Discover more about
This newer variety:
ALSTROEMERIA FASHIONISTA
Whilst the introduction of the first single-headed alstroemeria was over a year ago, it’s now really taking hold as a popular addition — both in our stock and yours — as our florist customers are embracing it more readily.
Whether you’re yet to use this brand-new alstroemeria, or have already welcomed it into your daily work, we thought it was about time to share more about it. So, if you’re ready, let’s go.
About Alstroemeria Fashionista
Whilst we’re spoilt with new alstroemeria varieties constantly becoming available, this single-headed alstroemeria rightly caused quite a storm and garnered the attention of everyone within the industry when it was first shown in early 2024.
What makes it so special?
The Fashionista® Series consists of unique single-flowered Alstroemerias. When it comes to their classification, they are given the label ‘Type – Specialty’. It’s a true novelty, standing apart from other Alstroemerias and is something very special indeed.
When you get your hands on these flowers, you will be blown away by its extravagance. Fashionista Alstroemerias have extraordinarily large, multi-layered flowers with bi-coloured leaves, especially nearer the head.
If you’re familiar with a Carmen rose (a hand-made rose created by adding many more rose petals around a rose bud to create a dramatic oversized rose) it’s as if the Fashionista® Alstroemeria is a Carmen Alstroemeria.
Alstroemeria Fashionista® Varieties
Fashionista Pink
First came ‘Fashionista Pink’, the first of its kind in the Fashionista® Series.
This salmon-pink variety bred by Gafash and initially grown by Batian Flowers in Kenya, was shown to the world back in 2021. It broke onto the scene in style, winning 1st prize in the breeders’ contest at Proflora 2021 (one of the world’s leading floriculture trade shows held in Colombia).
It was a few months earlier in July 2021 when HilverdaFlorist teased the world with ‘Fashionista Pink’ in their Facebook post. However, as is always the case with flower breeding, propagation and development it took a few more years before we could get our hands on it!
Fast forward to February 2024 and Floricode’s essential coding and registration of this new product was complete. In the summer floral designers, photographers, and leaders in the industry began promoting this new variety. The whole chain, from breeder to grower to importer to wholesaler and florists joined together to make this flower famous!
Fashionista Sofiena
‘Sofiena’ is the second addition in the Fashionista® Series. Sofiena immediately attracted attention with her huge, bright pink flowers. It’s the variety that you’re more likely to have seen us stock with its characteristic striking, strong colour, beautiful leaf quality and long vase life.
Fashionista Sofiena was proudly presented on the 4th July 2024 by H.M. Tesselaar, a day before it was available at the Aalsmeers auction!
Whilst it’s the second in the range, it’s the first ever single-flowered alstroemeria bred and grown in the Netherlands. H.M. Tesselaar is an innovative breeder of Alstroemerias in North Holland, who partnered up with HilverdaFlorist, together their expert breeding, propagation, growing, and sales created the dream team and dream Alstroemeria.
Each part of the story behind this fabulous flower has meaning including the ‘Sofiena’ name. It comes from joining the names of two very important folks at Tesselaar – the two daughters of the owners! Combining the names Sophie — Melvin Tesselaar’s daughter — and Fienne — Linda Tesselaar’s daughter — created a name as unique as the flower.
Multi-Award-Winning
Each year the prestigious Glass Tulip Awards are presented by Royal FloraHolland to the best innovative market introduction in the floriculture sector — this includes not just cut flowers, but house and garden plants too.
It’s no wonder that Alstroemeria Fashionista® Sofiena was one of the 1,000 nominees, nor that on the first day of the Royal FloraHolland Trade Fair on Tuesday 5th November, that it had achieved a place as one of the 5 finalists. However, when it came to the top spots announced during the exhilarating evening, the Alstroemeria Fashionista® Sofiena scooped not just the first prize from the jury in the Cut Flowers category, but it was awarded the People’s Choice Award.
More Product Info
Fashionista Sofiena Product Details
VBN product code: 130148 | Colour: Hot Pink | Growing Productivity: Very high
Fashionista Pink Product Details
VBN product code: 130561 | Colour: Salmon Pink | Growing Productivity: Medium
Lasting Ability
When speaking about Alstroemeria Fashionista Sofiena, Willem Dekker of H.M. Tesselaar stated, “The Fashionista Sofiena is one of the newest inventions in our breeding program… …we have been searching for years for alstroemerias with the right characteristics, such as good leaf quality, successful cultivation under LED lighting, and a long vase life.”
The video below illustrates the vase life of a Tesselaar Alstroemeria Fashionista Sofiena in real time.
Ultimate Inspiration
Beautiful design created by Hanneke Frankema @hannekefrankema images by @nicoalsemgeest
In Short
We’re really pleased to, if not introduce you to the first two varieties in the Alstroemeria Fashionista® Series, then at least help you become better acquainted with them.
Maybe you’ve seen them for sale but weren’t sure if they were for you. Maybe you’ve used them numerous times but didn’t know how ‘Sofiena’ got her name!
What’s clear is that these introductions have already captured the attention of the industry, and their qualities — striking colours, impressive vase life, and award-winning pedigree — make them stand out in today’s market.
Here at Westflor, we love to make the connection between the growers — and you the florists — closer. By knowing a little more of the story behind them, you’ll not only have fresh inspiration for your designs but also something extra to share with your customers.
