Few accessories have aroused such commentary as the flower crown, a breathtaking addition to any look, whether you’re headed down the aisle or to Coachella. With a history in mythology and art that can be traced back to ancient civilizations, these decorative headpieces are reemerging with a passion and we’ve stumbled upon a lovely local lass who’s making her mark as the queen of flower crowns.
Famously known as the flower girl at her res and on campus back when she was studying, Pamella Nkosi (26) is a huge lover of the arts in all its practices. She spends her days in the sun lounge of her Pinetown home that overlooks an intimate garden, creating her masterpieces.When finished the crowns are carefully packaged and find their way to all kinds of special occasions for all kinds of people. She’s made the cutest crowns for three-month-olds and designer crowns for celebrities and public figures across the country. There’s seemingly no limit to what Pamella is able to do.
‘From a young age, I loved the idea of working and making my own money. As a Civil Engineering student, I was hungry to do something different and innovative that involved me working with people and my hands. I looked up to my creator for direction and answers, until one night I fell into a deep sleep and I had the most breathtaking dream of women, from different ethnic groups in an enchanted garden, wearing glorious crowns made from flowers. A voice inside me said ‘Do this!’ A couple of days later, I bought some artificial flowers and I made my first two crowns, which my friend and I wore to the beach. And the rest, as they say, is history.’
Through word-of-mouth and social media platforms Pamella gained exposure for her work and while she is now studying part-time in floriculture, she is a full-time entrepreneur and owner of her cosy business: Ndlunkulu The Queen. Inspired by life, people and culture, especially African culture, and the view from her studio with its aesthetic appeal of the garden and nature, she creates what she believes brings joy and happiness to people.
‘Art is all around us and I honestly believe the purpose of my life is to create elements that can better compliment or enhance the existing beauty of women – our queens and goddesses. I make them for our kings too. I’m currently working on new designs that will be most appealing for men to rock at their events, and am going back to my creative space to try establish other fashion statements with flowers for men to wear on a day-to-day basis.’
Some of the basic essentials Pamella uses includes floral wire, pliers, floral tape, a glue gun, artificial flowers or natural flowers (depending on the project) and ribbon or wreath grass for tying. She works with different mediums like wooden sticks, zip-ties, cardboard, headbands and hair bands to create the crowns.
The material used all depends on the headpiece and although Pamella does use natural flowers, she loves silk for its practicality and longevity. A single crown can take her anything from two and a half hours to make or, depending on the complexity of the design, up to two days to complete.
‘The most memorable piece I made was a cascading orchid bouquet for a wedding. I put my self-taught florist skills to the test. It was literally my first attempt at making a bouquet. I was confident enough to take on the challenge even though I had not done it before and I executed the design well.’
Floral crowns have become a big fashion statement and many people and celebrities wear crowns as a means of embracing their own inner goddess and finesse. Floral crowns have roots in history and religion, but they can be happily worn and admired at events like The Vodacom Durban July, The Grand White Picnic, National Garden Day, bridal fairs, intimate luncheons and more. There is really no limit as to where and when they an be worn.
Speaking of events, Pamella was invited to showcase her work at last year’s Durban Fashion Fair, where she collaborated with fashion designer, Nokwanda Ngcobo from 8th Wanda. Her work was also featured on e.TV. This year, things are looking even better!
‘I totally believe in the saying that what you speak out into the universe comes to pass. I have a collaboration planned with a few local and international designers, which I can’t elaborate on any further at the moment but I am so excited, and even more so, as I will be launching my online store that will allow me to sell internationally, as I have been receiving requests from people all over the continent.’
Pamella hopes to also create an Afro-centric movement for floristry design and creation, and flower crowns. ‘Ideally, I would like to create pieces that will be considered artwork that pays homage to different elements of our lineage. I also aspire to work with natural flowers and get into flower farming and floriculture. I am here to tell all the flower lovers out there, especially young and aspiring African florists at heart, that there are no stereotypes in this field. It is all about passion and love for florals. If I can get into this industry so can anyone with a dream to work hard, educate themselves and follow their hearts.’
Spontaneous and up for any adventure, regardless of the day or hour, Pamella believes in seizing the moment and letting the road lead the way to living her best life.
‘I’m a very healthy mess of fun and games, but what I take very seriously is my work and craft. When I’m on set for shoots or in a working space among other creatives and business associates, I mean business! Work first, sundowners later.’
Details: IG: @ndlunkuluthequeen, FB: Ndlunkuluthequeen, e-mail [email protected] or call 0764401351.
CREDITS:
Photos: Penny Katz Photography, pennykatzphotography.myportfolio.com, e-mail [email protected], 083 214 0692
Makeup: Accentuate Graduate & Team Artist: Melissa Mkhize, Accentuate Hair & Makeup Academy Hillcrest, www.professionalmakeupartist.co.za , [email protected]
Model: Luyanda Zwane, @lou_zwane from @bossmodelsdbn
Green Dress: @indonifashionhouse
Earrings: @magpie_accessories
