'For me, flowers are a language'

Powerful in scale and rich in emotion, the floral work of Olena Driuchan from Ukraine is driven by meaning and connection. With a distinct talent for transforming flowers into visual narratives, she combines expressive design with a keen sensitivity to context, often creating installations that speak to the heart as much as the eye. Her use of seasonal, natural materials further enhances her approach to floral artistry.

'I enjoy working with large-scale forms and creating installations. Expressive and emotional - that's how I would characterize my signature style. I want my floral work to go beyond decoration; it should speak, resonate, and convey something meaningful. It's not just about beauty - it's about capturing the eye and touching something in the viewer.'

'Nature and people are my greatest sources of inspiration. I love creating designs tailored to specific individual requests or special occasions and then seeing how they respond to the outcome. That moment of connection is what drives me. I always try to build a story into my arrangements - for me, flowers are a language.'

'Right now, I find myself leaning toward seasonal flowers and natural materials. I try to source locally and prioritize eco-friendly options whenever I can.'

'Among recent projects, the installations I created for Arteflorando in Leverano, Italy and Fleuramour in Belgium stand out. These festivals allowed me to work on a larger scale and communicate my vision to a broader, international audience. That kind of exposure - and interaction - is invaluable.'

'Taking part in the World Cup is very meaningful for me. It's not just a personal milestone; it's a way to represent Ukrainian floristry at a global level. Our country has been through so much. And yet, despite the war, we continue to create, to grow, and to inspire. I want people to see that - to feel that.'

'My approach for the World Cup is very simple: I want to express myself as authentic as possible. I'll focus on doing what I do best. I believe my strength lies in the sincerity of my work, in its emotional depth, and in the way I use flowers to tell stories. That's what makes my voice unique.'

'Being mindful of our environment is essential'

The Swiss floral designer Christian Ulrich is known for his distinctive blend of wild elegance and global sensitivity. With an eye for earthy textures and rich cultural details, he creates designs that feel both poetic and personal. Christian is deeply committed to sustainability. This, along with his ability to combine artistic expression with thoughtful design, makes him a powerful voice in contemporary floral design.

'Organic elegance with a worldly soul - that's the essence of what I create. My floral designs are lush and alive, reflecting natural landscapes and infused with thoughtful details inspired by global traditions. I aim for every piece to tell a story. There's a balance between earthy textures, soulful color palettes, and intentional cultural touches. That's how I bring meaningful, elevated beauty into the world. If I had to define it, my signature style is 'wild extravagance.'

'Working with flowers every day is a joy. Through my craft, I try to turn vision into reality - where creativity meets precision, and where love and life's most cherished moments are celebrated through blooms. Flowers speak the language of love. With each design, I try to weave a visual narrative that feels personal, poetic, timeless, and always sustainable.'

'Inspiration flows from nature's beauty, the richness of cultures, and the stories I encounter through travel. Every bloom I select, every event I design, carries with it a connection to the earth, a respect for tradition, and a deep sense of global wonder. I don't just arrange flowers - I build experiences that resonate.'

'Sustainability plays a key role in everything I do. In today's world, being mindful of our environment is not optional - it's essential. I strive to use locally sourced flowers and eco-friendly materials in my work. This approach not only supports my values but enhances the events I create. It's about taking responsibility while still delivering beauty.

'Each event is approached through a careful play of color, texture, and form. I design floral arrangements that capture the unique mood and style of every occasion - whether it's a bouquet, a ceremonial arch, or a table setting. Harmony and emotion guide my decisions.'

'What fills me with pride isn't a single highlight or award. It's the happiness of my customers when they feel understood and celebrated. That's what drives me. Being a florist is more than a profession for me - it's a calling. Every project is a testament to passion and perseverance.'

'If I can show my work honestly, express my design philosophy, and demonstrate a sustainable approach to floral art - and if that speaks to others - then I've achieved something meaningful. In that con nection, I've already won.'

