We sat down with Rabab, founder of floral design studio based in NYC, Studio Hayat.
Rabab wears the Sandy Liang Peel Top and the Sandy Liang Warton Skirt
HL: To start off simple, what do you do for work?
Rabab: I'm a floral designer based in New York City. I do a lot of brand events and take on a few select weddings throughout the year.
One of Rabab's favorite creations
HL: What does a typical day in the city look like for you?
Rabab: My flower days tend to start very early. I’m usually in the flower district by 7 to 7:30 a.m. to pick up all of my flowers from my vendors. Then I head to my apartment - or now my new studio space - to start processing the flowers.
Shortly after that, I usually take my coffee break. Starting my days with a cappuccino is tradition. Usually, it’s my fiancé who makes it for me, but now, since I have a new studio space (right next to Hauteline’s studio!), I'll have to find a new routine, but the cappuccino will definitely stay the same.
HL: I’m curious about what the flower district is like in the early morning. Could you tell me a little bit about the experience?
Rabab: It’s very alive. All the shipments and flowers are coming in and all the florists are going in and out of the shops to pick up the flowers for the day.
I also get to see a lot of my friends who are florists at the shops. So it’s really nice to have that third space and see people that you know every morning, it’s like a community.
Rabab wears the Issey Miyake Promenade Top and Caspar the Label Venus in Gemini Skirt
HL: What is the path that led you to starting Studio Hayat?
Rabab: It was never my intention to become a florist. It kind of started out as a hobby during my gap year while I was applying to medical school. I was working at hospitals and research labs after studying to be pre-med throughout college. While applying to med school, I took a year off and needed a creative hobby. It started out with ceramics, and I thought, I had to put some flowers into all the beautiful vases I was making.
Slowly, I got into flowers and then flowers kind of started to snowball into something I did everyday. And so ceramics took a side step as a hobby, and now flowers are full time.
HL: From a woman in STEM to a woman in floral stems!
Rabab: Exactly.
Rabab wears the By Ellen With Love Daphne Top and Caspar the Label Venus in Gemini Skirt
HL: Who are some tastemakers who inspire you?
Rabab: While I was still developing my personal style, which is still ever-changing, I came across @brendahashtag, who you may know on Instagram. She helped me become more intentional with the pieces that I buy, so that everything in my closet would pair well together. It’s an aspiration to have pieces that work well together, that will last me a lifetime, and keep sparking joy in my life.
HL: Love. I actually see that in your style too. There's an emphasis on neutral tones and then there’s a second hand or archival sort of energy there too.
Rabab: I love making getting dressed easy everyday and having everything go seamlessly together. Like having a recipe everyday!
Rabab wears the Sandy Liang Peel Top and the Sandy Liang Warton Skirt
HL: What is your favorite flower at the moment?
Rabab: My favorite flowers to work with tend to change with the season. Right now, I really really love marigolds. I love that pop of orange in every arrangement - perfect for fall. Typically in April or May I really love peonies and I want to use them in every arrangement. There are so many varieties, I can’t get enough of them.
HL: As a florist, what is one tip that you can share with us on how to make your flowers last longer?
Rabab: Definitely by keeping them out of direct sunlight. It's beautiful for taking photos, but I would put them there for one picture and then move them away after. They like to be cool. Refresh their water daily - switch out that old nasty water for fresh cold water as often as possible.
Rabab wears the Sandy Liang Girl Scout Bag with the By Ellen With Love Daphne Top and Caspar the Label Venus in Gemini Skirt
HL: And how would you describe your personal style?
Rabab: I would say it’s a little bit edgy with a feminine touch. I love to pair all my outfits with silver jewelry. It’s my daily uniform. I never leave the apartment without them!
Rabab wears the Issey Miyake Promenade Top
HL: What are some brands you love?
Rabab: Ooh, I love Sandy Liang, which I’m renting from Hauteline today. I also love Paloma Wool and ShuShu/Tong, and obviously Maison Margiela.
