Los Angeles (CNN) — The first thing you see when you step into the lobby of the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is what can only be described as floral shock and awe.
The entryway is not grand or very large, though its marble floors and dramatic chandelier are lovely. But there is drama upon entry: Flowers, flowers, flowers -- they are everywhere, artfully arranged, fragrant and splendid. You are immediately and quite happily assaulted by skillful arrangements that are structurally stunning and despite efforts to the contrary, pretty much indescribable.
Writing about flowers is kind of pointless in this instance, so the focus is on Jeff Leatham, the man whose singular talent, creativity and passion makes this star-studded Los Angeles hotel (along with the Four Seasons George V in Paris) Insta-bait on a global scale.
Like most success stories, no one could have predicted Leatham's journey. He is a self-described "flower man extraordinaire" whose story begins like those of fabled young starlets in the early days of Hollywood.
"I never really wanted to work with flowers," Leatham says, "but I realized the impact that flowers had on people and the joy that it brought."
From Utah to knighthood
He's designed vases for Daum and Waterford, the former included in the permanent collection at the Dallas Museum of Art. In 2014, he was awarded the Chevalier de L'Ordre des Arts et Lettres, in recognition of his contribution to French culture as artistic director at the Four Seasons George V.
"We really revolutionized the way people think of flowers at George V. We moved out the furniture and started creating these amazing floral art compositions in the lobby. We've changed the way people look at flowers in hotels, in restaurants, in homes," Leatham said.
These days he's splitting his time between Paris and Los Angeles, running his eponymous studio out of the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, all while planning his own fall wedding. (Yes, his team at Jeff Leatham is doing the flowers.)
Laid back L.A.
On the difference between living in Los Angeles and Paris, Leatham is diplomatic (as all proper knights are).
"The Parisians have been so great for me, but I'm enjoying being back here in Los Angeles, because it's so laid back and the beautiful, sunny weather."
When it comes to food, he likes The Ivy in Beverly Hills, "For me it's great because it's an L.A. standard, and there's beautiful flowers everywhere."
When in Paris, which is now for just a few days...
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