I believe flowers still have a unique power in today’s world. They bring emotion, presence and humanity into a space very quickly, and that makes them timeless. Events such as RHS Chelsea Flower Show play an important role in floral design as they set a level of excellence the industry pays attention to. They combine tradition, visibility and prestige, and that gives them real influence. What I also find strong is that they connect directly with the public. That matters, because public appreciation raises expectations, and higher expectations move the industry forward…”
Tomas De Bruyne, Founder, Tomas De Bruyne Floral Experiences Worldwide
Tomas De Bruyne is a floral designer and scenographer working internationally across weddings, private celebrations and large-scale floral installations. His company Tomas De Bruyne Floral Experiences Worldwide is based in Bruges, Belgium. Here we discuss the launch of his book, ‘The Art Of Design’, his award at the recent RSVP event at Rosewood Chancery, plus the upcoming annual Chelsea Flower Show and Chelsea In Bloom events taking place in central London, late May…
C&B: “Tomas, congratulations on the launch of your new book, ‘The Art of Design’—the party in conjunction with RSVP at Rosewood Chancery was an extraordinary event. What has the impact been, and what are your insights into how your book has been received?”
TDB: “The launch gave the book a strong and meaningful start. It was presented in the right environment, surrounded by peers, partners and leaders from the event world. What stayed with me most is that it opened deeper conversations about design, not only flowers. People connected with the thinking behind the work, and that was important to me…”
I am more often inspired by architecture, art and design events than by floral events alone. Milan Design Week is a strong example, as well as exhibitions, art fairs and well-curated installations. I am always interested in spaces where material, scale, atmosphere and detail come together in a powerful way…”
Tomas De Bruyne, Founder, Tomas De Bruyne Floral Experiences Worldwide
C&B: “It’s truly inspiring to see the effort your peers went to support you! What would you say is most important about networking with other designers and florists at prestigious events such as your launch?”
TDB: “For me, it is less about networking in the classic sense and more about being in dialogue with people who care deeply about quality. Events like RSVP bring together strong minds from different parts of the industry. Those encounters sharpen your standards, open new perspectives, and often lead to valuable collaborations…”
I do actively follow trends. Each year I buy trend reports to understand what is happening in society, not only in flowers but also in colour, materials, objects, lifestyle and the way people want to live and celebrate. Travel plays a big role too. Working internationally keeps me immersed in different cultural moods and movements. For me, trends are not there to be copied, but to be understood and translated in a way that still feels personal…”
Tomas De Bruyne, Founder, Tomas De Bruyne Floral Experiences Worldwide
C&B: “Your book is absolutely gorgeous – who else was involved and how do we obtain one four ourselves?”
TDB: “The book is published by Pelckmans Uitgeverij in Belgium. The foreword is written by Colin Cowie, which I value greatly. Beyond that, the book reflects years of my own experience, while also including projects and collaborations across very different contexts, from intimate floral work to large international productions. The book and all ordering information can be found via: http://www.theartofdesign.be
Events such as the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show make quality visible. They show the public what is possible when flowers and plants are handled with skill, care and imagination. People may not always analyse why something works, but they do feel the difference, and that helps build a wider appreciation for floral design…”
Tomas De Bruyne, Founder, Tomas De Bruyne Floral Experiences Worldwide
C&B: “As we’re now moving into the height of floral design season in Europe, and with RHS Chelsea Flower Show on the horizon, can you share your thoughts on the impact that international events such as Chelsea In Bloom and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show have on the floral design industry?”
TDB: “Events such as Chelsea Flower Show play an important role because they set a level of excellence the industry pays attention to. They combine tradition, visibility and prestige, and that gives them real influence. What I also find strong is that they connect directly with the public. That matters, because public appreciation raises expectations, and higher expectations move the industry forward…”
Floral design is not only about beauty, but about intention. Every choice has an effect: scale, rhythm, colour, balance, restraint. I hope people feel that our work has been made with purpose, and that it creates something deeper than a visual impression alone…”
Tomas De Bruyne, Founder, Tomas De Bruyne Floral Experiences Worldwide
C&B: “Late spring/early summer is also peak time for society weddings and outdoor events. What role do you believe floral displays play in enhancing the overall experience for guests attending these special occasions?”
TDB: “Floral design shapes atmosphere. It influences how guests enter a space, how they feel in it, and how they remember it afterwards. When it is done well, it becomes part of the full experience rather than an added decoration. It helps turn a moment into a memory…”
THE ART OF DESIGN: http://www.theartofdesign.be
