PARIS, Oct 24, 2001/ --- After a month-long runway carnival that trekked through three time zones, the travel-weary fashion elite have returned home to put their feet up and grab a little R&R.

But while the fashionistas rest their heads on embroidered silk pillows, fashion houses are busy with the business of thanking the buyers, journalists, stars and clients who attended their shows.

Surprisingly, in such a creative industry like fashion, the method of choice for designers to show their appreciation is the tried and true bouquet of flowers. Designers are always on the hunt for the hottest florist who will make their bouquet stand out from the bunch.

In Paris the florist to go to is Martyne Maillet of Rien Que Des Fleurs. She doesn't have a boutique in Paris, and she isn't listed in the Yellow Pages. As with all things rare and treasured, her number is guarded by a precious few who share it only with their closest friends.

Jean-Paul Gaultier is a devotee (Maillet did his 1997 Frida Kahlo-inspired show), and Demi Moore searched her out after she received one of her creations.

"I have been working with flowers for over 30 years," says Maillet. "It is a wonderful way for me to communicate creatively."

As with all things, the art of flower arrangement has evolved over the years. Maillet reveals that "10 years ago there were things that just weren't done when making a bouquet, like mixing orange and red flowers together. Now anything goes."

And just like fashion, flower arrangements follow the latest trends. In Paris "right now the flowers that everyone wants are hydrangea and sunflowers, and the bouquets need to look like they were picked in a sunny field somewhere, not a 'pičce monté,'" says Maillet.

Maillet's secret weapon that makes her stand out from other florists in Paris is her sense of smell: "I love to put basil or mint in my arrangements. Olfactory senses are connected to memories, and I want my clients to remember the flowers, and hopefully at the same time the flowers will bring back happy memories."

Maillet also uses anything that catches her eye to create a unique vase or wrapping. When she used giant palm leaves instead of paper to envelop her bouquets, it was an instant hit.

"I stopped doing it, though, once I ran out of my original stock because I didn't want to be pinned down with one image for my creations," she says.

Maillet makes regular visits to Rungis, Paris's flower market, to get the freshest flowers for her influential clientele, whose tastes she has come to know instinctively. But don't call Maillet if you need a bouquet ASAP.

"As a freelancer, I don't have the space to keep a myriad of fresh flowers available for last minute orders. I'll send people who need flowers in a hurry to colleagues I respect, like Malika Azzouzi at Comme Ca in the 4th arrondissement."