Compartés has approximately 500 square feet of space that it is now calling home in Century City. However, it’s not new to the L.A. scene. The history of this chocolatier goes back to the 1950’s that included celebrity fans such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra. Compartés has continued to be popular among the Hollywood crowd, corporate clients and high profile events such as The Oscars and The Emmys. Even Oparah.com has included Compartés chocolate truffles on their list of favorite hostess gifts. Compartés chocolate is anything but basic so you wouldn’t expect anything ho-hum when it came time to design their new store. The owner, Jonathan Grahm, took out a loan at the age of 21 to purchase the shop and has turned it into something quite unique and cutting edge. Today, he is combining food, art, and style. I love him for that!
“My philosophy is always to create something that people will remember—from the packaging to the flavors to the shapes of the chocolate to now, this unbelievably gorgeous chocolate store.” — Jonathan Grahm
Jonathan Grahm collaborated with designer Kelly Wearstler whose modern, edgy signature style is reflected in the new store design. Based on the turquoise patinated copper exterior and graphic sign design you can already sense that this is no ordinary candy shop.
Wearstler says that the shop was “inspired by the classic European chocolate shops of the early 20th century, with materials that are rooted in tradition.” The space incorporates brass, patinated copper, Venetian plaster, and marble. These are many of Wearstler’s signature materials. She even collaborated with the owner on packaging for a few of the chocolate bars wrappers. That’s not surprising since she has already ventured into interior design, product and accessory design, as well as fashion design.
Glass domes resting on marble are used to display chocolate bars. Each dome was custom made so that purposely no two would be alike. They have a somewhat organic quality to them.
Chocolate bars are displayed like works of art on a wall that can hold over 1,500 chocolate bars.
Even utilitarian items, such as the frozen hot chocolate machine, were not overlooked when it came to design the space. It was custom dipped in brass blend in effortlessly with the interior.
Packaging for Compartés chocolate bars is a study in graphic design. Each wrapper has its own creative pattern. Bars are offered in traditional flavors as well as those topped with items like cereal and edible 24-karat gold.
They also sell truffles that look like mini works of art with their bold colors and graphic patterns.
Easter is just around the corner and if you are looking for a something special to fill your Easter baskets with then maybe a sweet treat from Compartés might do the trick. This ship worldwide.
Chocolate Dipped Easter Peeps and Easter Peep BonBons
Big Eared Bunny in 24 Karet Gold
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Truly an art! Beautiful. And now my sweet tooth is acting up ;(
Mine too! I’m not usually a chocolate person but the interesting flavors are very intriguing.