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Salon du Chocolat Style Show 2008
This year the Salon du Chocolat once again paired famous chocolate houses and the best chocolatiers with Paris’ most acclaimed haute couture designers to create fashions made with and inspired by chocolate.
My instructor Chef Didier Stuedler labored extensively with Xuan Thu Nguyen haute couture fashion designer of Paris. Working day and night until completion, tonight their efforts would be unveiled at the opening night of the Style Show for the Salon du Chocolat.
She was dripping in chocolate. The model stepped out onto the runway and cocked her head at the audience with a striking gaze. As if a chocolate dam had been pierced, this audience of chocolate connoisseurs poured out applause and shrieks of delight as all of their chocolate fantasies literally came to life.
As women draped in chocolate swung from a trapeze, men spun on the stage in life-size rings, and whimsical glittering fairies on stilts danced about, the show continued to wow the onlookers with an exotic circus theme. Each person was perfectly painted with chocolate designs and sparkles on their gleaming faces. Their costumes were finished in shades of white, milk and bittersweet and accented with peach, gold and iridescent pearl.
“The synergy of the designer and the chocolatier create the final look,” said Chef Steudler. “Truly the designer is the lead, I just bring the chocolate, my tools and my talents.”
All of the extremes were touted at this year’s style show. There are always a few designs that boast more art than they do fabric. At one point a model pranced onto the stage in a chocolate corset with high heels, fish net tights, and a chocolate top hat. Another model wore an A-line chocolate frock with a front and back, but, no sides…not leaving a whole lot to the imagination!
Like pulling a card from the deck, we never knew what design to expect next out on the catwalk. Thrilling culinary and fashion surprises graced the runway. The chefs and designers incorporated chocolate into their one-of-a-kind designs in so many fascinating ways. Bohemian designs were painted on dresses with cocoa powder paint. Hand-sculpted pearls, beads and vines were displayed in avant-garde style along necklines and bodices. And even one tiny idea I mentioned, may have possibly inspired the chef. Tiny oblong mosaic tiles patterned the skirt of a flamboyantly flowered ensemble.
One model wore a belle epoch design inspired by the Antoinette era and another one beamed in a modernistic candy bar sheath with metallic wrapped chocolate caramels individually attached to the gown for dramatic effect.
Drawing gasps and sighs from the chocolate crazed audience, next on the scene was an earthy design. Crowned with a chocolate headdress made of leaves, the design seemed ‘to grow’ down the front of the gauzy dress. Even more magical, was the twinkle of golden chocolate leaves that trailed behind as the model disappeared behind the black curtain.
The designs were so clever, pure ingenious. Just as I chose my favorite chocolate couture design, the next one would replace it. How could one ever choose a favorite?
Pondering the answer to my question, I asked Chef Steudler if the Salon du Chocolat Style Show was a competition. “No!” he said passionately. “We are French, we could never agree on which one we liked the best.”
I pictured wild riots in the French streets over chocolate. That would never happen, I thought shaking my head, how could I think such a thing?
Then I remembered one of the causes said to have started the French Revolution…Bread!
Comments
By TP
November 4, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
It is neat you get to see all these things, places and people how exciting:)
By Carolyn Tinkle
November 4, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Loved your article, April ….. we miss you so much here in Lufkin, TX!!!!! Learn lots and hurry home to us.
By VBetts
November 4, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
April, Enjoying your blog very much and would love to see more photos as well from your adventures!! Your writing is as wonderful as your baking!
By Lorelle Coleman
November 6, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this
April-loved the article and am so excited about your new adventure…I am missing you & the Baking Co. this holiday season.
By Janey Sarther
November 10, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this
Chocolate fashions - i want more pictures. Did you get to eat any?
By mary brent
November 11, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
chocolate and haute couture?!?! if heaven is half this fabulous then kill me now and send me on my way!
By Sue Jasper
November 18, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
I am a chocoholic. I probably would have licked the models!