HYDERABAD: The World Flower Show by The World Association of Floral Artists (WAFA) is held every three years and this year the stunning spectacle took place for the first time in India. The floral fashion show was held at ITC Kakatiya Hyderabad on February 17 and 18. It showcased the creative abilities of flower artists from India and around the globe.The reason why they chose Hyderabad as a venue is because the city offers an eclectic mix of different cultures and has its own flower festival Bathukamma.
Pushpabitan Friendship Society (PBFS), a Kolkata-based club affiliated with WAFA is to represent India at the Floral Fashion Fiesta. This year there was about 500-600 entries of participants from different countries.
Through its worldwide scope, WAFA enhances the diversity of the floral art form by transcending International cultural barriers and bringing together fresh ideas. The management of WAFA moves from country to country every three years. During its tenure, the host country organises an international seminar, stages a World Flower Show and plans other educational events.
The show consisted of a number of competitions: some were conducted prior to the event that just required the arrangements to be constructed on arrival and others that were ‘live’ and delivered during the event itself for instance ‘floral catwalk’. It was interesting as all the 150 participants were given the same materials to work with but the results were so varied. The participants at WAFA are aware of their passion. They designed and created arrangements and installations out of whatever flowers or foliage they could find. Each of the participants had his or her unique way of dressing up, their attire representing the floral species and different seasons of their countries. They formed groups and got together to focus on the beauty of natural elements leaving no stone unturned; it wasn’t just fresh and lively flowers that were used in the displays but curled leaf scraps seed pods, bamboo, stems etc., also found their way into the clothing and props. The designs were simple yet elaborate, striking and soothing to the eyes.
WAFA is gearing up for the final event to be held in Jaipur in 2020 where the participants will be evaluated by judges from all over the world. There will also be craft classes, demonstrations and lectures from horticultural and heritage experts.