Couture in Bloom
At the end of November, the third edition of the Bohol International Flower, Fashion & Food Festival (BIFF) on the Philippine island of Bohol took on a distinctly couture character. In and around Grand Resort Bohol, no fewer than 27 (inter)national floral designers collaborated on a show evening in which flowers, fashion, and experience came together during the Couture in Bloom show. Floral designer Lily Beelen represented the Netherlands.
Full steam ahead
A new year also means a new beginning. Florists rejoice in every new season, but it is spring flowers in particular that are embraced with great enthusiasm. This edition is also full of springtime and expresses a love for spring. Exuberant, fresh, colorful, or seemingly simple, understated spring arrangements provide inspiration for floral designs with a thoroughly spring-like feel.
We also give space to Signature Bouquets: personal bouquets that showcase the signature style of their creator. What characterizes a floral designer and what choices in form, material, and technique go with that? Ten (inter)national floral designers present an iconic bouquet that reflects their signature style. The result is a series of distinctive works in which emotion and personal floral language come together, showcasing the international versatility of contemporary floral art.
For DPK Floral Magazine , this new year DPK Floral Magazine taking a number of major steps forward. In addition to showcasing the work of more diverse designers and more inspiration from abroad, we will also be becoming more international in the literal sense this year. Starting with the third edition of 2026, in addition to the usual Dutch edition of the physical magazine, there will also be a printed English-language edition. We are doing this in close collaboration with FM Group, which will ensure the worldwide distribution of this English-language magazine through its network of international sales outlets. Exciting and challenging developments!
For me personally, 2026 also marks a new beginning. After twelve years as editor-in-chief of the most beautiful trade magazine about floral art, the time is ripe for new creative challenges. All these years, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the team of top florists, photographers, journalists, sponsors, art directors, designers, and publishers to create this fantastic magazine. But while DPK Floral Magazine is DPK Floral Magazine on the international stage, I am taking a different turn after dozens of interviews, just as many features on events, and countless descriptions of arrangements.
It will certainly not be a final farewell, because the flower industry is close to my heart, and I will continue to follow developments with great interest. For now, thank you very much for all the flowery words and creations, full steam ahead, and see you again soon!
Anita Meuleman,
Editor-in-chief
‘Work hard and follow your own voice’
Sylvia Bustamante Gubbins believes in the power of flowers. She is the founder and director of Madrid Flower School and organizer of Madrid Blooms: the annual international congress for design and innovation in floral creation. According to Sylvia, the sector is more relevant than ever.
Willow catkin: Modest, but versatile
Some seemingly simple materials turn out to be surprisingly versatile. The goat willow (Salix caprea) is a good example of this. Modest in appearance, but abundant in the Dutch landscape. Willow grows wherever the soil contains sufficient water. It is a tree that is deeply rooted in our culture and craftsmanship.
International top florists steal the show
Many trade visitors from the flower and plant industry came to IPM Essen from January 27 to 30. For florists, Creative Hall 5 was the place to be. Here, on the IPM Flower Stage, a rotating stage, floral trends and live shows were put in the spotlight for four days. The stands surrounding the flower theater featured presentations by the shows' main sponsors, including Marginpar, Decorum, FLOOS, and Smithers-Oasis.
‘Giving flowers is like passing on a little magic.’
Atelier Sören Van Laer We know Sören Van Laer from his participation in national and international competitions, from demonstrations on stage at IPM Essen or Fleuramour, and from his creative contributions to DPK Floral Magazine. But together with his French partner, master florist Aymeric Chaouche, he has also been running a thriving flower shop for five years […]