Belgium To Dubai

World-famous pastry chef and chocolatier, Pierre Marcolini recently made his Dubai debut with La Maison Pierre Marcolini in Dubai Mall. Talking all things chocolate, we spoke to the man himself to learn of this season’s hottest chocolate flavours, the demand for sugar-free products and what’s on offer in his new store.

- Sophie Voelzing

Tell us about your new store at Dubai Mall…Our flagship store in Dubai inaugurates a brand-new retail concept designed in collaboration with the gifted Paris-based architect Pauline d’Hoop, known for her work on Paris hotspots Le Camondo and Hôtel Montecristo.

The Dubai Mall store has been created as a living space, built around its huge central bar where customers can relax sample the chocolates, or attend one of the store’s master classes.

Every aspect of the store is designed to reflect the expertise of ‘Pierre Marcolini House’: the living wall hints at the areas and cocoa plantations where the I hand-pick the finest beans. The slight imperfections of the zelige walls whose tiles were cut by hand are inspired by the craft aspect of the chocolate created in my workshop.

Precious materials, including marble, dark wood species and copper, add a cosy touch to the cutting-edge counters and illustrate The House’s visionary spirit.