May 2005
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Chocolatiers
by Celia Cheng
When I think of bonbons with printed designs, RICHART is the first to come to mind. Though many chocolatiers nowadays print patterns on their chocolates, RICHART may have been the first to “design” chocolates this way. But more importantly, they continue to innovate and create designs that raise the bar. Design for RICHART goes much farther than the design on couverture of the chocolates. The stylized white boxes that the chocolates come in, with each chocolate sitting in its own reserved seat, completes the picture. It’s perfection. Being able to make it look so simple and effortless is the sign of true grace.
RICHART bonbons may be purchased by the piece or by specialty gift box, referred to as ballotin. There are several different collections to choose from. These include the Petits Richart Collection, which are adorable chocolates one-third the size of the regular bonbons. There is also the Little Gourmet Collection, in which annual winners of a children’s design competition, hosted by Richart, get their designs printed on the chocolates for this collection.
The Petits RICHART Collection is great for several reasons. One of them being that the size of the bonbons is perfect for chocolate tasting. When you are treated to such delicate chocolates, they should be savored and appreciated, which the Petits RICHART Collection encourages one to do. Another reason is that these mini chocolates are so adorable and precious; it seems to make the artistry of making and eating chocolates an even more refined and special event.
RICHART’s involvement in art promotion is noteworthy. As mentioned, the Little Gourmet Collection holds annual design competition for children around the world to enter. 13 winners are featured on four differently flavored chocolates. The winners’ schools receive donations in art supplies from RICHART in addition to chocolates. What a wonderful way to promote art education!
Also, in the New York boutique the wall space is allotted to exhibiting the work of emerging artists. The boutique is appropriately named “RICHART Gallery,” so for customers who come in to buy chocolates they also have the fortune to gain some exposure to these rising artists’ works.
