Indulge yourself with this master baker

Charles-Laurent Lelievre is a bit of an icon. From his humble beginnings in France, Charles has graced the runways of top fashion designers worldwide and is now taking the baking world by storm. Creating edible masterpieces, whilst still showing off his Adonis-like physique on his social media.
We caught up with Charles-Laurent for a behind-the-scenes look at his online life.
Your slogan is: Eat Cake And Look Good Too?
I won’t lie, I grew up a competitive swimmer for my country. I love to workout and play sports, but who really likes cardio?
This is why I recreated the traditional French recipes into healthier versions. From vegan to sugar-free, my recipes look the same and some even taste better than the original!
What’s your favourite type of cake?
I love Mille Feuilles! Here in America, they call them Napoleons. When I was a kid, every time I got sick, my grandmother brought me some. For me, there was no better medication.
Why the switch from modelling to baking?
I’ve always been an artist, as well as a creative and passionate home baker. It was time to show the world what I could do and that I wasn’t just a pretty face.
Cake design has more in common with modelling than you might think! To be exceptional, you have to be thinking about more than just external appearances. Having a personality, whether in a cake or in a model, will set you apart and make you or your product memorable.
My high engagement on social media hasn’t necessarily opened any doors, but it has presented a few that probably wouldn’t have been there without it. That said, social media knows I’ve modelled and that I work out. Now it’s time for the world to experience my creativity without being the next naked chef. We’ve seen that before. On to something new!
What’s the creative process?
The rich culture of my country and the historic environment of my home shaped my imagination. I’ve also had the chance to travel all over the world and experience a variety of cultures. Now that I’m living in New York City, I’m constantly exposed to a world of creativity that never ceases to inspire and amaze me.
All of this contributes to my artwork. It’s a process that relaxes and disconnects me from the world. It’s an escape to my dreams.
How do you want people to feel when indulging on your artwork?
I want to create an experience of joy, of happiness and of surprise – for them to forget the hard reality of life and just enjoy the indulgent experience.