Renowned for the diversity of his work, Frédéric Dupré brings a distinctive perspective shaped by a background in landscaping, horticulture, and decades of hands-on floral design. As a teacher, theorist, and master florist, he combines craftsmanship with a poetic appreciation for imperfection.
‘It’s always difficult for me to describe my own style precisely. What I aim for in a composition is first a sense of geometry or architectural structure. I focus on con trolling the construction – whether it’s the base, the container, or the support – and then I allow more freedom and spontaneity in the floral part. It’s a kind of marriage between two contrasting characters. I pay close attention to texture and detail, using them to surprise, to highlight the organic line of a flower or the expression of a plant. In the end, I want the work to show how beautiful nature really is. People often say I’m more of a theorist now, someone who teaches through proportion, balance, repetition – passing on a system as much as a style.’
‘Inspiration comes from everywhere, really. I believe the mind is a muscle – like a sponge – that needs regular exercise. I observe, scan, record, and store. When I need an idea, it usually comes very quickly. Nature, of course, remains essential. I try to keep a sense of childlike wonder and to accept that small imperfections often carry the deepest beauty. Experimentation is important too. It challenges routine and stimulates the evolution of the craft.’
‘I’m not limited by materials. I like almost everything – flowers, foliage, botanical elements – whatever suits the idea. My social media reflects how varied my choices are. That flexibility is also practical for my teaching work around the world. More and more, though, I’m drawn to natural and biodegradable materials – vines, grasses, dried leaves, even soil and stone. It’s a kind of Wabi Sabi aesthetic, but always filtered through my personality. That’s probably why people say my work is hard to define, and that’s why the result is like a chimera.’
‘I’m not proud of just one project. All the experiences along the way have shaped me, helped me understand myself and develop my point of view. I’m a florist, yes, but at heart, I’m still a gardener. My background in landscaping and growing continues to influence how I think.’
‘Returning to the World Cup ten years after Berlin is about more than competition. I’m here to share what I’ve learned, to support a younger team, and to pass something on. I don’t see rivals anymore – only colleagues with a shared mission: to show how rich, complex, and valuable our profession truly is.’
