Verdant Vivarium – Alykhan Velji Designs

{June 11 – 12, 2015}

Monogram Dinner By Design Calgary | Alykhan Velji Designs

It seemed like one minute the structure did not exist, the next minute, there it was – the “Bell Jar-like” structure that was built on site for Alykhan Velji Designs‘ Dinner By Design installation! His design was named “Verdant Vivarium”.

Monogram Dinner By Design Calgary was a 2-day event that brought together Aly and 5 other Designers, who all designed distinctive tablescapes for attendees appreciate whilst enjoying cocktails and canapes on the first day, and then dinner on the second night. The event was a successful fundraiser organized by The Social Concierge for Alberta College of Art + Design and Contemporary Calgary. Last week, we featured Amanda Hamilton Interior Design; this week, our gaze turns to Alykhan Velji Designs and their “Verdant Vivarium”.

Aly explained it further: “Opulent, organic, and lavish, the “Verdant Vivarium” is a one-of-a-kind dining experience inspired by the lush environment of a terrarium. Just as terrariums stimulate the plants living within them, “Verdant Vivarium” is designed to stimulate the senses of those dining in it.

Verdant – Adjective

The bright green color of lush grass.

Vivarium – Noun

An enclosure adapted to create a terrarium-type environment.”

What is a Terrarium?

A Terrarium is a glass container, mainly or wholly enclosed, for growing and displaying plants. Terraiums are one of favoured trends in wedding and event decor, probably because of the combination of their beauty and low maintenance requirements. It is for those same reasons that also have been gifted as wedding favours!

We love that Aly was inspired to create this Verdant Vivarium, it is like something from a fairytale yet it can so easily be part of someone’s home or wedding.

A bit more about the Designer from the event program: “Aly has immersed himself in the spirit and lifestyle of the Western Canadian design community with his award-winning full service interior design firm that specializes in privater residences and commercial projects. His ideas have gained national reach – through his Calgary Herald column, Aly’s Favourite Things, Virgin Radio segments as one of the Style Guys, and his various appearances as design expert on The Marilyn Denis Show. Currently, Aly does regular television spots on City TV, E!, Cosmo TV, and CTV. Now, with CURATE, his new interior design decor boutique inside Kiya Home in Calgary, Aly has developed a retail presece that has made him into a design, decor, lifestyle expert.”