The Interflora World Cup 2023 competition to crown the World Champion took place in the UK this year. The long wait leading up to day 1 was over for all competitors. Months of preparation, practicing, brainteasing, and finding that unique approach to the challenging task themes should lead to a climax at the biggest floral event in the world, taking place at the Manchester Central Convention Centre.
Thursday, the 7th of September marked the first chance for twenty talented designers from all over the world to show their skills. Here's an overview of this theme's interpretations with stunning creations displayed for the visitors to behold up close.
Thursday 7th September
Task 1: Our Forest Canopies – Suspended Design
Kicking off the competition, this task invited the florists to create a suspended design inspired by the enchanting world of forest canopies, guided by the words of Joan Maloof, author, and activist, who beautifully stated, "To really feel a forest canopy, we must use different senses and often the most useful one is the sense of imagination."
Expect to witness in random order the breathtaking designs that transport you to a magical woodland realm.
The First-Round Designs Made by the 5 Finalists (4th and 5th in random order)
The First-Round Designs Made by the Other 5 Semi-Finalists (in random order)
The First-Round Designs Made by the Other 10 Competitors
Our Natural World
The overall theme of this year’s competition was ‘Our Natural World’. Each task has been created to show love and respect for the beautiful planet we live on as well as to capture the imagination of the competitors and show visitors how florists cherish nature and the environment.
All competitors were asked to concentrate on sustainability and natural materials in their designs.
They’re all the best in the business. There were a total of six heats altogether across the three days, including the Semi-Final evening on Friday 8th September, and the Grand Final evening on Saturday 9th September. Each task had a different theme and a quote to convey with the design, and three of them were kept completely under wraps until just before the timer started.
Mind-Blowing Designs
If you visited the event on Saturday’s exhibition day, you’d have the chance to see over 100 mind-blowing floral designs created throughout the competition so far. You would have witnessed the evolution of floral artistry and gained a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and passion behind each masterpiece. Perhaps you have even taken the exclusive opportunity to speak to all contestants in their booths and ask them any questions you may have had about their floral art.
If you did not get that chance, or if you just want to see those works of art again, continue below to check the other designs.
Watch the Next Tasks at the Interflora World Cup
So, after the brilliant start with Task 1 came some more challenges. Click on the link to continue watching great designs.
Thursday 7th September.
Task 2: Surprise Task - All About the Bees
Friday 8th September.
Task 3: Our Ocean Waves – Table for Two
Task 4: Our Clouds – Bridal Design
Task 5: Semi-Final – Surprise Task - Magnificent Meadows
Saturday 9th September.
