His Background: His company might be new to the special events industry, but Avila certainly isn’t. In 1990 he went from fashion to floral and event design at Robert Isabell Inc., where his eye for dimensions and color allowed him to flourish as Isabell’s head designer and right-hand man. After leaving Isabell in January of this year, Avila postponed plans for a break and established his own firm, Raul Avila Inc. With 14 years of floral event design experience, Avila has quickly gained a blossoming client list, including Carolina Herrera, Vogue, and Marc Jacobs. “Someone new is always calling,” he says. “I am always busy—I have to be, this is such a competitive industry.”
His New Company: Raul Avila Inc. debuted with the Carolina Herrera-sponsored Young Fellows benefit at the Frick Museum in February, but made the biggest splash with the Marc Jacobs fashion show in September, a floral extravaganza with highlights including a 20- by 25-foot-wide wall of jasmine.
His Style: Former Carolina Herrera director of communications Kimberly Flaster describes Avila’s work as “phenomenal” and his approach as “elegant and sophisticated,” praising his ability to transform a space without overwhelming the venue. Avila focuses on raw and natural materials. As for flowers, he favors the peony for its color, texture, and simple beauty.
His New Company: Raul Avila Inc. debuted with the Carolina Herrera-sponsored Young Fellows benefit at the Frick Museum in February, but made the biggest splash with the Marc Jacobs fashion show in September, a floral extravaganza with highlights including a 20- by 25-foot-wide wall of jasmine.
His Style: Former Carolina Herrera director of communications Kimberly Flaster describes Avila’s work as “phenomenal” and his approach as “elegant and sophisticated,” praising his ability to transform a space without overwhelming the venue. Avila focuses on raw and natural materials. As for flowers, he favors the peony for its color, texture, and simple beauty.
