Butter Me Up
08.09.24
Butter made its debut in America in 1607 and eventually became a star attraction at state fairs, where talented sculptors utilized it to craft intricate advertisements highlighting local agriculture. Over the years, it evolved - from Dan Barber's introduction of "single-udder butter" tastings to the rise of Butter Dawg on TikTok, known for consuming full sticks. In the mix of these milestones, recipe developer Justine Doiron introduced the innovative butter board concept in the U.S.
T Magazine asked the Brooklyn-based food artist Suea to create butter sculptures in the shape of (from left) a 1928 LC2 Petit Modele two-seat sofa by Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand; a 1929 Barcelona chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe; a 1960 Time-Life stool by Charles and Ray Eames; and a 1967 Pastil chair by Eero Aarnio.
Now, butter has transcended its culinary role to become a versatile medium featured in fashion shows, nail art, sculptures, jewelry, and even candles. Once merely an ingredient, butter is now poised to take center stage in 2024.
Butter Sculpting
Imagine a balmy evening in 1536, set in a quaint garden in Rome's Trastevere district. Renowned chef Bartolomeo Scappi orchestrates a lavish dinner party, transforming the table into a theatrical spectacle. His butter sculptures depicting Hercules, elephants, and camels captivate guests, showcasing his culinary artistry.
📸: 1. @alixlacloche | 2. @mateusz_ulman
Fast forward to the present day, and butter sculptures are making a comeback with a new wave of passionate artists. Leading the charge is New York's Laila Gohar, renowned for her butter creations ranging from roses to elaborate architectural structures. Even a 1.5-ton Italian sausage, commissioned for Galerie Lafayette's opening, was sculpted from butter. Recently, Gohar added vintage butter curlers to her lineup.
Butter has been molded into seashells, farm animals, bows, and more by creative minds, solidifying its status as a unsung hero in the trendy culinary world. Vogue's Brigid Burnes notes the rising popularity of butter sculptures, attributing it to the unique sensory experience they offer, blending visual allure with a fleeting taste of art.
📸: Laila Gohar.
Beyond Sculpting...
This trend of turning food into art extends beyond dining, influencing fashion, interiors, and beyond. Butter yellow emerges as the colour of the season, gracing catwalks, streets, and social media feeds with its vibrant yet soothing presence. Symbolizing joy and exuding a soft charm, this hue finds its way into various materials, from silk to leather, adding a refreshing twist to traditional palettes.
The buttery trend extends into beauty, with Butter Blonde hair colors and butter-shaped candles gaining momentum. Butter's influence expands into art direction, jewelry design, and home decor, infusing living spaces with a warm, summery glow reminiscent of carefree picnics and beach days.
📸: @caseyzhang , @mayabookbinder , @jessccbell
📸: Sandy Liang.
Brands like Sandy Liang and Le Fleur x Parachute showcase butter yellow in various pieces, from shirts and swimsuits to shorts, sneakers, and even nail polishes. It casts a sunlight-drenched spell on our living spaces as linens, dinnerware, lamps, ceramics, candlesticks, and coasters get a sunny makeover.
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📸: 1. Slip Studio | 2. Sunnei
We think it is safe to say that butter, whether it is sculpted, worn, colored, or painted, is having its moment in the sun.