Chadstone unveils its collaboration with internationally recognised flower artist Azuma Makoto as part of the centre’s ongoing partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Triennial exhibition.

Chadstone welcomes two bespoke in-centre activations designed in partnership with Azuma Makoto Studio, including a six-metre tall floral installation Botanical Sculpture and Botanical Lab school holidays program.

“I am honoured to have been invited to the NGV Triennial, where talented artists from around the world come together. I am especially excited about the opportunity to create a large-scale installation in the expansive space at Chadstone. I hope to bring together the diverse and unique plants and flowers of Australia, allowing them to bloom and create a new harmony,” said Makoto.

To celebrate the reveal of Botanical Sculpture, Chadstone presented “A Morning with Makoto” hosting with key guests and stakeholders to mark the the artist’s arrival in Australia and the centre’s ongoing partnership with the NGV. The event included a Japanese floral arrangement workshop and a Q&A segment with Friend of The Fashion Capital, Jacqui Felgate and Azuma Makoto, who has flown from Japan to celebrate this occasion.

Daniel Boyle, Chadstone Centre Manager said: “Since 1960, Chadstone has delivered first-to-market experiences spanning an unparalleled fashion, dining and entertainment offering. This partnership with the NGV exemplifies our dedication to providing a unique and enriching experience for our visitors that celebrate Melbourne’s cultural landscape. We are proud to continue our ongoing partnership with the NGV Triennial, which will see two of Victoria’s premier cultural hubs offering dynamic and immersive experiences at both NGV and Chadstone.”

The towering six-metre Botanical Sculpture is designed to evolve each day as the flowers transition from bloom to wilt. It will sit within Chadstone’s luxury precinct, near Tiffany & Co., presented in tandem with the artist’s works at the NGV Triennial exhibition.

Botanical Sculpture is Makoto’s largest live sculpture to date and features thousands of botanicals from more than 50 Australian native species. The installation was produced in partnership with renowned local florist, Flowers Vasette, who will also open a store within Chadstone’s revitalised fresh food precinct The Market Pavilion in mid-2024. The floral installation took a team of 50 people 11 hours to assemble and will remain in-centre until 29 January.

“I am thrilled to see our floral legacy unfold in the heart of Chadstone – The Fashion Capital. Our new store is not just a place to buy flowers; it’s an invitation to experience the art of floral storytelling,” said Cherrie Miriklis, Founder, Flowers Vasette.

Flowers Vasette’s Chadstone store is poised to be a floral enthusiasts’ haven. Design aficionados and those who appreciate the beauty of curated blooms will delight in this new location, representing a commitment to delivering unparalleled floral experiences – elevating the art of gifting and receiving.

L-R: Amanda Henderson (GLOSS Creative) Azuma Makoto (Artist) Cherrie Miriklis (Flowers Vasette)

“Our Chadstone location is more than a store; it’s a celebration of sophistication and the artistry of nature. We look forward to welcoming Melbourne to a space where the joy of gifting and floral decoration comes to life,” said Phillip Comito Chief Executive Officer, Flowers Vasette.

Boyle added: “We are proud to include Flowers Vasette in the next phase in Chadstone’s continual evolution. The design and retail offer in The Market Pavilion combines the best of the modern fresh food marketplaces one visits while in Europe with the ambience and much-loved brands that are enthusiastically embraced by Melburnians locally – reflecting the quality, variety and elevated consumer experience which Chadstone is known for.”

As an ode to the exhibition and in partnership with the NGV, a rich calendar of hands-on workshops and creative experiences for all ages will be arriving at Chadstone from Friday 12 January to Monday 29 January 2024.