The Gardenia

I remember as a child, James always used to enjoy my fragrance early in the mornings.  He used to pick me and crush my petals in water to create his very own aqua fragrance.  I remember how he used to adorn his friends hats and belts with me.

As he grew older, he started to appreciate me more and more, with the passing of each year, I remember how James used to wait in anticipation for the arrival of spring and for me to bloom.  The winter months, that were spent dreaming and longing for my arrival. .
Sometimes, James used to sketch me during the long cold winter mornings just to feel my warmth.

I remember how he admired my opaque white petals, I remember his touch, I remember his presence, I remember his gentleness, I remember his appreciation. I remember the first time he pinned me to his lapel. It was blue velvet and I proudly sat there with my vibrant white petals and richly intoxicating and intense aroma. It was at that moment, I realised the depth of his love for me.

I remember how he told me that I was irresistible for anyone. Both men and women adorn me in some way through James Clarke. He said…you bring purity and elegance in the form of accessories, seduction and lust in the forms of perfumes and fragrances.

I remember the first time James took me to Paris, I was keeping him warm as the lining of his silk blazer and during dinner, I kissed his neck as his favourite perfume.

In New York, I cushioned his feet while he found inspiration during his walk in Central Park and I adorned his chest as a glass pendant during afternoon tea at the Russian Tea Rooms.

I remember how I contributed to the floral arrangements James did for the Queen of England. I remember the care which was taken to make sure I look my best.

I remember the time when he made me into a necklace to adorn one of his models during the final catwalk at Central Saint Martins.  I remember how he carefully stitched a few of me to pieces of velvet. I remember how he sprayed me with water like drops of dew to keep me fresh.
I remember how he reconstructed me from silks, chiffons, feathers, pearls and velvets.

I remember... I’m the flower of James Clarke.