For the first time in 17 years, our iconic Spring Flower Show has made its triumphant return to our Bourke Street Flagship through the visionary lens of Joost Bakker.
Like so much of David Jones, the Spring Flower show has a rich and illustrious history. Spanning 82 years, its early inspirations began in Sydney where the David Jones staff would bring in flowers from their own gardens, proudly displaying them on instore counters, to mark the beginning of spring. This much-loved tradition evolved over decades to become a more formalised event launching as the annual David Jones Spring Flower Show in 1985. To celebrate its return to our Bourke Street Flagship store after almost two decades, we’ve partnered with activist, floral artist and world-renowned champion of zero-waste living, Joost Bakker.
What’s more, the Spring Flower Show by Joost collides with the unveiling of another transformation: the much-anticipated reimagination of the Bourke Street Flagship. Join us as we journey behind the scenes with the eco-warrior and floral artist himself, and discover what else is instore at the new-look Bourke Street.
Meet Joost Bakker: floral artist, world-renowned activist and eco-warrior
As the son of a fourth-generation Dutch tulip farmer, it’s no surprise that Joost felt a special connection to the wonders of nature from an early age. Encouraged by his mother, he spent his younger years shadowing a landscape artist, armed with charcoal and paper, attempting to capture the ever-shifting light and shapes. Immigrating to Australia with his family when he was nine, Joost’s love of nature and appreciation for natural art evolved into a full-blown passion.
Flash forward to today, where Joost’s continuing fascination for biodiversity, the ecosystem, and art has led The New York Times to label him as the “poster boy of zero-waste living”. Now, he’s best known for making waves worldwide with his creative yet realistic approach to tackling urban sustainability. As Melbourne’s first Spring Flower Show in 17 years, Joost’s creation is a visceral experience. Thought-provoking and incredibly moving, the curated materials communicate the fragility and pure beauty of the natural world. One year in the making and his biggest installation to date, this wonder-scape is 100% locally and ethically grown, with hundreds of natural elements sourced from suppliers, growers, and producers within kilometres of his farm in Victoria.
Closing the sustainability loop
Layered with intrigue and curiosity, the Flower Show by Joost seeks to sustainably showcase the very best of Melbourne’s flora and fauna in celebration of our glorious Spring season. This immersive experience also explores the importance of sustainability and zero-waste practices. Expect oyster mushrooms in candy hues, mycelium blocks, snails, a tank of rare golden barramundi, crickets and other oddities all housed under canopies of tulips, golden elm branches, yellow forsythia, apple and pear blossom.
“Everyone’s aware that we can’t just have a linear system; we need a circular system. I’ve designed a closed loop system with interconnected parts no different to how a natural environment works, and that’s my inspiration–a complete zero waste ecosystem that is biodiverse, interesting, and beautiful.”
Joost Bakker
In a masterclass in the art of impermanence, all elements of the installations will be repurposed after the show. The tree trunks, organic waste, insects, and vegetation will be replanted and composted on Joost’s property. The tulip bulbs will be gifted to staff and customers for replanting next season, while the fish will be safely returned to their ethical breeding program. As a final accent, Joost will introduce a beehive and bees on the store’s rooftop at the show’s conclusion, continuing his circular sustainability mission.
An instore experience like no other…
True to the spirit of Spring, our wider Bourke Street Flagship has been in bloom, too with a transformation of several floors. Completed over two phases, the reimagined Bourke Street has introduced a designer womenswear and accessories floor, consolidating the menswear department with two new highly curated floors and premium service spaces that play host to luxurious personal styling suites and made-to-measure services.
As an added delight to complement The Spring Flower Show by Joost, David Jones is excited to announce our partnership with the iconic Australian wine brand, Tempus Two. To celebrate this partnership and the Spring season, our Bourke Street Flagship has introduced an instore Bar and Eatery located on Level 1. Launching in late October, Tempus Two will be pouring an assorted lineup of wines and cocktails, including the launch of the new Prosecco Gin (the first of its kind globally). From discovering the Flower Show to shopping the new season and exploring everything in between, think of Tempus Two as your new destination for a chic city refreshment.
The Flower Show by Joost will be on public display at the Bourke Street Flagship store from 9:30 am Monday, 10 October–5 pm Sunday, 23 October.