'Creating emotional, detailed work is what I love most'

Irati Tamarit from Spain is a distinguished floral designer known for her natural, organic style and meticulous craftsmanship. Deeply committed to sustainability, her work is characterized by emotional storytelling and the use of authentic, seasonal materials. Irati brings her artistic sensitivity and adaptability to every creation, making her a compelling representative of contemporary Spanish floral artistry.

'My style is deeply rooted in nature; seasonal materials, organic shapes, and wild elements that feel authentic and spontaneous are at the heart of everything I create. Intricate structures and textures come together in my designs to tell stories or evoke feelings. Each arrangement is natural, emotional, and carefully crafted.'

'Ideas usually start from a concept, a feeling, or perhaps a unique material that catches my attention. From there, the idea grows organically, layer by layer. Inspiration often comes from architecture, art, or even the fascinating people I encounter. A walk through the city always sparks something new - it's simply one of my favorite activities.

'Currently, I'm drawn to the raw beauty of imperfect, wild vegetation - grass seeds, clematis, and vines capture my imagination. Seasonal flowers such as poppies and fritillaries also have a special appeal. Working with wood, cork, and seeds adds a tangible earthiness to my creations. Sustainability matters deeply to me and aligns with the ethos of the school I belong to. I always avoid floral foam, reduce plastic use, and opt for local, biodegradable materials whenever possible.'

'One of the things I'm proudest of is my affiliation with the Escola de Disseny Floral. Although it's not exactly a project itself, it's allowed me to grow for nearly 15 years. Also, creating my company, Lola Flowers Barcelona, has been a rewarding challenge. It brings together floral talent for large-scale events, and it's something I truly value.'

'Participating in the World Cup Floral Art 2025 is exciting, humbling, and fills me with pride. Being selected to represent Spain is both a dream and a profound responsibility. It's a chance to learn from the best, challenge myself, push my boundaries, and to showcase Spanish floral artistry on the global stage.'

'If there's something that could help me stand out, it might be my adaptability and my ability to tell a story through flowers. I work well under pressure and always commit fully. Creating emotional, detailed work is what I love most - this, I feel, could make all the difference.'

'Setting clear goals is simply my way of life'

Karmen Kovač Resnik from Slovenia is renowned for her thoughtful and harmonious floral compositions, reflecting her connection with nature and seasonal rhythms. Her professional approach combines a genuine love for natural materials with artistry, resulting in arrangements that elegantly balance tradition and creativity. Her artistic vision, coupled with a determined and goal-oriented mindset, underscores her distinctive identity as a floral designer.

'I spend my days immersed in nature, creating Biedermeier bouquets at the flower shop, where I work. Natural materials and the gentle hues found outdoors inspire my arrangements, reflecting the changing beauty of each season. Come December, I joyfully embrace glitter and sparkling tones, although deep down, I hold a special affection for the traditional reds dictated by the floral world during the festive period.'

'Social media is a constant source of inspiration for me. It's remarkable how many talented florists there are around the globe, offering endless possibilities for growth and creativity. I particularly admire Hanneke Frankema; she is extraordinary in her ability to weave a consistent, breath-taking narrative through each creation, which resonates deeply with my appreciation for interconnected and thoughtful floral designs.'

'Nature generously provides my primary materials - there is nothing more satisfying than working with what the earth offers us naturally. At this moment, my favorite blooms are the majestic peonies; to me, they truly are the queens of the floral kingdom. Alongside these, I adore using cheerful sunflowers and seasonal greenery, like wheat and various ears of corn, blending textures and colors harmoniously.'

'My proudest achievement in this artistic journey so far has been winning the national flower competition. That moment remains deeply special to me, representing recognition and validation of my passion and commitment to floral artistry.'

'Participating in this World Championship is without a doubt the pinnacle of my career as a florist. Being part of such a prestigious event is both humbling and exhilarating. I am fully aware of the fierce competition ahead, knowing that my fellow contestants are among the most skilled floral artists in the world. But I am determined; emotional stubbornness defines me. Setting clear goals and seeing them through, no matter the obstacles, is simply my way of life. I always persist and find a path forward, even when success doesn't come easily at first. This determination fuels my passion, and it will guide me as I give my absolute best in this incredible contest.'

