Posted on 03/24/2015 2:15:50 PM PDT by rickmichaels
WASHINGTON — When White House chief pastry chef Bill Yosses left the executive mansion last summer, the president publicly mourned the loss of “the crust master’s” mysteriously addictive pies. And when the first family’s personal chef and pal, Sam Kass, left in December, Michelle Obama heaped praise on Kass’ “extraordinary legacy of progress” in an official White House statement.
But the recent exit of head florist Laura Dowling, who’d been in the job since 2009, has been a much quieter affair. So hush-hush, in fact, that most outside of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. knew nothing about it. There’s still no official comment on why Dowling is no longer at the White House, but according to a source with close ties to current residence staffers, she was escorted from the building on Feb. 13.
The East Wing initially confirmed via a very brief email that “Laura left her position earlier this year” but provided no further details. Later, the first lady’s office (not quoting the first lady specifically, mind you) sent this enhanced statement:
“As Chief Florist, Laura Dowling and her team treated guests of the White House to their beautiful floral arrangements. Ms. Dowling’s creations were always lively and colorful, reflecting not only the season but the unique and historic rooms which they graced. No two arrangements were ever the same and each one left guests with a lasting impression of the elegance and history of the People’s House. We are grateful for her contribution over the years and wish her well”
(Excerpt) Read more at news.nationalpost.com ...
This lady had a team? This sounds like something that could done for less by competitive bidding among local florists.
Was the florist white? That is enough for Michele.
Supposedly a hissy fit w Mich.
Who replaced her?
I can hardly wait for the ‘tell all’ books when these people are finally out of power.
I was going to say WWW working while white.
Could it still be termination on trumped up charges?
So why exactly does the White House need a “chief florist?” DC has lots of privately owned flower shops.
In this town, matters of taste — much like positions on marriage equality — can “evolve” over time. Just ask Dowling, who left because her “fussy style” was not in line with the first lady’s emerging modern and clean aesthetics, several sources said.Laura’s work “is just different. I’m not sure if it was right for the White House,” said one top floral designer in the area who has done freelance florist work for splashy big events at 1600 Penn. This designer, like many we talked to, spoke on the condition of anonymity because “the floral community is very small, and nobody wants to put down anybody’s work.”
Another former area designer told us that Dowling had a very specific look, pointedly French, which lent itself to loose garden-style arrangements that were still quite formal. “She wanted to create a look,” said the source, “and that’s the look she’s had for the past six years.”
But recently the first lady has debuted a different aesthetic at the executive mansion.
We are polar opposites on that one. I hope I never hear their name again after they’re out of the White House.
Bigger question is why is there a full time florist at all.
I was actually being a bit sarcastic. I wouldn’t read such a book. But I know there will be a market for them. :-)
Exactly
Before photo
And prior to the above
She was prolly straight.
Couldn’t keep the flowers from wilting when Mooch walked by.
Mooche needs a Snickers.
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