While we’ve been defining our persons of style based on their fashion-forward reputations, this month we’ve branched out and chosen our subject based on his design skills as much as his wardrobe. Perri Crutcher, better known as Oshi, is one of the city’s most gifted floral artists. Oshi has made a name for himself as an iconic floral designer, not just here in his native Nashville, but in the world’s cities both large—New York, Paris, Istanbul—and small, but cool—Asheville, N.C. He’s honed his skills under such masters as Ronaldo Maia, Robert Isabel, Christian Tortu and Setuo Kitono, Japanese Master of Ikebana and tea flower design. Wherever he goes, you know the atmosphere is going to be gorgeous.
Who are your favorite floral designers? Ronaldo Maia, New York; Volanni, Washington, D.C.; Joe Smith of Ilex for Flowers in Nashville; Christian Tortu, France
Favorite color? All the colors in nature
What is no house complete without? A bud vase, for a special blossom
What items do you splurge on when you’re decorating with flowers? Quality tools, great containers and flowers grown by environmentally conscious growers
Where do you save money? I despise waste—create something!
When pampering yourself, what are the superstar beauty, skin care or grooming products in your stash? Steaming my face with the mist of black Earl Grey tea and my Hanae Mori fragrance for men
One item you plan to purchase this season and one you already have? I need to get a great pair of eyeglass frames, and I already have a smart pair of black suede Gucci loafers.
Celebrity styles that you admire most? Keith Urban, Patrick Dempsey and Andre 3000 of Outkast
Tell us what current architectural or interior design in Nashville really impresses you? The Pinnacle [at Symphony Place], opening in November 2009
Your favorite cocktail? I’ve chosen not to drink alcohol, so I’d love to say a Coke float.
Favorite local places to unwind with friends? Centennial Park to swing, catching a Titans game at LP Field and in my living room.
Dinner or lunch spot guaranteed to impress a client or out-of-town visitor? The Capitol Grille at the Hermitage Hotel, where I can show off all of OSHi’s flowers throughout the hotel at the same time. For lunch, Mary’s Old Fashioned Barbeque on Jefferson Street
The one dish you can always whip up for company with confidence? Fried chicken and a healthy mixed green salad
What do you consider the perfect elements for an intimate dinner party? The introduction of old and new friends, great food and striking florals
Your ultimate vacation spot? Dubai, for work and play
What do you always have at hand when you travel? My Diesel briefs
Magazines or publications you reference on a regular basis? Architectural Digest, GQ, Vanity Fair
Your guilty indulgences? Banana pudding from H.G. Hill on Church Street downtown.
Do you have a private escape in your home (and if so, tell us about that room)? Quietly sitting in my chaise lounge, while reading or sketching new floral design concepts
Favorite places to shop for your home in Nashville? Vintage, modern and antique stores
Favorite places to shop for yourself-clothing, accessories and so on? Hip 2 Flip on Eighth Avenue South, Tom James for custom-tailored suits and I’m always up for a great sale at Barney’s New York
What do you think can ruin a room, regardless of the cost spent to furnish or decorate it? When the room lacks personalized substance (for example, family heirlooms)—also a mix of overbearing candle fragrances, yuck!
The character trait you find most attractive in others? Kindness and a big hearty laugh.
What’s playing on your iPod? I don’t own an iPod, but I listen to Mary J. Blige, Taylor Swift, Kitty Wells and Yo-Yo Ma.
If you could have any guest at your table, who would you have over for dinner? Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. I used to do her flowers in New York. She was such a wonderful person and had such great stories about gardening.
What's your most treasured possession? My vintage Salvatore Ferragamo red patent shoes and my photograph of my Mom with John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
What movie or television series do you think does or has impacted current trends in home design the most? Martha Stewart Living
Who do you believe are the biggest names in lifestyle design-interiors, cooking, architecture and so on right now? Landscape architect Raymond Jungles and, in Nashville, Baylor Bone Interiors
What makes you feel your best? When a client says “The flowers are gorgeous!”
With your schedule, what do you do to keep yourself healthy? I work out with a personal trainer at Efficient Fitness downtown in the historic Castner-Knott building.
What recent books have kept you reading into the night? The Art of Arranging Flowers
Do you watch home, garden and cooking programs on TV, and if so, what are your favorites right now? My schedule doesn’t permit me much TV time.
Can you name someone in your field that’s been inspirational to you, and tell us why? Ronaldo Maia in New York. He not only taught me to arrange flowers, but to invent and share the giving and receiving of creativity.
For more information on Oshi and his incredible work, visit the OSHi Flowers Web site (oshiflowers.com).