At the heart of Ukrainian floristry stands Olena Driuchan—a visionary artist whose journey with flowers began in childhood and has blossomed into a lifelong pursuit of beauty, meaning, and cultural pride. With over thirty years of experience, she brings a unique blend of emotional storytelling, artistic depth, and technical mastery to every composition. As she prepares to represent Ukraine on the global stage at the World Cup of Floral Art, her voice carries more than creative ambition—it echoes a resilient spirit, a deep love for her homeland, and a desire to inspire the next generation of florists.
A Seed Planted in Childhood, Blooming into a Lifelong Passion
From a young age, Olena Driuchan felt an unshakable pull toward floristry. Childhood curiosity quickly became a lifelong vocation rooted in love, imagination, and dedication. Her early encounters with flowers shaped not only her career but her entire identity.
“When I was 8 years old, I watched a movie where the main character worked in a flower shop. That moment was life-changing—I fell in love with the world of flowers and realized that I wanted to dedicate my life to it. At 12, I joined a children's floristry studio, and from that moment on, flowers became an inseparable part of my life.”
“I now have thirty years of experience in floristry. My entire life is a journey of love for flowers, a constant drive for growth, and the pursuit of mastering my floral skills.”
Learning, Evolving, and Defining Her Floral Voice
Olena’s philosophy as a florist is rooted in continuous learning, experimentation, and bold artistic expression. Her work embraces contrasts—lightness and volume, nature and concept—blending technical skill with deep emotional storytelling. She draws from nature, art, and fashion to shape a design voice that is uniquely hers.
“I am always motivated to learn something new and integrate it into my life and creativity. This not only helps me grow as a professional but also allows me to make a positive impact on the world. My work is a fusion of natural materials, harmony of forms, and textures. I love incorporating branches and working with them to bring transparency and lightness to my compositions… Combining dried materials with fresh flowers adds contrast and depth. Above all, I love working with small flowers and using them to create volume. This allows me to achieve depth, airiness, and sophistication in my compositions.”
Influences, Collaborations, and Career Milestones
Over the years, Olena has drawn strength from her mentors and international experiences. These formative moments have guided her creative evolution and left a lasting imprint on her floral identity. Whether working with legends or winning championships, each encounter has been a step toward mastery.
“Peter Hess and Gregor Lersch have had a profound influence on my creativity and professional development… Their style and philosophy continue to inspire me and contribute to my professional growth.”
“Working with Daniel Ost’s team in Japan in 2010 had a tremendous impact on me… That journey completely changed my perception of floristry and gave me a new understanding of the craft. The most incredible moment of my career was winning the Arteflorando championship in Italy.”
Olena Driuchan’s vision for the future is bold, imaginative, and deeply rooted in her artistic identity. She dreams on a grand scale, where floristry transcends traditional boundaries and takes its place among the world’s most awe-inspiring art forms. If given complete creative freedom, she envisions transforming the iconic Eiffel Tower into a floral masterpiece, with gloriosa—her favorite flower—at the heart of the installation. This dream reflects not only her boundless creativity but also her unwavering determination, a quality that defines her career.
Dreams Beyond Design: Fashion, Community, and Creative Freedom
Floristry, for Olena, is a bridge between disciplines. She dreams of collaborating with high fashion and crafting large-scale floral installations that challenge tradition. Yet her ambition also lies in giving back, building communities, and sharing the magic of floristry with others.
“One of my dreams is to collaborate with Yohji Yamamoto on his fashion show and create conceptual floral decorations… Another dream of mine is to design a floral window display for Louis Vuitton. In 2024, together with my partner, I opened a floristry school. Now, with my team, we are creating a community for Ukrainian florists.”
“If I had complete creative freedom and an unlimited budget, I would create an installation on the Eiffel Tower. I would undoubtedly use my favorite flower—Gloriosa.”
A Voice for Ukraine on the Global Stage
As Ukraine continues to face immense challenges, Olena sees floristry as both a symbol of resilience and a tool for cultural representation. Her participation in the World Cup of Floral Art carries personal meaning—it's about pride, possibility, and paving the way for others.
“The first thing I thought when I heard about the World Championship was that it is a great honor to represent Ukrainian floristry on the global stage… It’s a chance to bring attention to our culture and profession. My most important reason for participating is the opportunity to showcase Ukraine and Ukrainian floristry at the highest level… while also inspiring florists from Ukraine to grow and reach new heights.”
“My dream is for there to be no war in Ukraine and for world-class florists to come to Ukraine to share their expertise. The most valuable lesson I have learned from competitions is the realization that the preparation itself is already a victory.”
As Olena Driuchan steps onto the global stage at the World Cup Floral Art 2025, she carries with her not only decades of experience and creative brilliance but also the hopes and spirit of Ukraine. Her journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and the transformative power of floristry, reminding the world that through flowers, stories of beauty, strength, and national pride can truly blossom.
All pictures courtesy of Olena Driuchan.
