LIFESTYLE | O.HANAMONO: THE ART OF IKEBANA MEETS MODERN ELEGANCE, MY FIRST WORKSHOP AT THE DAWN, BERLIN

Werbung

It was finally time. My very first Ikebana workshop with o.hanamono at The Dawn, the rooftop restaurant of Bikini Berlin. Twenty selected influencers had accepted my invitation to experience something both new and ancient, the art of Ikebana..

For me, this moment was not only about teaching a craft. It marked the beginning of a dream I had carried for many years. o.hanamono is my way of sharing Ikebana with the world, offering workshops, events, and curated tools that celebrate the timeless beauty of flowers and the quiet strength of Japanese aesthetics.

Ikebana, which translates as “living flowers,” is the Japanese art of floral arrangement. Its history can be traced back more than a thousand years, beginning with offerings of flowers placed at Buddhist temples. Over time, this practice grew into a refined art form guided by different schools such as Ikenobō, Ohara, and later the more contemporary Sōgetsu school. Ikebana is not simply decoration. It is a way of creating meaning through line, form, and space. Unlike many Western styles, which often highlight abundance, Ikebana emphasizes restraint and precision. Every element has a role, and even empty space becomes part of the composition. Each arrangement is a reflection of both nature and the arranger, a balance between what is seen and what is left unsaid.

To practice Ikebana is to slow down. It is to notice the curve of a branch, the angle of a stem, the fleeting bloom of a flower. It is a form of mindfulness and an invitation to see the world with quiet attention. My own journey with Ikebana began many years ago with fascination for Japan, its aesthetics, and its reverence for simplicity. At first it was a passion, then a practice, and eventually it became clear that this was my path.

o.hanamono, written お花物, means “flower things.” It is both a name and a philosophy. The project is my way of opening a space where people can encounter Ikebana in a setting that feels modern, elegant, and accessible. Through workshops, events, and gatherings, I invite others to experience the stillness and inspiration that Ikebana can bring. It is not only about flowers. It is about remembering how to feel.

The Dawn Restaurant provided the perfect stage for this first chapter of o.hanamono. Located on the rooftop of Bikini Berlin, it offers panoramic views and a setting that feels both vibrant and serene. On that morning, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation. My guests arrived to find tables prepared with fresh materials, each place waiting for its own creation. I began with an introduction to Ikebana, explaining its history and philosophy. Then I guided the participants step by step as they arranged their own pieces. What emerged was remarkable. No two arrangements were alike. Some were minimal and delicate, others bold and expressive, yet each carried the unmistakable voice of its creator. This is the essence of Ikebana. It does not demand uniformity. It celebrates individuality while honoring nature.

The culinary element added to the experience. The Dawn served refreshing iced matcha and their signature pancakes, a pairing that was as photogenic as it was delicious. Just like Ikebana, it reflected harmony, a balance between indulgence and simplicity.

The workshop was supported by three inspiring partners whose presence enriched the day in meaningful ways: 

The Inkey List is a skincare brand that has become known worldwide for its ingredient-focused philosophy. Their products are clear, effective, and transparent, giving people the confidence to build routines that suit their needs. This clarity mirrors the essence of Ikebana, which values precision and authenticity.

LUSH is a brand synonymous with handmade, fresh cosmetics and strong ethical values. Their colorful bath bombs and fragrant skincare products embody joy, sustainability, and a commitment to cruelty-free beauty. Their presence reminded us that self-care and creativity belong together.

Benefit Bites offered mindful indulgence in the form of wholesome snacks that combine taste with nourishment. They were the perfect match for a morning workshop, providing energy without taking attention away from the delicate work of arranging flowers.

During the event, the influencers had the chance to try the products directly at their tables. Later, each guest received a thoughtfully curated goodie bag filled with skincare, self-care, and treats to take home.

This first workshop was only the beginning. With o.hanamono, I am curating experiences that go beyond technique. Each workshop is an invitation to slow down, to create, and to connect. Sessions are intimate and exclusive, suitable for complete beginners as well as those who already have experience with Ikebana. Workshops can be booked privately or as part of larger events. They are also available for artistic installations at prestigious locations. My goal is always the same: to create an atmosphere of beauty and mindfulness where participants leave not only with flowers in their hands but also with inspiration in their hearts.

One of the next opportunities will be on November 14, 2025 in Berlin, where I will host another evening of Ikebana in collaboration with a unique restaurant. Guests will receive all the flowers and materials they need to create their own arrangement. While tools such as kenzan and bowls remain at the venue, participants can order their own exclusive set through the o.hanamono online shop to continue their journey at home. Professional photos and social media content will capture the atmosphere, and each guest will take home both flowers and a curated goodie bag.

To extend the experience beyond workshops, o.hanamono also offers an online shop. Here I have curated tools and materials that I trust and love, chosen with attention to quality, aesthetics, and tradition. From elegant kenzan to refined bowls and scissors, every piece reflects the philosophy of o.hanamono: minimal, intentional, and rooted in beauty. For those who wish to continue practicing at home, the shop offers everything needed to cultivate Ikebana as part of daily life. It is not only about providing tools. It is about offering the possibility to create a ritual of mindfulness and elegance, wherever you are.

This first workshop at The Dawn was a beginning, but it was also a glimpse of what o.hanamono can become. It showed me how much people are drawn to the quiet strength of Ikebana and how relevant its message feels in today’s world. Flowers have always been symbols of beauty and impermanence. Through Ikebana they become more than decoration. They become a way of seeing and a way of being. As o.hanamono grows, I look forward to welcoming more people into this space, whether through workshops, retreats, or artistic collaborations. My hope is that each encounter leaves participants with more than a bouquet. I want them to carry home a sense of stillness, inspiration, and a renewed awareness of beauty.

Ikebana is not only about flowers. It is about finding balance, remembering presence, and honoring the dialogue between nature and ourselves. That is what I hope to share with every workshop, every arrangement, and every offering through o.hanamono.