LOTUS 212 in NYC is known for being at the vanguard of floral and special events design. Lotus is the brainchild of owner and artistic director Luis Collazo. Taking a hands on approach, Luis is personally involved in every aspect of his creations from conception through construction and presentation - fostering innovation while avoiding repetition and cliche. Known for his out-of-the-box vision an
d thematic imagination, he has built a reputation as a cutting edge event designer. His arrangements have been described as “architectural and dramatic, yet classical compositions" while possessing "the intensity of works of art.” This artistry and dedication led him to be named Best Florist of New York by New York magazine in the year 2000. Drawing his inspiration from nature and the fine arts, he has been influenced by contemporary artists and architects as diverse as Jackson Pollock, Lucio Fontana, Mark Rothko, Arnaldo Pomodoro, Francis Bacon, Henri Matisse, Alberto Giacometti, Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid. His creations meld the timelessness of nature with 21st Century technology and aesthetics. Luis has the ability to customize his artistic vision to suit the individuality of his clients, carefully listening to their needs and ideas, while developing these by adding depth, range and invention. His activities include corporate and restaurant weekly accounts, private homes, and his forte – intimate weddings and special events. A short list of the celebrities Luis has worked with include: Barbara Walters, Mrs. Newhouse, Ivana Trump, Brooke Astor, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Garner, Liv Tyler, Kate Hudson, Anne Hathaway, Mickey Rourke, John Leguizamo and Donny Deutsch; fashion stars such as Valentino, Thierry Mugler, Viktor & Rolf and Moschino; as well as corporate and political giants such as Condé Nast, Pfizer, Henry Kissinger, President Barack Obama, Senator Charles Schumer, and others. Luis has worked with Chefs Thomas Keller, Jonathan Benno and Richard Capizzi for over 10 years. In addition, Lotus/Luis has been the director of floral design for Per Se Restaurant for 11 years, and is also in charge of floral design at restaurants Lincoln, Betony, and Urbo, just to mention a few. Luis' brilliant conceptual and sculptural skills result in dynamic yet elegant arrangements of highly cultivated sophistication.