Love What You Do / Saffron

Love What You Do is a mini-series of moving and still images portraiting artisans and small businesses that we love and collaborate.

We are excited to kick off this project featuring a long-time friend Saffron, a flower shop established in 2009 by Kana Togashi and Tetsuji Nakatomi in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. In 2019, Saffron opened its second location in the Essex Market.

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It was one of the evenings 13 years ago, on the way home from a particularly long day, I wandered into Saffron Brooklyn in Fort Greene. It has the allure of a discreet neighboring florist, tucked in a quiet corner between the bustling Atlantic Terminal and the historic Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Upon entering, I was immediately transported to a miniture urban garden, walking through the tiered display of fresh flowers, seasonal plants, and cut branches. Each step is an exploration and a discovery of new colors, shapes, and variety. Subtle waves of scents and notes from different flowers bring a new sensation at each turn. Time seems to go a little slower in this little gem of a store.

Kana Togashi and Tetsuji Nakatomi started Saffron after completing degrees in fine arts and architecture. Togashi was raised in New York and grew up in Fort Greene. What began as a temporary project grew into a thriving business, and 10 years later, branched into a second location in the new Essex Market. Saffron specializes in unique arrangements that have earned them a reputation for their distinct sensibilities. They also focus on working with local and emerging artists and collaborating with like-minded organizations.

With Saffron, the visit extends beyond the flowers, it is a feeling and an unique arrangement that will liven up your own environment.

Here in SKU, we believe it makes a tangible difference to feel a sense of place, familiarity, and belonging. Just like Saffron, we aspire to create a store environment with sincere hospitality paired with honest products to bring our customers a refreshing experience.

In past years, we have collaborated with Saffon on dried florals for our store, trade shows, and photoshoot. This holiday season, we commissioned Tetsuji for a small arrangement in SKU Lafayette. Come visit and see the arrangement in person.

Scroll down to watch the full length video.