On the 27th of August, the Grand Final of the Europa Cup 2022 was held in Katowice, Poland. The proud organizers Florint and SFP (Polish Florist Association), and many visitors could witness how Hanneke Frankema from the Netherlands, Stefan Van Berlo (Belgium), Michael Liebrich (Germany), Nicu Bocancea (Romania), Fabrizio Panone (Italy), and Gábor Nagy (Hungary) competed as Final Six on Stage of the Gala Dinner. After two days and five tasks, the sixth surprise task was completed and judged. Michael Liebrich was third, Gábor Nagy was second and the winner of the Europa Cup, the new European Floristry Champion 2022 is Hanneke Frankema!
Hanneke Frankema Is European Floristry Champion 2022
Like all competitors also Hanneke Frankema came to Katowice exceptionally well prepared. Her exquisite copper-colored structures seemed to be the perfect start for the beautiful Europa Cup 2022. Max Van de Sluis, her coach, and assistant made sure that through research, skills, cleanliness, and experience he helped her rise herself high enough to be the best overall and become Champion.
TASK 1: Table Decoration
The theme for table decoration was "Every Life Has a Soundtrack". The work had to be inspired by a song from the designer's country. “Teach Me How To Dance With You” by Causes was a good fit to Hanneke. This table decoration should serve on the occasion of a school reunion after many years. 6 People had to be able to sit at the table. The work could not exceed the following dimensions: 200 cm wide by 200 cm long by 200 cm high.
The organizer provided the plant material and that made it a little more stressful. Will all materials arrive and how do they look? This task was sponsored by OZ Export, everything turned out to be perfect. The design immediately showed Hanneke's signature style. Hanneke Frankema loves to work with wire, they even call her the "Iron Lady". According to Hanneke, this design gave her confidence. But the schedule was tied, so that made it extra difficult. With the great help of Max Van de Sluis en Erika Oldenhof, and of course her husband Nico Alsemgeest, Hanneke could make it through and became the winner of the European Championship 2022.
TASK 2: Installation With the Use of Black Smithers-Oasis® Floral Foam
The Theme was "Dance in the Rain". The Work should show the beauty of dance and movement. A minimum of 50% of the living material had to be place in Oasis®. A minimum of 50% of the ordered floral foam had to be used. The work cannot exceed the following dimensions: 300 cm wide by 200 cm long by 250 cm high. The sponsor of this task was Smithers-Oasis®. And even though Hanneke is really happy with the result because it had so much of herself in it, there's always that little touch that a designer had wished to do differently. To show a little bit more of the black floral foam or a flower in a different direction, small things, but that's Hanneke, always striving to perfection.
TASK 3: Bouquet
The theme was "Life is much like a song". The work had to be inspired by the song "Espana Forever" by Maanam. One person should be able to carry the bouquet and the competitor has to make sure the vase is a part of the design. It will be judged as a whole. Materials were provided by the competitor. Hanneke had several big sponsors: Marginpar, Decorum Flowers and Plants, FleuraMetz, Ansu Vanda, Vreugdenhil bulbs and plants, My Peony Society, All I Am Flowers, Radical Wonders, Smithers Oasis Floral Products Benelux, Porta Nova Roses, Dillewijn Zwapak, Anthura, Cornbak, Corsaplant, Coloríginz, Dekker Chrysanten, Lugt Lisianthus, Montana Lisianthus, Hillplant Sleeuwijk, Willem Lautenbag, Floriway, Waterdrinker Aalsmeer, Zentoo Chrysanthemums, VBW, H&R The Wireman, Thom Slootman, Ecriliving, ...
TASK 4: Body Decoration
The theme was "Dancing Queen". A decoration of the dancer's body inspired by the recording received by the contestants. The competitor could use the bodysuit at work as a base for arrangement but the work cannot restrict the dancer's movements. Hanneke's aunt worked on the corset made from the roots of the Davallia fern. And Hanneke was able to collect some gorgeous botanical materials herself to work with. She is really proud of this art piece.
TASK 5: A Musical Surprise
For the surprise task all competitors received all the details of the task directly before the competition. All orchids had to be used and the work should serve for a big concert hall with a huge piano. Sponsor here was JMP Flowers.
Final Task on Stage - Hanneke Frankema Is European Floristry Champion 2022
After these five tasks, Hanneke was part of the final six on stage for the Grand Final. Both surprise tasks, as well as the fifth task as the final one, weren't Hanneke's cup of tea. She loves detailed and refined work. With these bolder materials, it wasn't that easy to work. But the jury seemed to like it and she scored higher than she thought.
Well deservedly, they announced Hanneke Frankema as European Champion 2022 in the Europa Cup in Katowice Poland.
