Imagine combining two of life’s greatest pleasures – fashion and chocolate. That’s exactly what happens at the annual Chocolate Fashion Shows. This extraordinary event sees Belgian chocolatiers and designers team up to create stunning, edible works of art.
Every year, at the Salon Du Chocolat trade fair in Paris, these spectacular creations are unveiled. The show is a feast for the eyes and the palate, with around a dozen chocolate couture masterpieces taking center stage.
What is the chocolate fashion show?
Get ready to savor the flavor of fashion! The Chocolate Fashion Show merges two of the most delectable delights in the world – chocolate and fashion. It’s a glamorous, indulgent and dazzling spectacle where Belgian chocolatiers and designers unite to conjure up spectacular creations.
Last year, the event showcased around a dozen exclusive pieces at the avant-premiere, before they sashayed down the runway at the Salon Du Chocolat fashion show. Held every day of the Salon at 5 PM, the interplay of fashion and chocolate is no less than a treat to the senses.
For the curious minds, here’s a peek into some of the creative collaborations from the 2020 Fashion Show:
- Belcolade Ndaya Baby Arrion and Haute École Francisco Ferrer
- Belcolade Camila Banegas Espada and Haute École Francisco Ferrer
- Institut Émile Gryzon Institut Bischoffsheim
- La Cucina delle Zie Débora Velasquez
- Leonidas Master Chocolatier Daniel Stallaert
- Millésime Chocolat Giovanni Biasiolo
- Valentino Chocolatier Sixtine Anne de Molina
- Valrhona Max Grogna Haute École Francisco Ferrer
- Van Dender Melissa Martin Ciudad
These were among the chocolatier-designer duos who unveiled their magnificent works, made entirely of chocolate, to the awaiting crowd.
The 18th edition of the Salon Du Chocolat, a trade fair that we covered last year, celebrated “The New Worlds of Chocolate”. The event offered a visionary journey to the heart of new chocolate realms through six gourmet domains.
What is the chocolate fashion show in France?
When I hear the words “chocolate” and “fashion” in one sentence, my curiosity jumps off the charts. How magical and sensational would it be to witness these two amazing arts intertwining at one grand runway! Well, let me tell you a little something — this intriguing concept is a reality in France, more specifically, at the 18th annual Salon Du Chocolat trade fair show in Paris.
It’s an extraordinary spectacle where Belgian chocolatiers and designers couple their talents, one that resulted in the creation of a dozen delightful chocolate couture masterpieces. Now, these works aren’t just for admiration from afar, they are also meant to be savored. From February 13, each magical creation left the audience spellbound at a daily 5 PM fashion show, adding up to an astonishing feast for both eyes and palate.
I’d like to take you through a peek into the 2020 fashion show participants. Trust me when I say this, these collaborations aren’t just professional affairs but a passionate pursuit of artisans:
| Chocolatier | Designer |
|---|---|
| Belcolade | Ndaya Baby Arrion, Haute École Francisco Ferrer |
| Belcolade | Camila Banegas Espada, Haute École Francisco Ferrer |
| Institut Émile Gryzon | Institut Bischoffsheim |
| La Cucina delle Zie | Débora Velasquez |
| Leonidas Master Chocolatier | Daniel Stallaert |
| Millésime Chocolat | Giovanni Biasiolo |
| Valentino Chocolatier | Sixtine Anne de Molina |
| Valrhona | Max Grogna, Haute École Francisco Ferrer |
| Van Dender | Melissa Martin Ciudad |
Apart from casting a magical spell in Paris, the chocolate fashion show also traced its grandeur to Dubai. At Le Gourmet Galeries Lafayette in Dubai Mall, the chocolate fashion show brought an eccentric display of cocoa couture, as part of the Salon du Chocolat et de la Patisserie. With this international canvas, the chocolate fashion show definitely turned heads and satisfied sweet tooths under one roof! Let me assure you, it’s not every day you encounter a fusion such as this, so consider yourself lucky if you get to witness it someday.
Who made the chocolate dress?
In the eclectic world of the Chocolate Fashion Show, the behind-the-scenes artists play a major role. This event showcased a medley of creative collaborations, but who were the individuals who turned cocoa into couture?
At the 15th World Chocolate Fair in Paris, a stunning group of Belgian and French designers and chocolatiers collaborated to create what can only be described as cocoa couture. Virginie Stucki designed a magnificent chocolate-studded dress and chocolate handheld fan, and the crafting fell to La Maison du Chocolat, a renowned French chocolate maker.
On the same platform, the Belgian singer Lara Fabian wore a dress studded with chocolate, curtsy of the design prowess of Herve Leger and the chocolatier finesse of Jean-Paul Hevin. Additionally, French TV hosts Valerie Damidot and Laurie Cholewa rocked the stage with their chocolate confections which were created with the help of chocolatiers Jean Luc Decluzeau and Revillon, respectively.
A name that resonated from the event was Eva Rachline, who designed a chocolate-studded dress for French model Laetitia Rey. The assisting chocolatier? Magnum once again. Also, another noteworthy contribution was the chocolaty piece adorned by French actress Corinne Touzet. This chocolate-studded dress was a creative product of designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada with La Maison Bonnat lending their chocolate-making expertise.
However, the showstopper was the Eternal Diamond dress, a strapless confection of chocolate and chili. Weighing a whopping 50 kilos, this creation was the brainchild of Lauren Smith, the winner of Graduate Fashion Week 2013. The crispy fact here is that Lindt was the chocolatier behind this eccentric masterpiece.
These legendary names give us a glimpse of not only the cutting-edge designers and artisan chocolatiers behind these edible artworks but also the endless creativity that is possible when these two worlds collide. Every guest leaves the event in awe, itching to learn about and taste the chocolate world‘s next big innovation.
What is the famous chocolate show?
I’ve taken you through the sweet journey of the annual Chocolate Fashion Show, a place where fashion meets indulgence. It’s been a delight to delve into the world of these skilled artists who craft cocoa into couture. We’ve explored the imaginative minds of the designers and chocolatiers who’ve gifted us with dazzling chocolate-studded dresses and even a spicy showstopper made of chocolate and chili. When fashion and chocolate collide, it’s clear there’s no limit to creativity. It’s a world that continues to amaze and inspire. So next time you savor a piece of chocolate, remember there’s a whole universe of artistry behind every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designs the outfits for the Chocolate Fashion Shows?
These extravagant outfits are the result of a collaboration between Belgian chocolatiers, pastry chefs and fashion designers. Each piece is a testament to their combined talents, dwarfing the traditional boundaries between cuisines and couture.
What’s special about the showstopper dress?
A highlight of the Chocolate Fashion Show is the showstopper dress. This gown incorporates the unusual combination of chocolate and chili, demonstrating the endless creativity that can arise from blending the realms of fashion and culinary arts.
Who are the artists behind the Chocolate Fashion Show?
The artists behind the Chocolate Fashion Show are both Belgian chocolatiers and fashion designers. They work together to transform cocoa into couture, creating edible art in the form of unique fashion pieces.
How long has the Chocolate Fashion Show been happening?
The Chocolate Fashion Show is an annual event where chocolatiers and designers collaborate. This fusion of culinary and fashion has been celebrated for a number of years, and continues to impress each year with new innovative designs.
How is the best designer chosen in the Chocolate Fashion Show?
Eight professionals study the art of chocolate under the guidance of a renowned chocolatier. Only one will be deemed best in class and receive the chance of a lifetime. Each year’s winner is eagerly anticipated by both the participating artists and attendees of the show.