Cover Landmark welcomes the Lunar New Year with "Flourishing Blooms", a vibrant floral celebration by acclaimed artist Nicolai Bergmann. (Photo: Landmark)
Landmark welcomes the Lunar New Year with "Flourishing Blooms", a vibrant floral celebration by acclaimed artist Nicolai Bergmann. (Photo: Landmark)
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In his first Hong Kong installation, Danish floral artist Nicolai Bergmann has transformed The Landmark with Lunar New Year-themed blooms and arrangements
The Landmark Hong Kong is welcoming the Lunar New Year with Flourishing Blooms, an installation by Danish-born floral artist and designer Nicolai Bergmann. Running until February 8 at Landmark Atrium, the installation is Bergmann’s first major Hong Kong showcase and coincides with the 25th anniversary of his celebrated flower box.
Since establishing his floral design shop in Tokyo, where he is based, over two decades ago, Bergmann has garnered recognition for his signature flower boxes, which he introduced in 2000 and started a trend across Japan, as well as for his collaborations with luxury houses. At The Landmark, his famed original black box has been reimagined in auspicious red to honour Chinese traditions.
With over 50 types of flowers on display, the installation has transformed the look and feel of the atrium. Through Bergmann’s contemporary approach to floral arrangement design, traditional auspicious blooms like orchids and azaleas have taken on new life in this spectacular display.
Tatler caught up with the artist at the installation’s unveiling.
Above Floral artist Nicolai Bergmann (Photo: courtesy Landmark)
Floral artist Nicolai Bergmann (Photo: courtesy Landmark)
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How do you bring your own understanding and creative vision to Lunar New Year tradition through your design?
The worst thing I could do was attempt to create a traditional Lunar New Year arrangement. Instead, I wanted to retain certain elements that everyone here would associate with Lunar New Year—first and foremost, the colour red.
I maintained the red theme and worked with the flower box, which has always featured a square design. The challenge was to create something contemporary and stylish without losing touch with Chinese traditions.
What inspired your floral selections?
We utilised three to four different varieties of potted plants, which offer unique blooming patterns compared to regular cut flowers. Pink orchids flow throughout the left side, with azaleas nestled beneath them—both types of flower are used extensively in Lunar New Year decorations. However, when placed in these boxes and styled in this contemporary way, they become almost unrecognisable as traditional elements. These plants were chosen not only for their excellent longevity but also for the substantial volume needed for this installation. The result is a piece designed to be visually engaging from every angle.
Above Flourishing Blooms by Nicolai Bergmann (Photo: courtesy Landmark)
Flourishing Blooms by Nicolai Bergmann (Photo: courtesy Landmark)
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As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of your signature flower box, how has its design evolved over the years?
The flower box came about as a coincidence. At my first Tokyo shop, a lady from an event company wanted a press gift sample —but not just any sample; she needed 600 of them. She also needed them stacked after the presentation, but there wasn’t much space. I tried different boxes, but they became too big or too expensive. Then I had the idea to put flowers directly in the box with a lid.
Though the lady never placed an order, the flower boxes drew much attention. People kept asking “What’s that?” “What do you use it for?” That was when I knew I was onto something.
I have always wanted black boxes, but my Japanese colleagues insisted black was for funerals. Therefore, the boxes stayed green for 23 years, until I switched them to black at my own store. Now we have three standard sizes and six seasonal collections. It’s remarkable how the flower box has stayed relevant for 25 years; [it is] not too much, not too little, [and we are] just keeping it interesting all along.
Above Joyful red flower box in two sizes (Photo: courtesy Landmark)
Joyful red flower box in two sizes (Photo: courtesy Landmark)
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What's your favourite way to style the flower box at home?
I love having flowers in my kitchen—it’s a place where we spend so much time. Besides that, I suggest placing them on a coffee table or dining table, where they naturally become part of your daily life. For the red flower box, we’ve chosen a rich velvet fabric, making it the perfect fit for the festive season.
What makes the flower box concept resonate so strongly with Eastern cultures, especially in Japan and Hong Kong?
Putting precious things in small boxes is deeply rooted in Asian culture. Although this wasn’t my original inspiration for the flower box, its success likely links to this meaningful tradition.
What is your favourite flower and why?
I love hydrangeas. I have nearly 5,000 different species of hydrangeas planted in my garden at Hakone. The magical hydrangea variety is particularly spectacular, transforming from green to blue to pink before settling into an autumn green. This colour journey means visitors experience something different each season.
The garden serves as my sanctuary amid busy Tokyo life. Being among nature, especially during demanding work periods, renews my energy. This contrast between the peaceful nature and the vibrant city creates a perfect balance, much like Hong Kong’s dynamic rhythm.
Above The red flower box and the Abundance in Bloom floral arrangement (Photo: Landmark)
The red flower box and the Abundance in Bloom floral arrangement (Photo: Landmark)
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