A conversation with Aude Giraud
Aude Giraud’s story is steeped in magic. One that is defined by serendipitous encounters and the wonder of storytelling led by intuition. Her floral atelier Ask A French, tucked away in Singapore’s charming Tiong Bahru neighbourhood, is an ode to nature’s wild beauty and the romance of classic still-life paintings.
Born in France, Aude’s heritage is multi-faceted - one that blends the East and West together with her father’s French-Italian roots and her mother’s Javanese lineage. Her professional journey has taken many forms, however they have always contained an essence of storytelling, whether it was while working as a music and cultural programmer for Radio France (interviewing the likes of Ryan Gosling and Marion Cotillard) to pursuing lifestyle photography and, more recently, song writing. Her clients are both personal as well as recognised brands such as Chanel and ERES, all sharing a love for her distinct floral touch that is at once raw yet harmonious.
Aude Giraud
When she move to the island-state of Singapore several years ago, her love for all things botanic took a large turn and blossomed. She launch Ask A French Flowers, cultivating and sharing her deep relationship with the natural world through workshops and her personalised bouquets for living spaces and events. Her atelier’s very own opening is testament to her personal commitment to live through intuition - one day, during her initial months in Singapore, she was walking by a quiet corner in Tiong Bahru when she popped her head into an open doorway to peek inside. What she saw was what she describes as her dream studio, and wondered if it would ever become available to rent. One year later, the property was listed on a local online listings portal, and she booked to view the space. It was only when she went on site for a visit that she realised it was the very same spot she had eyed up months before - a perfect reflection of her own personal motto - let your intuition guide you and try not to be afraid.
A motto which greatly resonates with our own, and one which is sure to guide us as we steer these extraordinary times. We decided to catch Aude and ask 10 questions inspired by the Proust Questionnaire - a questionnaire that has its origins in a parlour game that had been popularised by French essayist Marcel Proust, designed to reveal the player’s true nature.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Flowers, music, nature, and enjoying the little things in life. Like a lemon cake with a nice cup of coffee or tea. You see how happiness can be easy!
What is your current state of mind?
“On est bien peu de chose et mon amie la rose me l'a dit ce matin.”
We are nothing but a drop of water in the immensity of the ocean.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, who or what would she/he/it be and why?
I would like to come back as Leonard Cohen’s guitar. I think it would have a lot to say…
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Everything, and nothing. Anyway, it’s not possible!
What is your greatest regret?
I guess if I look into it, I might find a few, but as we say in French, "Mieux vaut des remords que des regrets." In a nutshell it means that it’s better to try and act than not at all.
What is your most treasured possession?
My husband, if you consider that you can own someone, haha!
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Good taste, sense of humour, kindness.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
That of being a woman and a man at the same time.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My music album, an intensive creative process that will be out soon.
What is your motto?
Things always happen (or not) for a reason. Play & Repeat.