Floral Designer Sophia Moreno-Bunge's Personal Style Is as Ebullient as Her Arrangements
Every time she starts an arrangement, floral designer Sophia Moreno-Bunge of ISA ISA draws from the sunny optimism and distinct plant-scape of Los Angeles. "It's Mediterranean meets tropical meets desert," she says of her hometown. Her bold bouquets capture it all: the ocean's cool palette of shells, rocks, and seaweed; and the coast's vivid collage of fuchsia bougainvillea, silvery palms, and scrubby green manzanita trees. Moreno-Bunge studied photography and sculpture at Barnard College, in New York City, then landed a job with Emily Thompson, the celebrated New York City floral designer known for her otherworldly installations.
Sophia's Top Picks
Like her mentor (who also trained as a sculptor), Moreno-Bunge champions local flora, incorporating produce from the farmers' market and clippings from the hundreds of potted plants in her home garden. She makes these "wild, playful" arrangements for clients like fashion designer Rachel Comey and the Kelly Wearstler-designed Proper hotel. "I love all colors, from acid green to geranium red. I don't discriminate," she says of her ebullient personal style. "My goal is to create work that makes you wonder, to open your eyes to what's possible and beautiful."
Statement Sunnies
"Stylish, comfortable, and durable."
Shop Now: Izipizi #G Yellow Honey Sunglasses, $50, global.izipizi.com.
Everyday Shirt
"I pair it with cool large earrings and colorful pants."
Shop Now: Shaina Mote Aro Shirt in Onyx, $270, shainamote.com.
Unique Vase
"It only needs a couple of stems to make a graphic statement."
Shop Now: BZippy LG Diamond Vase, $320, bzippyandcompany.com.
Modern Bucket Bag
"It has a classic shape, but the tassel and wood-ball details make it feel modern."
Shop Now: Building Block Mini Bucket Bag in Pebbled Black, $425, garmentory.com.
Pearl Earrings
"They can be dressed up or down."
Shop Now: Sophie Monet Pearl Brook Earrings, $175, sophiemonetjewelry.com.
Isa Isa Arrangement
"I am awed by the juiciness growing all over L.A. in the winter."
Shop Now: Isa Isa Arrangement, isafloral.com.
Reading Right Now
"I love when you don't know where a story is going, like you're moving along with a character."
Shop Now: Outline by Rachel Cusk, $13.49, amazon.com.
Aquamarine Jewels
"It reminds me of the ocean, which I cannot live without."
Shop Now: Ursa Major Màre Ring in 18k Gold with Aquamarine, $2,280, katejones.us.
Cropped Tee
"I live in these, and love the company's eco mission."
Shop Now: For Days 90's Crop SS Tee, $32, fordays.com.
Nightly Tea
"I'll drink a cup at night. It's herbaceous and so soothing."
Shop Now: Leaves and Flowers Sleep Tea, $17, leavesandflowers.com.
Rich Fragrance
"It smells like heaven: rich and floral."
Shop Now: Cultus Artem Tuberosa Eau de Parfum, $255, neimanmarcus.com.
Party Pants
"I'll wear this to a holiday party with the matching jacket."
Shop Now: Rachel Comey Almarita Pants, $695, rachelcomey.com.
Colored Drinking Glass
"I collect colored glasses and like how delicate these are."
Shop Now: Ichendorf Milano Tap Glass in Green, $16, ichendorfmilano.com.
Comfortable Shoes
"They're comfortable, and take me from the market to meetings."
Shop Now: Martiniano Glove Shoes in Black, $464, garmentory.com.
Face Mist
"I spray this throughout the day. It's very refreshing, and crucial for L.A.'s dry weather."
Shop Now: De Mamiel Dewy Face Mist, $78, net-a-porter.com.
Bath Salts
"My job is so physical that I take a bath with these every night. My body needs it."
Shop Now: Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes, $9.75, ancient-minerals.com.
Skin Tint
"It hydrates my skin and gives me a little coverage."
Shop Now: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, $48, credobeauty.com.
Pruning Sheers
"They feel good in my hand and will last a lifetime."
Shop Now: Asano Mokkousho Japanese Steel Pruning Shears, $68, bloomist.com.