The Sylvia Cup, a prestigious floral design competition, is a hallmark event in the floral industry, organized annually by the Society of American Florists (SAF). This competition, which has been around for several decades, is named in honor of Sylvia MacGuffog, a respected figure in the floral community known for her contributions to the art and education of floral design.
What I Learned About Jackie Lacey During The Bloom Show
Recently, I had the privilege of discussing the Sylvia Cup with none other than Mr. Jackie Lacey, the 2024 winner of the Sylvia Cup Award, during an episode of 'The Bloom Show'. Jackie Lacey, a seasoned floral designer with years of experience, shared his insights into the competition and what it means to win such a prestigious award.
Jackie Lacey:
"The Sylvia Cup isn't just a competition," Jackie explained. "It's an opportunity for designers to really push their creative boundaries. The pressure is intense, but it's also what brings out the best in us. Winning this year feels like a culmination of all the hard work and passion I've poured into floral design over the years."
As the host of 'The Bloom Show', I was thrilled to learn more about the experience from a winner’s perspective. Jackie emphasized how the competition has evolved over the years, adapting to new trends and styles while maintaining its core challenge: to create something extraordinary under pressure.
The Sylvia Cup sees participation from many top designers each year, all of whom are invited based on their reputation and skill in the industry. The competition is known for its surprise themes, requiring designers to think on their feet and bring their most innovative ideas to life in a short amount of time. The judges, who are experts in the field, look for creativity, technical execution, and how well the design meets the theme.
Jackie Lacey’s win in 2024 is just one in a long line of distinguished designers who have earned the Sylvia Cup over the years. Past winners often become influential figures in the floral industry, leading workshops, writing for industry publications, and setting trends that inspire others. The competition has thus played a significant role in shaping the direction of floral design in the United States and beyond.
During our conversation, Jackie also touched on the importance of competitions like the Sylvia Cup in fostering a sense of community within the floral industry.
“It’s not just about winning,”
he said.
“It’s about connecting with other designers, learning from each other, and being part of a community that shares the same passion for flowers and design.”
As we wrapped up our chat, Jackie left me with a piece of advice for aspiring floral designers:
“Never stop learning. The Sylvia Cup is a testament to the fact that there’s always something new to discover in this field. Whether you’re competing or just creating for the love of it, keep pushing your boundaries and experimenting with new ideas.”
The Sylvia Cup continues to be a beacon of excellence in the floral industry, inspiring designers to strive for greatness and pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with flowers. With each passing year, it not only honors the legacy of Sylvia MacGuffog Valencia, AAF, one of the floral industry’s leading designers and businesswomen, a charter member of AAF, respected carnation grower, and longtime supporter of SAF, but it also sets the stage for the future of floral design.
