The Chocolate Show celebrates the ingenuity of chefs and culinary artists, allowing them to showcase their creativity by crafting wearable chocolate garments in collaboration with designers. While these creations may not be practical for everyday wear, they offer a feast for the eyes and a unique exploration of the intersection between food and fashion.
Chocolate fashion is a captivating concept. The challenge lies in creating actual outfits primarily constructed from chocolate, considering the logistical hurdles presented by body heat and potential melting. Often, fabric coated in chocolate or edible chocolate leather is used to create more durable and wearable pieces.
This year’s Chocolate Show in New York embraced an “ecology and nature” theme, focusing on saving the oceans. The resulting outfits showcased ethereal oceanic vibes and smooth nature motifs. This contrasted sharply with the previous year’s gaudy superhero theme.
A standout piece was a blue ocean-inspired creation with georgette fabric and strategically placed milk chocolate shells accentuating the bustier. A large chocolate conch shell crown and dark chocolate-dripping wings added a touch of whimsy. White chocolate caramel shoes with dark chocolate accents completed the look.
Another favorite was a chocolate interpretation of a classic Marilyn Monroe dress, featuring a corset adorned with chocolate leaves, rosebuds, and acorns. The skirt showcased a glitzy world map, subtly supported by a chocolate mesh.
This design, perhaps the most challenging to construct, embodied the fusion of chocolate, nature, beauty, and worldliness. The model, though seemingly constrained by the corset and full skirt, exuded surprising calmness.
Several outfits cleverly utilized dark and white chocolate, creating a striking visual contrast. One notable ensemble featured a 70s-style dress with diagonal ruffles in alternating dark and white chocolate, complemented by a golden ribbon belt and a ruffled clutch.
Another black and white creation showcased large chocolate leaves cascading from the shoulders to the waist, paired with a petite milk chocolate bonnet. While visually appealing, some designs relied heavily on fabric as a base, rather than fully embracing chocolate as the primary construction material.
Green-themed costumes also made an appearance, with one featuring a marzipan cobra and strategically placed chocolate butterflies and dragonflies. While visually striking, the execution on the catwalk fell short of the design’s potential. Another green ensemble, focused on fall leaves, appeared less impactful due to its lack of distinct chocolate coloring.
A show-stopping “sunny outfit” demanded attention with its dazzling use of orange and yellow chocolate, incorporating a sun-shaped bustier and a magnificent headpiece. This dramatic ensemble transcended the chocolate theme while subtly reminding viewers of its core element.
Beyond wearable fashion, expressive chocolate sculptures also took center stage. These intricate creations, crafted from dark chocolate, depicted a range of emotions and told stories of faraway lands, offering a darker and more thought-provoking counterpoint to the more whimsical chocolate creations.
