Upon entering the Soho loft of Elisabeth Holder, you’re a bit taken aback. Her personal home style is a drastic departure from that of the classic jewel box French-style tea salon she has so thoughtfully curated as co-president of Ladurée.
Where the tea salon is delicate, intricate, fanciful, and of course, French, her home is at the opposite end of the decor spectrum. Spare, with clean-lined furnishings and modernist art, Holder’s home brings a sense of humor and fun, injected with bold, vibrant colors. Heaven!
I certainly swooned over Elisabeth’s apartment when we baked a French classic, mille-feuille, together last week, and couldn’t help but press her on just about every intriguing, lust-worthy piece of art she owns, from the likes of Valérie Belin and Alex Prager. Elisabeth has a strong sense of style but doesn’t take herself too seriously; she sets those stark pieces against a playful box of Brillo, a radiant green cactus, and numerous KAWS sculptures.
It’s clear that in a very short time, Elisabeth has grown to love New York City, which she now calls home—and that our city has embraced her candy-colored brand, and fostered a sweet love affair between New York and Paris. This week Ladurée Soho opened it’s garden. Be sure to experience their al fresco oasis complete with a trellis, fountain and Eiffel architecture – a rare quiet haven in the middle of Soho.
Photography by Winnie Au