Stefan Van Berlo dreams of gold at the European Championships of floral styling
Every four years, the crème de la crème of European floral artists gather for the European Championships. This edition has been postponed for two years due to the pandemic. The enthusiasm is therefore particularly great among the candidates. Belgium is represented by Stefan Van Berlo.
‘I’m hoping for a spot in the top 5’ — Stefan Van Berlo
As far as we are concerned, this is false modesty. Van Berlo has created many beautiful designs these last years that have also received the necessary attention in the media.
In the Footsteps of Sören Van Laer
It’s anyone’s guess who will be the biggest contender to succeed Tamás Mezőffy. The Hungarian took the last European title in 2016, ahead of Roman Steinhauer (Russia) and Pirjo Koppi (Finland). Belgium finished in ninth place with the young Sören Van Laer.
Last year he recaptured the Belgian title, ten years after his first victory.
The big favourite
Who is the big favourite now? Van Berlo shrugs his shoulders. ‘I’m not familiar with every candidate… So that’s a hard question to answer, but the favourites are Romania (with Nicu Bocancea), the Netherlands (with Hanneke Frankema), Hungary (with Gábor Nagy) and Germany (with Michael Liebrich). And my chances..? 1 in 16’, laughs Van Berlo.
In our opinion, Stefan Van Berlo and Hanneke Frankema are real contenders for the European title, although the competition will be fierce. For example, the Hungarian Gábor Nagy won the European Championship for young floral artists in 2017, at Eurofleurs in Sint-Truiden. The Romanian Nicu Bocancea will design the large floral arrangements at FLEURAMOUR in September.
The 16 participants
We wish all the candidates the best of luck!
Music maestro
This time, the European Cup will be inspired by music. Until now, floristry was judged on sight, smell and a sense of touch. During the six final assignments, the florists are given the opportunity to refer to their musical preferences and to underline their cultural individuality.
Van Berlo was allowed to prepare the table decoration, the ‘Dancing in the rain’ assignment, a body decoration and the frame for the bouquet beforehand. ‘But any living materials are only processed on site. So basically everything… I was only allowed to prepare the constructions with non-living materials.’
On Sunday evening, we’ll know the new European Champion…
‘Every candidate is going for the win and will give their very best…’, knows Stefan Van Berlo who is extremely looking forward to this special meeting place. ‘I hope to also be able to make some good contacts for the future.’
