Ladurée is partnering with Parisian artist Jacques Merle for its upcoming 2026 holiday season. This new collection features gold-leafed designs and is scheduled to launch on November 4.
Jacques Merle’s poetic vision inspired by Louis XIV and Jean Cocteau
The new collection draws heavily from classical art and history . According to the report from WWD, Merle’s designs incorporate influences from Louis XIV, Jean Cocteau, and Georges Braque. This blend of nature, mythology, and architecture aims to evoke joy through motifs of shimmering silver stars and golden suns.
This move reflects a growing trend in the luxury sector where food brands collaborate with fine artists to transform seasonal packaging into collectible objects. By moving beyond simple branding and into the realm of high art, Ladurée is positioning its macarons as much as a lifestyle accessory as a dessert.
The $189 Pyramid Advent calendar reimagined in gold and silver
One of the most striking items in the upcoming lineup is the Pyramid Advent calendar. This centerpiece retails for $189 and has been redesigned to look like a pyramid featuring macarons in gold and silver tones.
The calendar is designed to open and reveal a selection of Eugénie chocolate, adding a layer of variety to the traditional macaron experience. Other items in the collection include:
- Specialized macaron gift boxes
- Eugénie chocolate boxes
- Christmas crackers
From Villa Noailles murals to Ladurée’s jewelry-like packaging
The collaboration was born from a shared appreciation for craftsmanship. Johanne Casagrande, the global creative and image director at Ladurée, noted that she discovered Merle's work through his installations at Villa Noailles.
Casagrande described the artist's world as "poetic and delicate," noting that his ability to balance pictorial tradition with a contemporary perspective made him the ideal partner. The resulting designs utilize gold leaf and embossing to achieve a high-end, tactile finish that Ladurée claims mirrors its own meticulous confectionery process.
Will the gold-leafed collection reach US boutiques?
While the announcement provides a wealth of detail regarding the aesthetic and price points, several practical details remain unconfirmed. The report does not specify if the collection will be available through Ladurée's global online store or if it is limited to specific Parisian boutiques.
Furthermore, it is unclear if the $189 Pyramid Advent calendar will be a limited-edition run or a standard seasonal offering. Consumers are also left wondering if the "golden sun" theme will be a one-time collaboration or the start of a larger series of artistic partnerships for the brand .
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