About
Vaea Bourgeois
My name is Vaea Bourgeois, and I’m a crown designer. After studying and working in journalism, I turned to the enchanting world of flower crowns in 2021, founding Hanabi – Atelier Floral. Now, at the dawn of 2025, I have expanded my creative horizons and launched Vaea Bourgeois Atelier, the only atelier dedicated entirely to crowns. My creations are designed for all occasions—events, parties, ceremonies, fashion shows, guest gifts, photoshoots, and even everyday wear.
Today, my approach has evolved. While flowers remain integral, they are no longer my sole medium. I draw inspiration from anything beautiful and meaningful that can bring joy to both the wearer and the beholder. Every crown I create is a unique work of art, designed to tell a story, evoke emotion, and celebrate individuality. For me, wearing a crown is an act of bold self-expression—a statement of audacity, personality, and originality.
Yet, beyond its aesthetic impact, a crown symbolizes inner sovereignty. It is a reminder of our ultimate quest: to reign over our hearts and minds with grace and authenticity. Those who wear a crown embrace their journey of self-discovery and celebrate their true, sovereign beauty.
Born in Tahiti in 1982, my passion for flowers and crowns is deeply rooted in my Polynesian heritage. In French Polynesia, hei (flower crowns) symbolize love, respect, and a profound connection to nature. Worn during celebrations and daily life, they reflect the islands’ beauty, embodying tradition and harmony with the natural world.
My childhood in Tokyo further enriched my love for flowers. My mother, a Sogetsu Ikebana Master, filled our home with floral arrangements, teaching me to appreciate the cycles of nature. From my earliest years in Tahiti, where flowers adorned my hair daily, to Japan’s delicate art of Ikebana, I have always been surrounded by beauty and inspired by the language of flowers.
If one wants to create, one must sacrifice all that is superficial, part of one's security and often the desire to please, in order to bring out the most acute intuition, the deepest visions
Thierry Boutemy
In 2022, I had the privilege of completing an internship with the world-renowned florist Thierry Boutemy, an experience that profoundly shaped my journey with flowers.
During this time, I gained invaluable knowledge, observed unparalleled craftsmanship, and worked with an extraordinary team led by a truly visionary creative mind.
This transformative experience deepened my appreciation for the art of floristry and continues to inspire everything I create.
Merci Thierry
THE ATELIER
Nestled in the heart of Nice on the French Riviera, Vaea Bourgeois Atelier specializes in exquisite flower crowns and ornamental headpieces, ranging from spectacular crowns to decorated headbands. Each headpiece, whether crafted from fresh blooms, dried flowers, or high-quality artificial or ornamental elements, is unique and meticulously handmade with precision and care.
Timeless Crowns,
Unique Elegance
Our collections evolve with the seasons, offering vibrant designs for spring, summer, autumn, and winter, as well as exclusive pop-up collections inspired by spontaneous bursts of creativity. For those seeking something truly personal, custom-made headpieces are available on demand, tailored to your vision and story.
Combining exceptional creativity with unparalleled technical expertise, the atelier offers unique designs that embody elegance and sophistication. As a luxury brand, Vaea Bourgeois Atelier guarantees creations of impeccable quality, making every crown a true work of art. Perfect for those who seek refinement and beauty in every detail with a hint of originality, a touch of humour and a spark of nonconformity.
The crown is a timeless symbol of power, beauty, and individuality. Throughout history, it has adorned the heads of queens, kings, and dreamers, embodying sovereignty and prestige. Beyond its royal connotations, the crown represents the triumph of the spirit, a circle of protection and infinity. Whether made of flowers, jewels, or other elements, it is a celebration of identity and self-expression—a piece that elevates the wearer, making them stand out with grace, strength, and a touch of magic.
Vaea Bourgeois
aims to reveal beauty,
individuality and
inner-sovereignty.
FLOWER CROWN
SYMBOLISM
The flower crown, worn on the head, symbolizes beauty, purity, and celebration across cultures and eras. In ancient Greece and Rome, laurel wreaths signified victory and immortality, while in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, flower crowns represented purity, fertility, and a bond with nature. In Celtic traditions, they had spiritual significance, offering protection and invoking blessings.
Associated with femininity and grace, flower crowns also symbolize power, balancing strength and delicacy. Today, they are popular at festivals, weddings, and nature celebrations, symbolizing freedom, youth, and joy, remaining a timeless emblem of beauty and connection to nature.
CUSTOM MADE
FLOWER CROWNS
Vaea Bourgeois Atelier offers bespoke flower crowns crafted from fresh, dried, or high-quality artificial blooms. With expertise in flower selection, the atelier ensures each crown lasts beautifully through out your event—be it a wedding, communion, photo shoot, or party... Designed to reflect your unique style, these crowns are the perfect finishing touch to make you stand out with grace and beauty.
To ensure your convenience, your fresh flower crown can easily be delivered in person at a time and location of your choice anywhere between Monaco and Saint Tropez. Due to their delicate nature, fresh flower crowns cannot be shipped by post. However, Vaea is available to travel anywhere in the world to create your crown on-site, guaranteeing the freshness and beauty of the blooms.