In Bloom

Ceci Johnson has long been a fan of Ladurée. She loves the delicate macarons the French patisserie has been creating since its founding in 1862. But as an artist, she loves the creative vessels they come in just as much. So much so that she has a collection of her favorites saved at her studio for inspiration. 

Johnson, the founder and creative director of Ceci New York, a bespoke boutique celebrating life’s milestones with everything from beautiful wedding invitations to holiday cards to corporate gifts, celebrates two decades this year. And with that personal milestone, Ceci New York has just launched a collaboration with Ladurée, featuring limited-edition boxes for two, four or 18 macarons. Johnson herself created the floral design. 

“Each box is hand-painted with intricate details, featuring beloved flowers like orchids, peonies, and roses, which are universally cherished. My experience in the wedding and events industry has shown me that these flowers evoke a sense of romance and sophistication that resonates with many,” says Johnson, who started her company 20 years ago with a focus on custom wedding invitations. “Our shared vision of creating something uniquely beautiful and combining our artistic talents with their culinary expertise made this collaboration a natural and exciting opportunity to bring beauty to the world in new ways.”

Our favorite? The box that holds two macarons, as it mimics a wedding ring box. With Johnson’s front row seat to the weddings industry over the years, we asked her about the latest trends in weddings. 

“In the wedding industry, there’s a significant trend towards personalization and storytelling. Couples are seeking invitations that capture their unique journey and style, incorporating custom illustrations, monograms, and luxurious materials. Additionally, there’s a growing interest in exploring diverse materials beyond traditional paper,” says Johnson. “In entertaining, the trend is towards more intimate, curated experiences with an emphasis on thoughtful details, from bespoke table settings to personalized menus and décor, creating unforgettable memories for all.”

The collaboration works for weddings, but the floral design is also a fabulous fit for take-home gifts at baby showers, sophisticated birthday parties, girls’ weekends and more. 

And what macaron flavor would Johnson put in the boxes? 

“I’ve always been a savory girl, so the salted caramel gets me every time. But recently my new favorite Ladurée macaron is the rose-flavored one,” says Johnson. “It’s delicate, fragrant profile perfectly captures the essence of romance and elegance, much like the floral designs on our collaboration boxes.”
The Ceci New York x Ladurée collaboration is available at the Soho Ladurée patisserie, as well as available for shipping nationwide // cecinewyork.com; @cecinewyork

With the Ceci New York x Ladurée collaboration available exclusively in-store at the Soho Ladurée outpost, Luxeicon asked Johnson to share her perfect day in the NYC neighborhood. 

A perfect day in Soho would begin with a stroll through the charming streets, exploring the unique boutiques, art galleries, and fashion shops. I would then enjoy a delightful tea at Ladurée’s Secret Garden, savoring their exquisite macarons and pastries. The day would conclude with a wonderful dinner at Le Coucou, surrounded by friends and family, soaking in the vibrant and artistic atmosphere of the neighborhood.