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SUGAR MAMA
Living the sweet life: Dylan Lauren
So, why decide to publish a book?
“I wanted to create something that featured candy as a lifestyle and showcased the many ways to use candy besides just eating it!” Besides candy, what inspires you?
“Fashion, art and pop culture.” Why work with candy rather than follow in your father’s fashion footsteps?
“My father and I are both artists, we just use different outlets. I have been a candy girl my whole life. Growing up, I started a collection of candy from around the world
and it inspired me to start using it as a medium for art and one-ofa-kind gifts. Everything evolved from there.” What’s your favorite type of candy?
“I love red gummies like Swedish Fish and gummy bears. I also have a sweet spot for anything marshmallow.” What was it about the “Willy Wonka” film that inspired you?
“Who hasn’t dreamed of having a completely edible world including a chocolate waterfall? I just made that dream a reality for all candy fans.”
The Buzz by Felicia S. Levine
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If you’re going to be the unofficial queen of something, candy’s not a bad gig. Dylan Lauren, daughter of legendary fashion designer Ralph Lauren and considered candy royalty, has been enamored with the sweet stuff since watching “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” at her 5th birthday party. After graduating from Duke University with a degree in art history, she cultivated her affinity for sweets by traveling the globe in search of new treats with creative packaging. In 2001, she combined her love of candy and art by opening her first Dylan’s Candy Bar in New York City, a colorful emporium featuring vintage candies and assorted goodies from around the world (she now owns five stores, including one in Orlando). Now the confection connoisseur has penned “Dylan’s Candy Bar: Unwrap Your Sweet Life” (Clarkson Potter), a coffee-table book filled with mouthwatering images and tips on how to celebrate the holidays with candy. She recently kicked off her South Florida book launch during a private party at One Bal Harbour Resort & Spa, and took time out to chat with The Boca Raton Observer.
What makes your candy stores different than others?
“Not only do we sell candy, but candy-inspired apparel, jewelry and accessories. Dylan’s Candy Bar has its own private-label luxury candy and chocolate, along with other candy lovers’ favorite brands. We also have a cafe with mouthwatering treats and a great event space to throw some pretty sweet parties!” Do you visit South Florida often?
“I try to come as much as possible! I fly down around twice Super a year Starlet: and my trips always end tooCassie soon.” Scerbo.
Any plans to open a store here?
“I will never say never! Right now we are expanding one step at a time.” What else are you working on?
“Other than Dylan’s Candy Bar, I’ve been busy planning my upcoming wedding. (Her fiancé, hedge fund manager Paul Arrouet, proposed last year on the beach at sunset). “Dylan’s Candy Bar has some big surprises for 2011 that will please all candy fans, so stay tuned.”
Got a tip? E-mail the editor at Felicia@bocaratonobserver.com
April 2011
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