When asked about trends, Hanneke is clear: 'I don't follow trends. I set them.' Her distinctive style and mastery of wire techniques - to which she owes the nickname Iron Lady - are on full display throughout this report.
A unifying theme in Hanneke's work is reusable, sustainable design. Each of the creations incorporates durable materials that can be refreshed and reused - a reflection of sustainability not as a trend, but as a necessity.
In this edition, we publish six of the ten trend pieces. Each showcases smart construction, refined aesthetics, and floral techniques with long-term value.
Tip
Many of the designs start with dried flowers. Fully drying them before use helps prevent shrinking and ensures long-lasting results.
The photography is by Hanneke's husband, Nico Alsemgeest. Together, they shared insights into this year's designs from their studio in Friesland, The Netherlands.
Golden Wall Installation
A decorative frame featuring Craspedia, and gold leaf sealed with lacquer. 'Craspedia is one of my favorites - it dries well and lasts.' Aluminum wire holds the flower heads in place, which are also individually glued for extra strength. 'It's decorative but also very technical. You need to master the installation technique down to the last detail, because it can hang in someone's home for years.'
Flower: Craspedia "Paintball™ Pop
Magical Gypsophila - Refined and Timeless
Using the new 'Million Daisy' variety, Hanneke creates a floating teardrop shape with clusters of Gypsophila secured around an iron and aluminum wire frame.
'Gypsophila dries beautifully, it's also incredibly sturdy and can be reused. You only need to replace the Clematis in the hidden tubes.' This elegant design works well on a long table or at either end of a cocktail bar.
Flowers: Gypsophila 'Million Daisy™', Clematis 'Amazing Vienna®'
Braided Gloriosa - A Playful Eyecatcher
The frame consists of an iron ring, aluminum wires, and Wisteria branches. It's pruning waste. These branches are four meters long, are sustainable, and make a big impact.' Gloriosa is evenly spaced and fixed with precision. 'Each stem has five blooms facing the same way - I've guided and secured them.' A symmetrical design, perfect for entrances or hotel lobbies.
Flower: Gloriosa superba 'Simba Fifty Shades'
Obelisk - Elegance in Green
This obelisk, sculpted from dry floral foam. 'No glue in the base - just pure craftsmanship.' It is layered with Chasmanthium leaves and topped with a gold wire detail. 'I want full control of flower placement, from bud to bloom.' The Gloriosa is used without water, making it ideal for short-term display or shop windows.
Flower and green: Gloriosa superba 'Simba Fifty Shades,' Chasmanthium 'Mantis'
Connection in Purple
Inspired by a vase shaped like a Ginkgo biloba leaf, this piece combines dried Limonium with fresh Clematis. 'Underneath the Limonium, I used thick aluminum wire - it's strong and easy to shape.' The design is time-consuming but reusable. 'It's perfect for reception areas - you can rotate it between locations and
refresh with new flowers.'
Flowers: Limonium 'Safora Lilac', Clematis 'Amazing® Miami'
The Waterfall - A Unique Bridal Bouquet
Bridal work is one of Hanneke's personal favorites: 'I love diving into the details. With a bridal bouquet, you must work very precisely because it appears in every photo of the wedding day.' For this bridal design an asymmetrical cascade of Delphinium is anchored to a lightweight frame with Jacobaea leaves. 'Each flower is glued to wire tips. It must hold all day and still look flawless in photos.' The bouquet dries beautifully, and the frame can be reused or kept as a keepsake.
Flowers: Delphinium 'Guardian Lavender', Delphinium 'Bella Andes Azure', Jacobaea 'Ovidius'
