AWARD-WINNING FLORAL MANNEQUIN DESIGN FOR PRIDE EXHIBITION

SLAK Flowers, a social enterprise florist, has won the Most Creative award for its stunning floral mannequin design of Indigenous Australian Jojo Zaho at the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney Fleur de Villes PRIDE exhibition. The award was conferred by the curators of the exhibition, which coincides with the major cultural event World Pride taking place in Sydney.

Jojo Zaho is an Indigenous Australian performer, artist, and community activist who is known for her advocacy work for the LGBTQIA+ community and her powerful drag performances. She is a proud Wiradjuri woman and has been a key figure in the Australian queer community for several years. Zaho's fierce and unapologetic presence on stage and in the community has earned her a place as an icon of Australian queer culture.

SLAK Flowers' floral mannequin design of Jojo Zaho was a celebration of her powerful identity and the rich culture and heritage of Indigenous Australians. The design featured an intricate arrangement of native Australian flowers and foliage, including banksia, gum, and wattle, which were woven together to create a stunning representation of Zaho.

Simla Sooboodoo, the founder of SLAK Flowers, expressed her excitement and gratitude for winning the award, saying, "We are truly honored to receive the Most Creative award for our floral mannequin design of Jojo Zaho. It was a labor of love and a true celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous Australians and the LGBTQIA+ community. We hope that our design inspires others to embrace diversity and celebrate the beauty of all cultures."

The Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney Fleur de Villes PRIDE exhibition features a range of floral designs and installations created by local florists and designers, all of which celebrate the diverse and vibrant LGBTQIA+ community in Australia. The exhibition runs from February 17 to March 5, 2023, and is a part of the larger World Pride event in Sydney.

SLAK Flowers is a social enterprise florist that provides employment opportunities and training for women who are experiencing homelessness in Sydney. Its mission is to create beautiful and sustainable floral designs while empowering those who have been marginalised.

For more information about SLAK Flowers and their work, please visit their website at slakflowers.com