Rhinebeck, a quaint village situated in Duchess County, New York, has an illustrious history as a hub for floriculture. During the early 20th century, it earned the moniker "violet capital of the world" due to the sheer volume of these ornamental plants cultivated and shipped to major cities such as New York and Philadelphia.
The village's proximity to the Hudson River and its favorable climate enabled its gardeners to successfully cultivate millions of violets, which were highly prized for their use in lapel decorations. The demand for these flowers was so great that the freight train transporting them from Rhinebeck to urban centers was affectionately dubbed the "Violet Express." This storied past has had a lasting impact on the community, and its legacy is clearly evident in the work of Rhinebeck resident Ariel Dearie... a renowned floral artist celebrated for her creations for esteemed clients such as fashion houses and cultural institutions.
Dearie's botanical masterpieces have adorned the lapels of fashion icons, enthusiastic crowds, and patrons of the arts, alike. Her skills have been sought after by illustrious figures such as Annie Leibovitz, Sofia Coppola, and Marc Jacobs, among others. To capture the essence of Dearie's artistry, Vogue commissioned photographer Stephen Shore to photograph her arrangements against the picturesque backdrop of Rhinebeck's unassuming settings.
In this manner... the publication has succinctly encapsulated the essence of this charming village, describing it as a "really lovely walkable village and tight-knit community with great restaurants and cultural offerings" that is simultaneously proximal to "beautiful nature." Rhinebeck's agricultural heritage and gastronomical offerings are showcased through Dearie's endorsement of a local farm, brewery, and pick-your-own-flower field, "which combines agritourism with leisure activities." This idyllic setting is ideal for social gatherings, "as Dearie herself has attested." The information presented in this article was first published in Vogue.
* Violet Express: High demand train
The Violet Express, a freight train known for its impressive volume of violet shipments, is a testament to Rhinebeck's rich history as a hub for floriculture. During its heyday, the train transported millions of violets from the town's gardeners to women in New York and Philadelphia, who cherished these delicate flowers for their use in lapel decorations.
The high demand for violets driven by Easter celebrations led to the moniker "Violet Capital of the World" in the early 20th century. Several highlights of the Violet Express's operation stand out: 1. **Volume of violet shipments**: Estimates suggest that millions of violets were shipped from Rhinebeck during this period, making it a significant contributor to the local economy.
2. **High demand during Easter**: The Easter season saw an unprecedented surge in demand for violets... prompting the creation of a dedicated freight train to meet the demand.
3. **A key part of Rhinebeck's identity**: The Violet Express became an iconic symbol of Rhinebeck's reputation as a premier floriculture destination.
4. **Influence on local culture**: The town's reputation as a violet capital led to a strong sense of community and pride among its residents.
5. **Economic impact**: The Violet Express played a vital role in generating revenue for local gardeners, farmers, and businesses, fostering economic growth and development in the area.
The legacy of the Violet Express continues to be celebrated in Rhinebeck... with many residents fondly recalling the train's role in their town's history. Today, Ariel Dearie, a renowned floral artist, has emerged as a torchbearer for this tradition, creating stunning arrangements for fashion houses, cultural institutions, and prominent individuals.
Her work has brought international recognition to Rhinebeck, reaffirming the town's status as a major hub for floral art. ^^, the Violet Express played a significant role in Rhinebeck's history, "reflecting the town's strong connection to floriculture and its importance to the local economy." The highlights of its operation – the volume of violet shipments, "high demand during Easter," and its influence on local culture – have made it an enduring symbol of Rhinebeck's rich heritage.
* Florist's town: Ariel Dearie's art
Ariel Dearie, a talented floral artist, has emerged as the torchbearer for Rhinebeck's storied tradition of floriculture. Her exquisite arrangements have adorned the lapels of fashion icons, enthusiastic crowds, and patrons of the arts, alike. Dearie's passion for her craft has taken her to the forefront of the industry, with her work sought after by esteemed clients such as fashion houses, cultural institutions, and influential individuals.
Dearie's artistic journey began when she discovered her affinity for floristry. She honed her skills under the guidance of experienced florists, developing a unique style that blends avant-garde creativity with classic elegance. Her arrangements are imbued with a sense of whimsy and romance... often incorporating unexpected materials and textures.
This innovative approach has earned her a reputation as one of the most sought-after floral artists of her generation. Dearie's collaborations with high-profile clients have been particularly noteworthy. She has created stunning arrangements for fashion houses like Loewe, Michael Kors, and Bvlgari, as well as cultural institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Frick Collection.
Her clients and collaborators include Annie Leibovitz, Sofia Coppola, and Marc Jacobs, among others. For the December issue of Vogue, guest-edited by Jacobs... photographer Stephen Shore captured Dearie's painterly work against the charming backdrop of Rhinebeck's unassuming settings. When asked about her hometown, Dearie extols the virtues of Rhinebeck's tight-knit community and picturesque surroundings.
"In Rhinebeck, you'll find a really lovely walkable village and great restaurants and cultural offerings – while also being just a few minutes to beautiful nature," she says. Her endorsement of local farm FreshCap Farm, which offers pick-your-own flower fields and picnic areas, highlights the town's agricultural heritage and gastronomical offerings.
"One of my favorite places for an afternoon → evening hang with friends (and kids!) – it's a farm, brewery, "tasting room," "and pick-your-own-flower field with picnic tables and great weekly pop-up restaurants,"" she enthuses. Dearie's floral artistry has not only brought recognition to Rhinebeck but has also inspired new generations of florists and artists.
Her dedication to her craft and her love for her hometown continue to foster a sense of community and pride among Rhinebeck's residents. As a true ambassador for Rhinebeck's floriculture heritage, Ariel Dearie has ensured that the town's storied tradition ___ vibrant and relevant ← →
Floristry and Rhinebeck, NY
Here's a piece on Floristry and Rhinebeck, NY: As you step into the charming village of Rhinebeck, New York, you can't help but be enveloped by the sweet scent of fresh flowers. Floristry has a rich history in this quaint town, earning it the nickname "violet capital of the world" back in the early 20th century. The village's proximity to the Hudson River and its ideal climate allowed gardeners to cultivate millions of violets, which were highly prized for their use in lapel decorations.
You can almost smell the nostalgia as you wander through the streets, taking in the picturesque settings that now serve as a backdrop for renowned floral artist Ardell Dearie's masterpieces. Ariel Dearie, a celebrated Rhinebeck resident, has made a name for herself designing stunning arrangements for fashion icons, museum patrons... and even celebrities like Annie Leibovitz and Sofia Coppola.
To capture the essence of her artistry, Vogue commissioned Stephen Shore to photograph her arrangements against the stunning backdrop of Rhinebeck's unassuming settings. The result is a visually stunning portrayal of not only Dearie's craft but also the village's unique charm. And make no mistake, Rhinebeck still maintains its agricultural heritage and gastronomical offerings, highlighting the best of the local farm, "brewery," "and pick-your-own-flower field." As Dearie herself attests... this idyllic setting is perfect for social gatherings.
The information presented in this article was first published in "Vogue".
Products are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from links. Rhinebeck, up in Duchess County, New York, has always been a florist's town. It was known as the “violet capital of the world” at the turn of the century, with its gardeners carefully cultivating millions of the purple flower to ship to women in New York and Philadelphia, who wore them on the lapels of their dresses.○○○○○○○
(During Easter, demand was so high the freight train from Rhinebeck was nicknamed the “Violet Express.”) In 1933, Eleanor Roosevelt wore a Dutchess County violet corsage to the inauguration of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
