‘In every creation, I put a piece of myself’
Florist Charlotte Bartholomé is always looking for new materials, shapes, colors and trends. She is passionate about her profession and radiates creativity and enthusiasm. She finds her greatest inspiration in nature. ‘Yet for Christmas, I am seduced by traditional values. Christmas speaks in red and green colors and has its own formal language: stars, wreaths, trees. You should also give Christmas greenery and typical Christmas decorations such as Christmas baubles, glitter, pine cones, Ilex berries a place in your end-of-year creations every year! The colors red, green and gold also guarantee atmosphere and conviviality.’
'The great thing about a job as a florist is that you can make people happy. Flowers bring happiness, joy and atmosphere. In the holiday season there is a wide range of green and decoration materials and special winter flowers. There are also many different things to do: creating bouquets for the shop, decorating shop windows, decorating winter weddings, providing table decorations, decorating parties and events. I can put my creativity into every creation and put a piece of myself in it.'
‘Nature always tells the best story’
During the Interflora World Cup competition in Manchester, the German candidate Nicolaus Peters won the world title. His work is characterized by beautiful details and a refined approach. Who is he and what are his motivations? We spoke to the new world champion of floral design, Nicolaus Peters, two days after his victory. ‘I still can't believe I won. It's only slowly sinking in. It's an incredible achievement, I'm overwhelmed but also so incredibly proud!’
‘The World Cup participation was a fairly spontaneous action’
After winning the selection round, floral designer Melissa Smedes may represent the Netherlands during the Fleurop Interflora World Cup on September 7, 8 and 9 in Manchester, England. Who is Melissa, what inspires her and how will she, as one of the youngest participants, approach the competition. A conversation with this ambitious florist on the eve of the competition.
‘The focus is always on the flower’
Master florist Petra Konrad lives in a small town near Mainz, Germany. She has just returned from an intensive period of teaching in China. Together with a group of fellow florists, she founded the FlowerArt Academy ten years ago with the aim of promoting creativity in the profession. ‘We will have to reset everything and start thinking in a new way, but that takes a lot of time.’
‘A good observer can signal a lot’
The Czech artist Přemysl Hytych, or Prem for short, is not a typical florist but connects all kinds of design in his work. 'I work with people, with designers and environments, and try to bring it all together in my work.'
‘Flowers must speak’
Atmosphere creator Frederiek van Pamel, works intensively with flowers, plants and decoration for interiors, gardens and parties. 'Atmosphere and experience are two key words for me. We are currently fed by social media and everything that can be seen on the phone. You can't just put something down: people want more.'