Thornless and nearly thornless roses, like Rose Born Free from breeder De Ruiter Innovations, offer significant advantages for floral designers and event companies organizing weddings and other parties. While most people refer to the sharp projections on rose stems as 'thorns', they are technically called prickles. These prickles usually serve as protection, but many modern and heirloom varieties have been bred or selected to minimize or eliminate them.
Nicu Bocancea and Julia Rose, With Rose Born Free
Two places in the world where Rose Born Free made an impact! In Bucharest, Nicu Bocancea made it shine, and in New York, Julia Rose did. When the vibrant red Born Free rose arrived at Floraria Iris in Romania, it was Nicu who brought it to life with his hands. For Nicu, this nearly thornless rose was more than just a flower- it was a canvas. His approach combined technical precision with artistic vision: he flexed the roses and he arranged the ruffled, flat buds into a big, expressive composition that highlighted Born Free’s strength and elegance. His design showcased not only the rose’s outer beauty but also its narrative potential flower that, in the right hands, tells a story without words.
Peter van Delft: Capturing Born Free
To document Nicu’s creative process, Peter van Delft, influencer and social media expert from Thursd, traveled to Romania. With his camera, he captured not only the floral creations but also Nicu’s passion and craftsmanship. Peter’s images brought the Born Free rose to life: close-ups of the almost thornless stems, the deep red hues, and the dynamic arrangement. His reels and photos made the rose’s journey visible to a global audience, with every shot serving as a tribute to both flower and maker.
Julia Rose: Making Born Free Shine on Runway 7, New York
Born Free’s journey reached a pinnacle at Runway 7 during New York Fashion Week, where floral artist Julia Rose showcased her couture creations. The Australian artist elevated the rose to new heights by transforming it into wearable art. Her designs were original and organic, meticulously handcrafted without glue, relying instead on wire and theater costume techniques. On the catwalk, models were literally draped in Born Free roses, turning the flower into a symbol of power, drama, and luxury. Julia’s keen eye for detail-from selecting the right models to balancing the weight of the flowers-ensured Born Free was not just an accessory but the radiant centerpiece of the show.
Synergy and Global Impact
The collaboration between Nicu Bocancea, Peter van Delft, and Julia Rose demonstrated how a single rose, born from innovation at De Ruiter, could inspire worldwide. From Romanian ateliers to the bright lights of New York, Born Free proved that beauty, creativity, and collaboration transcend borders. Each new pair of hands added a chapter to the story of this extraordinary rose story that continues to grow, just like the flower itself.
