In the 17th to 19th centuries, the elite from many cold climates cities in Europe used to build large conservatories to house tropical and subtropical plants that would survive under improved conditions. A Winter Garden’s primary purpose was to extend the elite’s living space and create an exotic living environment with tropical plants. One of the Winter Garden’s functions was to protect the precious plants and citrus fruit trees in the cold season, such as the tasty yet delicate orange trees and pineapple shrubs. At that time, the Pineapple, the indigenous fruit of South America, was a significant cultural icon of luxury. The warm and humid oasis mixed with lush trees, unique flowers and exotic fruits inside the magnificent architecture became an attraction for guests and visitors. It was eventually used for various purposes, such as displaying tropical plants, holding flower shows, afternoon tea parties, evening occasions, social gatherings, and academic research. Photo courtesy of H...
The Hermès scarf Into the Canadian Wild, designed by Alice Shirley for the french house in the autumn/winter season of 2017. Photo credit to Hermès As stated in the Hermès catalogue: Canada is the second biggest country in the world by geographical area. Bounded by three oceans, this vast territory is watered by thousands of lakes. Its diverse fauna is protected in a host of regional and national parks, burgeoning with wildlife. This vivid evocation by Alice Shirley presents a swirling celebration of life, an explosion of colour. A majestic snowy owl, one of the symbols of the Québec region, soars amid the aurora borealis. Animals go about their daily lives by land and sea: polar and brown bears, salmon, narwhals, orcas and whales, stags, bison, bighorn sheep, caribou, snow geese, Canada geese, butterflies and owls are depicted in their natural habitats, among rushes, at the foot of a great sequoia, in the shade of a maple tree, surrounded by blue flax flowers, in the clear waters ...