Do you remember this year's American Tulip Day (March 4, 2023), where bustling crowds of 30-35,000 people were gathering at the city's heart to kick off the start of spring and celebrate International Women's Day? The event hosted by Royal Anthos in collaboration with the Netherlands Consulate in San Francisco, San Francisco Recreation and Parks, and the Union Square Alliance was a resounding success, and we will continue to build this momentum through Union Square in Bloom (April – September).
Drone video of American Tulip Day in Union Square.
What's more fashionable than a spring day? The answer: an original couture creation a la a spring day by local internationally acclaimed designer Vasily Vein to honor this year's 2nd Annual "Union Square in Bloom" initiative. Created by and spearheaded by the Union Square Alliance, "Union Square in Bloom" celebrates the area's long history of floral creativity and display, including its rich fashion-forward traditions. The dress will be unveiled in a special fashion show event on Thursday, May 11 (5 pm – 7 pm) at the Nieman Marcus Rotunda on Union Square and modeled by Sonya Moldetskaya.
"Union Square in Bloom highlights our vibrant community's passion for creativity and style," said Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of the Union Square Alliance. "We're honored to have Vasily Vein's stunning design as a centerpiece of our celebration."
"Union Square in Bloom" has expanded during its second year with spectacular over-size silk floral displays cascading from area hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops and special cocktail and menu offerings that highlight Union Square's floral history and blooming rebirth. Starting in early May and culminating with a spectacular Mothers' Day celebration, Union Square will be in "full bloom" with dozens of colorful floral displays to welcome residents, workers, and visitors to
the heart of San Francisco The "Blooming" will be completed and unveiled in special events through September, May 14, from 1:00-4:00 pm dubbed The Roots of Creation: A Mother's Day Celebration centered around the floral artistry of the Union Square stage with a wide range of music and dance performances Also launching on Mother's Day weekend is unique Union Square in Bloom passports, encouraging visitors to explore the floral displays, and visit shops
and restaurants. The Activity Passport includes a family-friendly adventure of discovery, floral education, and interactive games. The "Bloom + Bubbles" Passport showcases floral-inspired beverages at local hotels, restaurants, and bars.
"I am honored to contribute to the blossoming spirit of Union Square," said Veins, known for his one-of-a-kind creations for legions of San Francisco's most fashionable. "My Union Square "Bloom" gown reflects the beauty and vitality of this iconic neighborhood."
Vasily Vein Art Design exploded onto the fashion world in 2009 after moving to the States from the former Soviet Union. Acclaimed for creating exquisite gowns for San Francisco's philanthropic society at such events as the annual Opera, Symphony, and Ballet openings, Vasily has long expressed an environmental "green" conscience in his work by using vintage fabric and sustainable fabrics as much as possible.
Vasily's designs have been featured in the pages of Marie Claire, Estetica, The San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Magazine / Modern Luxury, the Nob Hill Gazette, the New York Social Diary, Forbes Lifestyle, and Haute Living, among others. Vasily makes his home in Sausalito.
Also launching on Mother's Day weekend is Union Square in Bloom passports, encouraging visitors to explore the floral displays and visit shops and restaurants. The Activity Passport includes a family-friendly adventure of discovery, floral education, and interactive
games. The "Bloom + Bubbles" Passport showcases floral-inspired beverages at local hotels, restaurants, and bars.
Local businesses and community partners taking part in the Union Square in Bloom by installing floral décor at their entrances or interiors, along with blooms in public spaces, include: A.C.T ▪ Axiom Hotel ▪ Bus Stop by Macy's ▪ Beacon Grand ▪ Canterbury Hotel ▪ Chancellor ▪ CK Contemporary ▪ Garden Party SF ▪ Grand Hyatt ▪ Handlery Hotel ▪ Herbert Hotel ▪ Hilton/Parc55 ▪ King George Hotel ▪ Maiden Lane ▪ Mastro's Steakhouse ▪ Neiman Marcus Rotunda ▪ New Delhi Restaurant ▪ Union Square Inn ▪ Scheuer Linen ▪ SFO United Lounge ▪ Stratford Hotel ▪ TAJ Campton ▪ The Barnes ▪ The Donatello Hotel ▪ Westin St. Francis ▪ Union Square Alliance Building ▪ Union Square Plaza Stage Participants in the "Bloom + Beverage" Program and other special offers are: Beacon Grand ▪ E&O Kitchen and Bar ▪ Harlan Records ▪ Hawthorn ▪ Hilton – CityScape ▪ Iron Horse Cocktails
▪ Macy's Wine Bar ▪ New Dehli Restaurant ▪ Parc 55 – Cable 55 ▪ Sam's Cable Car Lounge ▪ Sool Bar & Lounge Food Program ▪ E&O Kitchen ▪ The Barnes ▪ The Westin St. Francis' Clock Bar, and Zingari Restaurant and Bar.
Room in Bloom Hotel Packages - Select district hotels, including the historic Westin St. Francis and the newly renovated Barnes Hotel, offer 'Room in Bloom' packages featuring a seasonal bouquet upon arrival. Sponsors for the 2nd Annual Union Square in Bloom include Macy's and United Airlines. "Union Square is bursting in beauty and excitement," said Rodriguez. "Whether it's a bloom trail guide for youth, floral fashion shows for the adults, or special 'staycation' hotel packages for the whole family, Union Square will be the place to celebrate the beauty and diversity of San Francisco this spring and summer."
As Union Square in Bloom-specific events, additional sponsors, and programs are added, updated information will be available online at www.visitunionsquaresf.com
For more information:
Union Square Alliance
www.visitunionsquaresf.com