Lauderee conjures up an image of a spring day in Paris;
biting into a passion fruit macaron, sipping on tea or having
a sandwich. Even if one is strolling down Madison Avenue’s
Lauderee or lounging in the larger Soho branch, it is
quintessentially French. The macaron phenomena became a
recent trend and should not be mistaken for an almond
macaroon cookie. A macaron is a sandwich of meringue
cookies filled with flavored ganache or jelly in flavors
such as; salted caramel, cassis or vanilla. The first Lauderee
opened in Lille, France in 1862, it was a small bakery owned
by Ernest Louis Lauderee or known as E. L. Patisserrie.
Lauderee was a writer of history, critical essays, fiction
and poetry. This fiery literary genius might have, instead,
channeled his energy into the creation of the macaron. A
celadon green store with an aura of Marie Antoinette,
Croquebrune or towered wedding cakes, cherub insignias,
a salon with a tea parlor formerly for ladies, Lauderee
came to Paris on the Rue de Royale. There are currently
10 stores in Paris, one in Versailles as well as a spot at the
Charles de Gaulle Airport. From the 8th Arrondissement
to the Champs Elysee and Parisian districts with elaborate
dining, the company has expanded throughout the U.S.,
Canada, Europe and Asia. It was not until the 1930’s, the
grandson made the company a well known fixture with
the help of Pierre Herme. History takes time and the Co.
has gone through transformations, marketing and new
decor from notable interior decorator, Jaques Grange.
The window displays and accessories have brought the
launch of a makeup line; blush with the seal of Maire
Antoinette, lipsticks, perfume and scarfs. A colorful
macaron necklace from jewelry designer, Marie-Helene
Taillaic, in her NYC, Paris and Tokyo stores and partners
with Louboutin and Marni. Lauderee has been featured on
“Gossip Girl”, is in a scene from Sophia Coppola’s movie
Marie Antoinette and the store has published books. Oh,
just let them eat cake or mange le gateaux.
The Cosmopolitan Compact 