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The Artful Cakes of Yip.Studio and A.R.D Bakery


In a world where creativity knows no bounds, the food industry is increasingly becoming a canvas for artistic expression. As professionals from various fields shift careers and venture into the kitchen, we are witnessing a remarkable fusion of aesthetics and flavor elevating the food industry to an even more sophisticated art form. This shift is not only reflecting the change in consumer tastes but also highlighting the ever-growing desire for visually striking food experiences.

A.R.D Bakery \\\ Photo: Alison Dunlop

Amid this evolution, two extraordinary cake artists – Alison Dunlop of A.R.D Bakery and Amy Yip of Yip.Studio – are redefining what it means to bake a cake. Their journeys from design-centric backgrounds to the world of baking demonstrate how interdisciplinary skills can lead to innovation.

A four-tiered cake with cylindrical and spherical shapes in yellow, lavender, and cream colors, set against a green background.

A.R.D Bakery \\\ Photo: Alison Dunlop

A four-tiered cake with geometric designs and a topper of colorful spheres, set against a pink curtain backdrop.

A.R.D Bakery \\\ Photo: Katherine Rose

A slice is being cut from a round, layered chocolate cake with white frosting against a pink background.

A.R.D Bakery \\\ Photo: Katherine Rose

Based in Glasgow, A.R.D Bakery is the brainchild of Alison Dunlop, who specializes in bespoke cakes and chocolates with a unique, graphic style. After studying sculpture at the Glasgow School of Art, she moved into fashion accessories and completed her MA at the prestigious Royal College of Art. Dunlop spent a decade working in the industry, designing bags, shoes, and jewelry for many high-end brands. Then, while on maternity leave, she decided to experiment with integrating a heavily design-led aesthetic into her love for baking.

A striped cake with geometric chocolate decorations and a "70" on one piece, featuring colors like green, yellow, and blue.

A.R.D Bakery \\\ Photo: Alison Dunlop

Drawing inspiration from diverse fields – architecture, textiles, and graphic design – Dunlop’s work captures a playful essence, making her cakes true sculptural pieces. Her cakes are visually striking, characterized by bold geometric shapes and vibrant colors that seem to pay homage to both Bauhaus and Memphis. Each creation is a feast for the eyes; the incorporation of hand-painted chocolate work and graphic patterns elevates her desserts beyond mere confections.

An abstract floral arrangement with various dried flowers in a geometric black vase on a white background.

Yip.Studio \\\ Photo: Amy Yip of Yip.Studio

On the other side of the Atlantic, in Brooklyn, Amy Yip of Yip.Studio is carving her niche in the world of bespoke cakes with an artistic flair that echoes her background in textile and print design. Yip.Studio is known for its unique rock-shaped cakes and Asian-inspired flavors. Operating on a micro scale, each cake is a meticulous labor of love, design, and craft.

A yellow, irregularly shaped vase with a leaf pattern holds drooping wildflowers and grasses on a white surface, casting a shadow in bright, direct light.

Yip.Studio \\\ Photo: Amy Yip of Yip.Studio

A geometric pot with angular surfaces holds a plant with long, slender leaves, set on a white surface.

Yip.Studio \\\ Photo: Amy Yip of Yip.Studio

Yip’s cakes are distinguished by their unique color palettes and sculptural qualities, emulating various rock textures adorned with fruit and meticulously arranged flowers. This blend of aesthetic beauty and culinary skill allows her to transform desserts into ephemeral works of art. While her creations come at a premium price, the investment reflects the artistry and expertise that go into every custom piece.

A speckled, geometric vase holds a red anthurium, dried flowers, and white stems, placed on a round white base against a neutral background.

Yip.Studio \\\ Photo: Amy Yip of Yip.Studio

A colorful cake decorated with various flowers, strawberries, and green spheres on a white background.

Yip.Studio \\\ Photo: Amy Yip of Yip.Studio

A decorative blue cake with figs, blackberries, and leafy accents sits on a black pedestal stand against a plain background.

Yip.Studio \\\ Photo: Amy Yip of Yip.Studio

The journeys of Alison Dunlop and Amy Yip exemplify how passion can reshape career paths and lead to unexpected fulfillment. Their unique artistry in cake baking serves as a testament to the broader trend of merging culinary and visual arts. As they continue to push the boundaries of cake design, Dunlop and Yip remind us to celebrate life’s moments in style.

A two-tier cake with red and green frosting, topped and decorated with anthurium flowers, red berries, and small white blooms against a dark background.

Yip.Studio \\\ Photo: Amy Yip of Yip.Studio

For more information on A.R.D Bakery, visit ardbakery.com, and for more on Yip.Studio, visit yipstudionyc.com.

TJ Girard is a sought-after food designer and creative consultant, celebrated for staging theatrical, interactive food + beverage experiences. She now resides in California where her creativity is solar powered! TJ writes the Design Milk column called Taste.





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