Samitha Wijayasekara, a seasoned floral designer and entrepreneur, brings over 15 years of expertise to her business, The Wedding Flowers Gallery (Pvt) Ltd., based in Mirihana, Nugegoda. She recently presented an innovative collection of floral wearable art at the WCIC Ramp Up 2025. At 52, Samitha combines a strong foundation in finance, thanks to her professional qualification from AAT, with an impressive portfolio of international floral design training.

She has honed her craft under renowned floral masters such as Wendy Andrade, Damien Koh, Gregor Lersch, Pirjo Koppi, and Hitomi Gilliam, attending workshops that span advanced wiring techniques, innovative bridal designs, and creative craftsmanship. Since founding The Wedding Flowers Gallery in 2008, Samitha has become a sought-after name in Sri Lanka's wedding industry, known for her exceptional creativity and attention to detail. From modern bridal designs to personal flowers-to-wear, her work reflects a perfect blend of artistry and elegance, making every special occasion truly unforgettable.

Q Can you share the story of how you got into floral art and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?
My journey into floral art started unexpectedly. I initially pursued a career in accountancy which later transitioned into horticulture. Growing up, I was always captivated by the intricate beauty of flowers, and I began exploring them as a hobby. Over time, I realized that floristry wasn’t just about making beautiful arrangements- it was about telling a story and evoking emotions. In 2008, I embarked on my own journey as a floral designer by establishing The Wedding Flowers, where I assisted clients with wedding planning, corporate events, and banquets.

As demand grew, the business moved to a new office in 2010, becoming what is now known as The Wedding Flowers Gallery (Pvt) Ltd. Driven by an undying passion for flowers, I developed a strong reputation in the industry, earning the honour of becoming the first Sri Lankan member of the World Flower Council in 2015. The company is supported by years of expertise, self-confidence, and international exposure through participation in various global training programmes, including the introduction of the Wearable Art technique to Sri Lanka.

Q What are the qualifications or training programmes you have attended with regard to floral artistry?
My qualifications in floral artistry include a certificate course from the Nobleman School of Floral Designing in Singapore, complemented by extensive training under internationally renowned floral designers. I have completed Advanced Wiring Techniques with Wendy Andrade, Designing Fundamentals and Innovative Techniques with Damien Koh, and a workshop on Principles, Craftsmanship, and Creativity led by Gregor Lersch. Additionally, I specialized in Personal Flowers-to-Wear and Modern Bridal Floral Design with Pirjo Koppi and participated in the International Floral Workshop ‘Winter Celebration’ with Hitomi Gilliam. These experiences have equipped me with a broad range of skills and innovative techniques in floral design.

Q What inspired your collection of wearable floral art showcased at WCIC Ramp Up 2024?
The Wearable Floral Art collection is inspired by the beauty of nature and the variety of human experiences. Each piece reflects the colours, textures, and shapes found in the natural world, celebrating how fashion and nature can work together. The idea behind this collection was to create floral art that could be worn and appreciated as part of fashion while maintaining a focus on sustainability.

Q Why did you choose fresh flowers and the wire technique as the foundation for your designs?
As a nature lover, I’ve always been inspired by the vibrant colours and textures that flowers offer. Fresh flowers bring an authenticity and natural beauty that I feel are essential for creating truly unique pieces. By using fresh flowers, I can celebrate the richness of nature’s palette and incorporate those natural colours into trendy fashion. The wire technique helps me sculpt and structure the flowers, allowing me to create wearable art that is not only beautiful but also eco-friendly. I want my designs to reflect my love for nature.

Q How did your collaboration with fashion designer Charith Wijesekera come about, and what was the creative process like?
Charith and I are both part of Sri Lanka’s bridal industry, and we’ve always been interested in creating something different from traditional designs. My collaboration with Charith Wijesekara came about through a shared appreciation for blending art with nature. We both saw an opportunity to combine his expertise in fashion design with my background in floral artistry to create something unique.

The creative process was a truly collaborative one. We started by discussing the concept of merging fashion and florals in a way that felt both innovative and wearable. Together, we experimented with different types of flowers, fabrics, and wire techniques to create pieces that could move with the body while also showcasing the delicate beauty of fresh blooms.

It was a balance of creativity and practicality. While Charith focused on the design elements, I worked on incorporating flowers in a way that enhanced the overall look without overwhelming the piece. Using wire, I was able to create floral structures that could be attached seamlessly to the fabric, allowing the flowers to frame the body in a way that felt organic and sculptural.

Q What challenges did you face in crafting wearable floral art, particularly with the use of fresh flowers?
Crafting wearable floral art with fresh flowers presented several challenges. The biggest challenge I faced was definitely timing. Since I was working with fresh flowers, they needed to be put together right before the event to ensure they stayed fresh and vibrant. I had to create 10 pieces, which meant I was working under a tight deadline. The process of designing, arranging, and attaching the flowers to the wire structures took time, and I had to set everything up at the last minute to make sure the flowers looked their best. Managing all of this while keeping the pieces durable and wearable for the show was definitely the toughest part.

Q How do you ensure the practicality and durability of your floral pieces during showcases or events?
To ensure the durability of my floral pieces, I treat the flowers and foliage before using them. This helps preserve their freshness and longevity, allowing them to stay vibrant throughout the event. I also carefully select flowers that are known for their long-lasting qualities, ensuring they can withstand the demands of a runway show. Additionally, I make sure the flowers are as fresh as possible when I begin working with them, so they maintain their beauty and integrity during the event.

Q Can you share the significance of the flowers used in the collection and why you selected them?
I began with a mood board and selected 10 different designs and colour palettes. After discussing the clothing with the fashion designer, I chose flowers to complement the dresses. I used classic blooms like roses, orchids, and baby’s breath, and also added striking seasonal flowers like Gloriosa and Heliconia for their dramatic shapes. Amaranthus was included for its unique hanging effect, adding movement and texture. Each flower was carefully selected to create a balanced, vibrant look that complemented the fashion.

Q How do you see wearable floral art, like your creations, influencing the future of floristry and fashion?
Wearable floral art offers a unique, eco-friendly option for weddings, parties, events, and photoshoots. Instead of traditional bouquets, clients can wear flowers or opt for hand corsages, creating personalized, standout pieces. This trend not only provides something fresh and unique but also promotes sustainability by using locally sourced, fresh flowers, helping reduce waste and benefiting the planet.

Q As the proprietor of The Wedding Flowers Gallery Pvt Ltd., how do you balance commercial floral design with such innovative artistic projects?
At The Wedding Flowers Gallery, we mainly focus on large weddings and events, which require a lot of attention to detail. Balancing this with my artistic projects like wearable floral art comes down to good time management. While I handle the commercial floral designs for weddings, I also set aside time for creative work. This helps keep my designs fresh and inspires new ideas that I can bring into both my artistic and commercial work.

Q What’s next for you in floral art—do you plan to explore more wearable creations or other artistic ventures?
Looking ahead, I plan to continue exploring wearable floral art and expand into other artistic ventures like large-scale installations and flower preservation techniques. I’m excited to experiment with new materials and collaborate across different art forms, blending floristry with sculpture, photography, and fashion. Ultimately, I want to keep evolving as an artist, creating immersive, cross-disciplinary experiences that bring the beauty of flowers into everyday life in unexpected ways.

Photographs courtesy Achira Jayasinghe