The Barbie Bouquet By The Real Flower Company Celebrating Valentine's Day 2013

Online, February 8, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Ken really wants to make Barbie feel special and feels there is no better gesture than for her to receive an exclusive bouquet with a Barbie pink twist. Barbie and Ken officially broke up in 2004 after 43 years of bliss together. However, it was Ken's 50th anniversary celebrations in Paris last year that rekindled their relationship. Ken says: "It had to be the ultimate bouquet. I can't risk losing Barbie again."

The Real Flower Company has combined vibrant fuchsia and peony pinks, from a selection of Yves Piaget, Carlita, and Paul Ricard roses, infused with new varieties of rose that were planted on their farm earlier this year. Each bespoke bouquet is hand tied with mint, rosemary, and feathery Parvifolia Eucalyptus, presented in The Real Flower Company's signature luxury hatbox, and secured with a thick satin ribbon.

Karen Watson, CEO and Co-Owner of The Real Flower Company says: "We are delighted to create this exclusive bouquet for Barbie® and hope we have fulfilled Ken's wishes that it conveys how he truly feels about her."

The Barbie Bouquet by The Real Flower Company will be available from its website, its shop in Midhurst and London's Selfridges costing £140. Pre-orders may be placed from January 2013.

http://www.realflowers.co.uk

ABOUT

KEN

Born Ken Carson, 11 March 1961 in Willows, Wisconsin, the first Ken® doll was $3.50, had flocked hair, wore red swimming trunks, and was carrying a yellow towel. In 1973, Mod Hair™ Ken® introduced his first ever rooted hairstyle, straight or curly, and even came with additional hairy accoutrements; including sideburns. By 1978, Superstar Ken® was wearing an electric blue boiler suit, and in 1979, Sun Lovin'™ Malibu Ken®, with his moulded blond hair and golden tan, underlined his surfer dude credentials. Sunsational Malibu Ken®, the first African American Ken®, was introduced in 1982, featuring a rooted Afro hairstyle. In 1984, Dream Date™ Ken® was the perfect arm candy for Barbie®, in his bow tie, tailored tux with a pink rose on the lapel, and grey pants with pink cummerbund. Totally Hair Ken® in 1992 even came with a tube of styling gel! In 1999, Shave 'n' Style™ Ken®, a scruffy cool 90s heartthrob, wore regulation jeans and white Tee. Gareth Pugh has previously dressed a limited edition Ken®, and Cassette Playa redefined Ken as the ultimate boyfriend for a new generation with a capsule adult clothing collection to commemorate his 50th anniversary. He has also had bespoke outfits created for him by: Gucci, Prada, Burberry Prorsum, and Paul Smith. He also appeared in the Disney Pixar film Toy Story 3, voiced by Michael Keaton. Ken® is the only character who wears a different outfit in every scene of the movie.

BARBIE

In the past 50 years, Barbie® has established herself as one of the world's leading fashion icons, and has been dressed by leading design talents including: Alaïa, Burberry, Comme des Garçons, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Roksanda Ilincic. More than 100 million metres of fabric have gone into making her fabulous wardrobe and she has had over one billion pairs of gravity-defying shoes, including ones created by Christian Louboutin. Louise Gray recently presented three Barbie-inspired adult looks in her Spring/Summer 2013 show. Barbie® first broke the plastic ceiling in the 60s when, as an astronaut, she went to space four years before man walked on the moon. In the 80s she took to the boardroom as 'Day to Night' CEO Barbie®, just as women began to break into management. And in the 90s, she ran for President, before any female candidate ever made it onto the presidential ballot. Most recently Barbie® became a palaeontologist. Louise Gray recently brought out Barbie's rebellious streak, featuring three Barbie-inspired adult clothing looks in her Spring/Summer 2013 show, and dressing Barbie in one of the new season outfits.

THE REAL FLOWER COMPANY

The Real Flower Company is owned by three 'rose enthusiasts' united in their passion to bring natural, scented, fresh garden roses, perfumed flowers, cut herbs and foliage back to a market that had lost touch with the beauty of real flowers. Rosebie Morton started growing garden roses and herbs in her walled garden in 1995, with an aim to develop and grow a range of scented garden roses, flowers and herbs with all the natural charm, character and heady scent so often lost in mass-produced varieties. Tim Hobbs, who is based in Kenya, recognised that the climate is perfect for outdoor grown roses and created a sustainable farm near Nanyuki to develop wonderfully scented natural garden roses, herbs and foliage all year round. Karen Watson, having worked in the fashion business where she was Buying Director at Harvey Nichols, retrained as a florist and created a business in floristry serving clients across the fashion, music and publishing sector. Specialising in perfumed flowers, scented roses, cut herbs and seasonal foliage, The Real Flower Company offers exquisite bouquets and arrangements that stand apart in a market dominated by scent-free flowers to send. The company also offers a bespoke collection of floral chocolates, floral teas and luxury gifts. The Real Flower Company enjoys year-on-year awards for excellence and last year was awarded the RHS Chelsea Flower Show's Certificate of Merit for 'Outstanding Presentation' for the second time. The company is a member of Walpole which recognises excellence in the British luxury industry and was named 'Best Emerging British Luxury Brand' in 2009 Walpole Luxury Awards. The company offer same day delivery in London and a next day overnight delivery service from Tuesday to Saturday nation-wide. Standard overnight delivery is £7.