Hi, I'm Marieke Bijpost. And I'm proud and honored to present my design, which was showcased at Hanneke Frankema's show, my icon, the person I look up to, and from whom I want to learn. For her show GROWTH!, I was allowed to express my talent and passion for floral design and creativity on a bigger stage.
Truly grateful to Hanneke for the opportunity. Learn more about my design below.
How It All Came Around
It all started with Hanneke. She said:
"When I began preparing for my show, GROWTH!, for this year's World Cup, I knew I did not want it to be just another floral performance. For me, GROWTH! was never only about design. It was about people. About the future of our craft. About giving young floral talents a stage where they could learn, create, and shine. I have always believed deeply in education and craftsmanship because they are the roots that keep our industry alive and evolving. That is why I decided to involve seven young floral designers in the preparation of the show, giving each of them the space to create a personal piece inspired by their own vision."
And I was one of those...
My Bridal Bouquet
I designed a large bridal bouquet, constructed from layers of soft tissue treated with candle wax to create subtle texture and volume. At its core, I used a bridal bouquet holder from OASIS Floral Products Benelux, surrounded by a stunning mix of Anthura varieties, including rare Anthuriums and Phalaenopsis orchids, some sourced directly from Anthura’s botanical garden. The final design stood in a graceful vase from Jodeco Glass, completing the harmony of craftsmanship, my creativity, and signature style.
Why Mentorship Matters
According to Hanneke, watching Marieke bring her idea to life reminded her why mentorship matters.
Hanneke said:
"I could see how she approached every detail with care and curiosity, balancing artistic freedom with technical structure. That, to me, is the essence of GROWTH!, not only the growth of flowers but the growth of people who work with them. I am proud of every young designer who took part in this journey. Their energy and ideas filled the stage with new life, proving that the future of floristry is in capable and passionate hands. GROWTH! was a celebration of what happens when experience meets youthful creativity, and I could not be more grateful to share that story with the world."
My Floral Style and Inspiration
My floral style is a mix of classic and modern elements. I like to keep it colorful and playful, blending structure and freedom in every design. My biggest sources of inspiration come from nature, because it is where everything begins, and from fashion, where I see bold and innovative ways to work with materials. I also learn a lot from other designers. It is important to stay curious and open, to take what inspires you and make it your own.
For me, floral design is always a reflection of who I am. The most important thing is to stay true to yourself, to work in your own way, and to keep spreading love for flowers around the world.
Dreams Beyond the GROWTH! Show
The GROWTH! experience gave me confidence to keep going the way I already am. My dream is to continue sharing my love for the profession wherever I go. I want to join the National Dutch Championships, and if I ever get the chance to participate in the World Cup, I will take it with both hands.
More than anything, I want to inspire others to see flowers as a language of creativity and connection. This journey is just the beginning.
Together with six other young designers, I presented my work at Hanneke's show. In the next weeks, my colleagues' students will show off their work. Proud to be a part of GROWTH!, and to be featured on Thursd.com matters a lot to all of us.
Follow me on Instagram @Marieke Bijpost.
