The Society of Floristry
Florist of the Year Competition 2009
2009 sees the launch of The Society of Floristry Florist of the Year Competition. The members of the Society will demonstrate their expertise as professional florists in competition for recognition, acclaim and award, weighted with The Society of Floristry's highly regarded reputation as the industry's independent voice.
Click here to see photos of the competition
Congratulations to Melanie Garbutt MSF, SoF Florist of the Year 2009.
We would also like to extend our best wishes to runner-up Sioned Rowlands MSF. Thank you to everyone that took part in the competition and for making it such a success.
Final
Following the them of the ‘A La Mode' theme of the 2009 Society of Floristry Annual Show, the title for the final for our Florist of the Year competition is 'Flowers and Fashion'.
Compeition Guidelines for Finalists
Each competitor must select a Fashion House on which to base their competition pieces.
- Select a Fashion House, state this on a card and display in your allocated alcove (to be brought ready to display)
- Dress a model/mannequin (design to be pre-made and erected in your alcove on the day on your own mannequin) Design and construct a floor standing exhibit, to launch the "Summer Collection" of your chosen Fashion House intended to be displayed at the entrance to the fashion show. Fresh material must predominate. Design and construct an imaginative body adornment for one of the models to wear on the cat-walk (a drawing/picture of the style and colour of the models outfit must be supplied)
- Surprise package
- Decorate the alcove to enhance your designs with materials of your own choice
ALL materials to be provided by the competitors, with the exception of the surprise package, for this the materials will be supplied to you on the day.
Rules and Regulations
- Competitors will have an alcove 2.5 metres wide by 2 metres deep, painted black, and all items must be displayed within this area. Please note nothing may be attached to the walls of the alcove.
- All competitors must be current Society of Floristry members
- The competition is to be held in the BFA Competition Arena.
- All materials as stated in schedule must be provided by you, with the exception of the surprise package
- All items in the Florist of the Year, must be made by the competitor
Timetable
9.30 Registration and meet the Judges.
10.00am to 10.45am Setting up of Mannequin
10.45am to 12.15pm Floor Standing Display
12.15pm to 1.00pm Lunch Break
1.00pm to 2.00pm Body Adornment
2.10pm to 3.15pm Surprise Package
3.15pm to 3.30pm Break
3.30pm to 4.00pm Decorating and Placing of all designs in alcove
The Competition will take place in the BFA Marquee Competition Arena. Please visit the area and support the contestants - spectators are welcome.
The Prize
The winner of the competition will win:
- The Society of Floristry Florist of the year 2009 Trophy
- 2 page spread in Focal Point
- Photographs of their work on the website for a year
- The chance to demonstrate at the SoF Annual Show in November
For further details of the show and to buy tickets in advance please visit the RHS website.
Semi-Final
Stage two of the Florist Competition took place at the Society of Floristry AGM in April at The Cambridge Belfry Hotel.
Held in two parts, the initial stage saw the 12 Semi-Finalists display pre-prepared non-floral funeral tribute arrangements. The no-flower restriction added additional depth to the presentations, exhibiting the expressive and innovative design potential of the competitors.
In the second phase of the Semi-Final the participants made textured bridesmaid's posies, live in front of the AGM audience. The timed session demonstrated the candidates' ability to handle the pressure associated with professional floristry work, and their creative capabilities when stressed.
We would like to extend our thanks and best wishes to all that took part in the competition. The entrants illustrated the many talents of the Society of Floristry members and reinforced the Society's place as an industry leader.
Florist of the Year 2009 Finalists:
Sioned Rowlands from Denbeigh
Lucy Hutton-Smith NDSF AIFD FSF from Hudswell Richmond
Melanie Garbutt from Upton Pontefract
Joanne Swanson NDSF FSF from Bath
Emma Reid from Welwyn Garden city
Donna Mascall from Rayleigh Essex
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