Crafted to Perfection – Jenny Murphy’s Winning Design at Bloom 2025
The winning design of the IOF Wearable Floristry Competition at Bloom 2025 was a stunning shoulder piece created by Jenny Murphy, from Flowers by Moira in Dunshaughlin, an elegant, technically clever creation that showcased structure, style, and floral beauty in perfect harmony.
Jenny Murphy, winning design - IOF Bloom 2025
Chosen by IOF Chairperson and Dutch Master Florist Lamber de Bie, Jenny’s piece stood out for its engineering as much as its design. Built with no clips or pins, it sat comfortably and securely on the shoulder—an incredible achievement in wearable floristry.
“It was technically sturdy, wearable and lasting. A real winner,” Lamber said. “The use of floral materials and structure was masterfully balanced.”
The Flowers Behind the Magic
Jenny’s floral selection was rich in texture and full of interest. She worked with:
10 Calla ‘Coat Trinity’ – sleek and sculptural, setting the tone
30 KV Beauty Orchid heads (Ichtus Growers) – delicate and luxurious
A selection of plant heads & Santini – for softness and contrast
Kalanchoes & 3 miniature succulent plants – adding texture and lasting appeal
4 Sandersonia ‘Marinara’ – adding whimsical lightness
Passion plant vine – stripped back to form elegant lines
3 stems of Rose ‘Land of Fire’ – rich in colour and depth
The Mechanics
Jenny’s piece began with a wired shoulder structure, using 2mm floral wire and a base shaped to her own shoulder with 5mm wire. Leaf forms were crafted and twisted together—drawing from techniques learned from floral experts Lizzie and Hanneke—to create volume, support, and fluidity. A figure-of-eight design strengthened the form and ensured comfort.
She used bind wire to layer her leaf shapes, gradually building a shoulder silhouette that flowed two-thirds down the back and one-third to the front—balancing drama with wearability.
Callas were placed first, creating a sculptural line to guide the rest of the work. From there, she built depth with orchids, plant heads, succulents, and vines, ensuring every flower had its place and purpose.
Botanicals
A Floral Sculpture in Motion
What made Jenny’s piece so impactful was the seamless blend of technical skill and natural grace. Her construction gave the illusion of effortless elegance while relying on a complex, well-engineered base that gave the piece its structure and wearability.
This was wearable floristry at its finest—where mechanics and beauty walk side by side.
A Final Word
Jenny’s work not only won the competition—it represented everything the IOF hoped to spotlight: craftsmanship, creativity, innovation, and professionalism. We are so proud to showcase this design as a shining example of what Irish floristry can achieve.
Congratulations, Jenny!
