Sweet Fantasy
Chocolate and a Yumway
Truffles, and cupcakes, and gelato, oh my. On the approach to The Festival of Chocolate at MOSI, the sweet smell welcomed visitors even before they entered the museum. Once inside, a vast landscape of heavenly chocolates wooed us. Popcorn, ice cream, fruit, cakes, macaroons and candy apples, to name a few, all played parts in the almost overwhelming display.
Chocolate vendors lined the room as far as the eye could see, making the space feel reminiscent of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. For the more traditional chocolate lovers, there were the classic strawberries, Oreos, and truffles. For the spicier crowd, there were chocolate covered jalapeños and yes, even insects.
After a quick pass through the confection-filled room, it was time for the “Cocoa Couture Fashion Show,” where designers created “Yumway”-ready outfits. Models wore Hershey bar wrappers, licorice, and colorfully twisted candies, somehow managing to look good enough to wear and to eat.
IADT student Shannon Musfelt's evening dress inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night, complete with a low-cut back and accompanying 20s-era flapper hairstyle, stole my heart and won fan favorite, but it was IADT design student Andrea Omboni’s “Pea-Chocolicious” peacock emblazoned dress with a Dove foil wrapper train that won the judges’ vote.
After the fashion show, I headed back for round two of deliciousness, this time heading for some sea-salt laden dark chocolate and cupcakes and cookies from my favorite bakery, Stacy’s Gluten Free Goodies. Although the chocolate didn’t quite make it home with me, the lingering chocolate-induced coma I’m experiencing certainly did.
Meet BECCA BARTON
Becca Barton is a student at the University of South Florida studying magazine journalism and art. She enjoys fashion, writing and graphic design, and appreciates a well-designed ampersand. Originally from Maine, with a brief interlude in DC, she is excited to be a part of the Tampa Bay and VERTICAL community.
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