Explore the designs up close
Step behind the scenes in Hanneke Frankema’s studio and discover the intricate details of the floral designs that were revealed during her show GROWTH!. Although the audience viewed the creations from a distance, Hanneke always makes sure that every detail is flawless. In this article, you can admire her craftsmanship up close.
Passionflower design
The show opened with a design inspired by the Passionflower, the flower that first ignited Hanneke’s love for floral art and is still her favourite bloom. The piece symbolises a new beginning, the blossoming of passion and inspiration. The structure was covered with the aerial roots of ferns, which had begun to sprout again in the lead-up to the show, giving the arrangement a literal sense of life. The design included Passionflower, Scabiosa Bon Bon Scoop™ Maraschino, orchids and deep red anthuriums.
The green bouquet
This fresh green bouquet was made from countless Hoya Kerrii plants, also known as the sweetheart plant for its heart-shaped leaves. The centre of the design combined green textures, pale orchids and softly tinted Gloriosa Superba Simba Fifty Shades blooms. Even the back of the bouquet was meticulously finished with fine green wire, ensuring it looked perfect from every angle.
The golden dress
A wave of admiration swept through the audience as singer Alma Nieto appeared on stage wearing this enchanting botanical gown. The corset is completely covered with 3,200 dried Mikado flowers, naturally golden in colour. The long, trailing skirt featured delicate curls of gold-coloured wire and a rich mix of botanical materials, including Craspedia Paintball™ Pop, Gloriosa Superba Simba Fifty Shades, orchids and even succulents. In total, the gown was composed of more than 10,000 individual elements.
The chandeliers
During the spectacular finale, enormous floral chandeliers descended from above the stage, taking the audience by surprise. The structures were specially designed for the show and spray-painted gold. Each included small water tubes to hold fresh flowers, such as Clematis Amazing® Tokyo. Hanneke worked on site to perfect the final details, at times from a high platform lift. The chandeliers were later exhibited at Féerie Florale in Alden Biesen.
The Craspedia heart
Preparations for this iconic Craspedia heart began months in advance and took an additional two weeks to complete. The handcrafted structure, built from Oasis floral foam, was painted yellow and then meticulously covered with more than 5,000 dried Craspedia Paintball™ Pop flowers. Mounted on a gold base with wheels and finished with subtle golden details, it was both practical and breathtaking. With limited time for on-site set-up, using dried materials proved a smart solution. And thanks to the durability of dried Craspedia, the design will remain beautiful for years to come.
Take a look behind the scenes!
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Thursd. spoke with Hanneke Frankema about her show GROWTH! and the powerful message it conveyed. Curious to read the full interview and learn more about Hanneke’s vision?
