"Songs for Soldiers"

The excitement in the air is palpable. Cynical New Yorkers are sipping at bars across the city as they chit chat about their plans of escape through the Memorial Day weekend. Suddenly that sober visage begins to break. A smile?...yes!
Surfing in Costa Rica, the first Hamptons getaway of the summer, the Indianapolis 500, or perhaps just a picnic at our westside favorite, The High Line. The possibilities are infinite.

Hopefully, those plans also include at least a few moments of reflection in honor of the many US soldiers who have given their lives for our country…for us.

As “Decoration Day” was originally observed, long ago on May 5, 1866 in Waterloo, New York, the day was certainly a somber one. Those who had lost their loved ones in the Civil War spent the day at the cemetery or at various war memorials. In the days before national ceremonies, members of the Veteran of Foreign Wars took donations for poppies, the flower being commemorative of John McCrae’s poem

“ Flander Fields”, the battlefield in present day Belgium & the Netherlands where many soldiers lost their lives.

While Ovando chose to substitute white phalaenopsis orchids in place of those little red poppies, we were indeed in attendance at the recent USO event, “Songs for Soldiers”, held at the Union Square Ballroom on May 26^th. Celebrity ambassador, Paris Hilton was there to offer a “Swinging Salute” to our Fleet Week visitors and to present each service member with MP3 players. Why MP3 players and where did they come from? In John Pieslak’s novel, Sound Targets, the author explores the musical habits of contemporary soldiers and recounts stories where soldiers used music as a form of escape or inspiration to keep on pushing through. With this in mind, it seemed only appropriate that the USO, the organization long accredited with the moral-boosting 40’s swing dances, would also look to music as a way to convey thanks. In conjunction with several other partners, the organization raised money over the past several months with the eventual goal of providing each of the 184,251 active duty American Troops with their own waterproof, sand-proof, and shock resistant MP3 player.

This past Wednesday evening was alas that night! Our returning U.S sailors danced the night away, along with other guests including actor and "Songs for Soldiers" creator, Tom Wiggins. Ovando was honored to partake in such a successful and melodious cause.

The Tulips and Pansies Headdress Affair: May 20, 2010 at Gotham Hall

TV personality and fashion guru, James Aguir, opened in style for Village Care’s 2010 “Tulips & Pansies” fashion show and silent auction, held in New York’s exquisite Gotham Hall. Several moments later, after much anticipation, out walked the models in their stunning designer gowns and saucy floral headdresses. The audience was indubitably enraptured, and the judges, oh yes, equally smitten! (fashion designer John Bartletter, Renaissance woman, Kelly Bensimon, IMG heavyweight & the creator of “Fashion Week”, Fern Mallis, fashion director Freddie Leiba and fashion’s hottest new young designer, Ashleigh Verrier).

Ovando was absolutely thrilled to participate! The annual fashion show & silent auction is truly a one-of-a-kind charity event which pairs floral designers with fashion designers and sets-up an utter spectacle for the eye. More importantly, however, the proceeds are dedicated to Village Care's network of AIDS services. As Village Care spokeswoman mentioned, there are 100,000 people diagnosed with AIDS in New York alone and 10 new people diagnosed on a daily basis. The facts are staggering, and so too was the work of fashion and floral designers that came together to support the fundraising cause.

Ovando was lucky enough to partner with DKNY! Our headdress creation, fashioned from purple & hot pink Vanda orchids, matching coil springs and glass jewels, was quite the creation: sassy, bold, sexy, chic, and the perfect compliment to DKNY's shorts one-piece, beaded with sequins.

This is Ovando's 2nd year participating and we're already excited for what's in store for lucky #3!

A sleek luxury sports car: the quintessential emblem of Him.

A breathtaking bouquet of white callas: the ever elegant mark of Her.

Was there ever a more flawless couple? It’s doubtful.

Such was perhaps the rational behind Audi’s 2010 Auto Show in which Audi partnered with MKG Productions and invited the Ovando team to give the showroom a little facelift. While the car company’s approach for other leading markets involved a more traditional approach, Audi’s strategy for the New York market embraced a call upon a younger audience of trend leaders and influencers.

Also invited to the auto show was the hugely in vogue musical duo, Zoe Deschanel and M. Ward, performing songs from the new She & Him album. As quoted on Bizbash.com, Andrew Lipman of Audi’s Business & East Coast Communications group acknowledged the push that Audi makes to capture “hipper demographics”. Being at the forefront of floral design and installations, Ovando was surely the perfect and absolutely exquisite partner in crime.

http://www.bizbash.com/newyork/content/editorial/18101_audi_courts_younger_crowd_with_she_and_him_performance_at_auto_show_party.php

Welcome to Ovando!

It's official...Ovando has set foot upon the blogosphere! We're very happy to be here and we can't wait to offer you a peek into a world of bedazzling colors and compositions. We'll not only be showcasing Ovando's work (...events & installations, weddings, seasonal arrangements) but also be glancing through and reflecting upon some of our many inspirations. We invite you to join in and uncover the transformative potential of floral design. Welcome!