interview by JANA LETONJA

Seema Bansal Chadha, the CEO and founder of Venus et Fleur, the celebrity cult-favorite luxury floral brand that has taken the world by storm, is a tastemaker and a trendsetter in her own right. With a passion for fashion and modern design, Seema has integrated today’s top trends into Venus Et Fleur’s pristine arrangements, making them current yet still classic and beautiful. We’ve joined Seema attending Chanel’s Haute Couture show for Fall 2024 last week in Paris.

Seema, you’re the CEO and founder of Venus et Fleur. Tell us more about the brand and what inspired its creation.
Venus et Fleur blossomed from a moment that highlighted a glaring gap in the floral industry. It all started with a bouquet mishap from my then-new boyfriend, Sunny, which opened our eyes to a common problem, unreliable flower deliveries lacking in luxury and longevity. Inspired by the timeless elegance of Parisian floral arrangements and the mythical allure of Venus, goddess of love and beauty, we envisioned a brand that redefines luxury florals. Venus et Fleur is about delivering a ‘what you see is what you get’ experience with every arrangement.

Can you share the secret behind Venus et Fleur’s flowers’ longevity?
Our flowers last up to a year thanks to a proprietary wax-based formula perfected through years of dedicated research and development. This formula preserves the freshness and vibrancy of each bloom and also ensures they retain their natural beauty without needing water.

How do you make sure the brand and the product is evolving and staying current, yet still classic and beautiful?Innovation in design and unwavering commitment to quality are at the heart of everything we do at Venus et Fleur. By staying ahead of trends and continually pushing the boundaries of floral preservation, we maintain a perfect balance of timeless elegance and modern sophistication.

What achievement are you proudest of since launching Venus et Fleur?
One of our proudest achievements has been nurturing a talented team and pushing the envelope in floral innovation and packaging design. We’ve been humbled by the recognition we’ve received globally, which speaks volumes about our dedication to excellence.

What exciting plans do you have for the brand’s future?
We’ve recently launched our highly anticipated Japanese-grown peonies, designed to last a full year without water. This innovation, five years in the making, allows us to offer the most exquisite luxury preserved peonies on the market. Now, customers can enjoy the beauty of seasonal florals year-round with quality and longevity.

Beyond Venus et Fleur, you’ve also launched Home of CHIJI, reflecting your passion for holistic wellness. Can you tell us about its products and mission.
CHIJI is my personal journey into holistic wellness, driven by a love for spirituality and ritual. It emerged from a need to reconnect amidst a hectic lifestyle, offering meticulously crafted products that elevate daily rituals and promote inner harmony.

Your love for fashion is evident. What draws you to the industry, and what does fashion mean to you? 
Fashion has always been my creative outlet, a way to express my truest self and feel empowered. My style journey mirrors my personal growth, evolving over time to reflect a blend of classic sophistication and timeless femininity.

How would you describe your style evolution over the years? 
My style evolution over the years embodies a blend of classic elegance, timeless femininity, and a commitment to sophistication, reflecting both personal growth and a dynamic approach to fashion.

You recently attended Chanel’s Haute Couture show for Fall 2024. What captivated you most about Chanel’s latest collection and the trends showcased at Couture Fashion Week?  
Attending Chanel’s Haute Couture show was an unforgettable experience. Couture Fashion Week reaffirmed the importance and presence of craftsmanship in fashion, a value deeply ingrained in my own style and entrepreneurial ethos.

photography CLAIRE LEJUENE
hair & makeup TANYA FEDORENKO
styling SEEMA BANSAL CHADHA
editor TIMI LETONJA