'Texture is key: I love exploring contrasts'

With a design language rooted in structure, texture, and expressive clarity, Romanian floral designer Claudia Tararache creates compositions that unite technical precision with emotional depth. Her work is marked by strong, harmonious forms, innovative wire constructions, and a distinctive sensitivity to rhythm and contrast. Claudia's background includes advanced studies with Gregor Lersch and active involvement in the Romanian floral community, where she continues to refine and share her unique artistic voice.

'Decorative, detailed, and highly structured - that's how I would describe my floral design. I enjoy creating strong com positions that feel natural and harmonious, with color transitions and layered textures that give depth to the work. I love using wirework and mechanical structures, not just for technical reasons but because they allow me to push creative limits while keeping elegance and balance in my designs.'

'Nature is my constant source of in spiration. I love its raw beauty, the irregular surfaces, the structure of bark, the rhythm of roots and branches. My process often begins with a feeling or a single visual fragment. From there, it gradually becomes a concept. Each material has its role. I usually start with sketches, test mechanical possibilities, and try to build a dialogue between precision and natural movement.

'Sustainability matters in my work. I prefer reusable mechanics and biodegradable elements whenever I can. Right now, I enjoy combining strong structural materials with delicate floral elements. Branches, bark, and moss bring authenticity and texture; flowers with curved stems add rhythm and gentle movement. I'm especially fond of Vanda orchids - their richness, texture, and how they command attention without overpowering the composition. I often choose transparent containers or wire constructions to let space and air play a role in the design. Texture is key: I love exploring contrasts - soft and coarse, fluid, and stable.'

'One of the projects I hold dear is completing the International Master Florist+ program with Gregor Lersch. It was both transformative and affirming - he's taught me how to translate emotion into form. Preparing to represent Romania at the World Cup has also been a defining process. Even before the competition begins, it's already challenged and strengthened me, both creatively and personally.'

'I see the World Cup as a turning point. It's a chance to test limits, grow, and stay true to my vision. My strength lies in how I use texture, rhythm, and emotional clarity to let each flower speak. I want to create designs that are not only seen, but genuinely felt - and that's what I'm working toward.'

'Environmental consciousness should be a given'

Balancing technical precision with artistic intuition, Do Hyun Lee from the Republic of Korea has developed a distinctive floral language rooted in repetition, rhythm, and structure. Known for his refined decorative techniques and sensitivity to natural materials, he draws inspiration from everyday life - transforming simple architectural and landscape impressions into thoughtful, sustainable designs. His commitment to environmental responsibility is not a trend, but a foundational principle in both his creative and professional practice.

'My signature style lies in the decorative techniques created through the repetitive use of specific materials. It's a method that allows me to explore rhythm and structure within a natural framework, and it gives my work a sense of cohesion and clarity.'

'Inspiration often comes from the most ordinary things I encounter in daily life - architecture, landscapes, simple forms in my surroundings. I reflect on how I can translate those images into floral designs, always using natural materials. That connection between the seen world and what I create is essential to how I develop my ideas.

'Recently, I've been working a lot with a combination of potted plants and cut flowers. Sustainability isn't something extra - it's something we must integrate naturally into our practice as floral designers. As someone who works with nature, I believe that environmental consciousness should be a given.'

'One of the proudest moments in my career so far has been winning second place at the 2024 Korea Cup. It gave me a sense of recognition for the work I've put in and encouraged me to challenge myself further.'

'Being able to participate in the World Cup is truly an honor. It's a rare opportunity to represent my country and to stand alongside so many talented floral designers from all over the world.'

'My focus is to approach each assignment with respect for the host country's culture and to stay true to the themes we receive. I believe that attitude is reflected in the result. My strongest qualities as a floral designer are my quick decision-making and technical skills. Under pressure or when time constraints, those abilities allow me to stay focused and perform. With that focus and skill, I hope to distinguish myself in the competition.'