After Alexandria Floral Designer's Exit, White House Hires New Designer

PHOTOS from White House state dinner Friday night, for China; official White House photos by David Lienemann, Pete Souza and Amanda Lucidon.

________

The White House recently announced they have hired a new chief floral designer to take the place of Alexandria floral designer Laura Dowling, whose hiring six years ago and unexpected departure earlier this year were both big news.

The new White House Chief Floral Designer, Iranian-born Hedieh Roshan Ghaffarian, launched her flower design business, Flower Affairs, 25 years ago from her parents’ garage in California, according to the White House.

Friday night, before her official start date of Oct. 18, she was on hand to oversee floral arrangements for the China State Dinner (see photo gallery above) at the White House.

“We are thrilled to have Roshan serve as our Chief Floral Designer and lead our tremendously talented, dedicated floral staff,” First Lady Michelle Obama said in a statement. “Roshan’s life story is a powerful reminder that the American Dream endures and the President and I look forward to seeing her creativity flourish for White House guests to enjoy year-round.” Obama wore a black, off-the-shoulder mermaid gown created by Chinese-American designer Vera Wang to the state dinner.

“I couldn’t be more pleased that Roshan’s diverse portfolio will be reflected in our upcoming events and day-to-day décor, giving guests a true taste of American entrepreneurship and artistry,” said White House Social Secretary Deesha Dyer, who was in charge of her first state dinner Friday night. (Dyer, 37, started working at the White House in 2009 as an intern.) The dinner’s guest list included Apple CEO Tim Cook, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, film director Lee Daniels, and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

The theme of the floral design was crimson flowers; two roses calligraphed on a 16-foot hand-printed silk scroll, signified “a complete meeting of minds,” the White House said.

“I am deeply honored to serve the President and First Lady as the new White House Chief Floral Designer,” said Ghaffarian. “I am humbled by the opportunity to serve in this Administration and will dedicate myself to advancing the tradition of excellence and elegance in the White House.”

Ghaffarian grew up in Tehran and moved with her family to Northern California after the Iranian revolution, the White House noted in its announcement. She grew up in Los Altos, Calif., and has trained with UK-based floral designers Jane Packer, Paula Pryke and Kenneth Turner.

Dowling’s influence has been described as a French garden style. After her abrupt departure in February, the White House issued a statement, six weeks later:

“As chief florist, Laura Dowling and her team treated guests of the White House to their beautiful floral arrangements,” the statement said.

“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.”

In a statement, Dowling said she had resigned her position to “pursue exciting new opportunities and explore my passion for floral artistry and design.” She added, “I will always be grateful for this incredible opportunity.”