas)? Interflora helps all of us romantics worldwide.

With hubs to be found even in Australia, Interflora is probably the most well know florist for worldwide delivery. Don’t limit your fantasy only because it’s so easy to send flowers nowadays: pick something thoughtful like a bonsai for your loved one, something that stays with them like your love.

 Interflora, worldwide delivery

Written by Elisa della Barba and Valentina Zannoni 

TAGS: dolce&gabbana d&g dolce & gabbana d & g Milan London Paris New York worldwide flowers orchids bonsai succulent plant herbs