Botanic Bakery

CULINARY CREATIONS

The Sweet Life This Supermodel Turned Baker Might Be The Most Ironic Second Act Ever

by Dena Roché

The Dutch-born fashion model, Kristel van Valkenhoef, and owner of New York City-based Botanic Bakery laughs that the stereotype that models never eat is a misconception that drives her nuts. It’s hard to imagine anyone able to resist the nature and art-inspired confections van Valkenhoef is turning out in the East Village. Her sweet treats, especially her realistic geode candies, are definite Instagram #foodporn.

“Growing up in my garden, we had lots of rocks, and I really loved cracking them open,” van Valkenhoef says. “Each of them has a long story, and that’s the beauty of it. My geode candies are inspired by that natural beauty.”

“Over the years, I have worked closely with many designers from fashion houses like Céline, Dolce & Gabana, Narciso Rodriguez, Theory and Helmut Lang,” she says. “And while spending time in their ateliers, I learned about the design process—how to draw inspirations, how to carefully or radically choose colors, how imperfections can make something perfect, the element of surprise, the process of trial and error, believing in yourself, always giving your best, and performing under pressure. Creativity can be drawn from all around you.”

“Modeling has given me the luxury to get in touch with my true personal journey.

Botanic Bakery has collaborated with Dom Perignon, Viktor & Rolf, Jill Stuart, Helmut Lang, Justin Alexander and Wilhelmina Models.

Sweet advice to make sweet dreams come true.