The cultural phenomenon that is Sex and the City has captivated audiences worldwide for decades, celebrating friendship, fashion, and the unparalleled allure of New York City. As fans eagerly flocked to theaters for the highly anticipated release of Sex and the City 2, the excitement reached a fever pitch. In the spirit of this iconic franchise, the demanding arena of the Food Network Challenge provided the perfect stage for a truly fabulous tribute. This intense competition, known for pushing the country’s most talented cake designers to their absolute limits, challenges them to create edible masterpieces, often requiring days of work, all within a mere eight-hour window, under the relentless gaze of cameras and a live audience. The pressure is immense, the stakes are high, and the creative energy is palpable.
Among the many breathtaking creations from that memorable competition, one design stood out as a spectacular homage to the series’ beloved protagonist, Carrie Bradshaw. We are thrilled to delve into the details of this extraordinary confection, a true work of art that perfectly encapsulates Carrie’s unique style and spirit. It’s a testament to the skill and vision required to not only craft a cake but to tell a story through sugar and icing.
The remarkable designer behind this cake is Michelle Bommarito, a renowned cake artist hailing from Detroit, whose exceptional talent shone brightly in the challenge. Her creation, aptly titled “Mrs. Big,” is an ode to Carrie Bradshaw’s complex and captivating journey, embodying everything that makes her character so enduringly popular. From her fashion-forward sensibilities to her iconic relationship with Mr. Big, the cake masterfully brings these elements to life. Michelle’s ability to translate the essence of such a rich character into an edible sculpture is nothing short of artistic genius. Despite the fierce competition, her dedication to detail and narrative made her cake an unforgettable centerpiece.
Michelle Bommarito, alongside her brother and collaborator Mark Anthony, achieved this incredible feat under the most strenuous conditions. In just eight hours, amidst the intense heat and competitive pressure, they constructed this towering masterpiece. Standing an impressive 68 inches tall, including its elegant 6-inch cake stand, “Mrs. Big” is far more than just a cake; it’s an intricate, edible sculpture that tells a multifaceted story. Though Michelle earned a well-deserved second place in the competition, many, ourselves included, believe her cake perfectly captured the undeniable spirit and essence of Carrie Bradshaw. Every element, from Carrie’s essential laptop to her insatiable passion for shoes, shopping sprees, and signature cocktails, down to her unforgettable pink tutu, was meticulously crafted and imbued with meaning.
The Iconic Elements of “Mrs. Big”: A Deep Dive into Carrie Bradshaw’s World
This cake is a treasure trove of references, each piece carefully chosen to resonate with fans and celebrate the show’s lasting impact. Let’s explore the individual components that make Michelle’s “Mrs. Big” cake such a brilliant tribute to Carrie Bradshaw and the beloved series.
- Shopping Bag: More than just an accessory, the shopping bag on the cake symbolizes the central role of fashion and retail therapy in Carrie’s life and the camaraderie shared among the four friends. From browsing designer boutiques in Manhattan to the thrill of finding the perfect outfit, shopping was often a backdrop for their discussions, a source of joy, and a reflection of their vibrant New York lifestyle. It represents the countless hours spent on Madison Avenue, the pursuit of the latest trends, and the indelible link between fashion and identity that Sex and the City so famously championed. It’s a nod to the luxury, aspiration, and shared experiences that defined their sisterhood.
- Chrysler Building: This majestic skyscraper is an indisputable icon of the Manhattan skyline, serving as the ultimate playground for Carrie and her friends. Its inclusion in the cake is profoundly symbolic. Carrie herself famously likened Mr. Big to the Chrysler Building when he contemplated moving away from New York, declaring, “You cannot leave New York…you are the Chrysler Building, the Chrysler Building would be all wrong in the vineyards.” This quote beautifully underscores Big’s immovable, powerful presence in her life and her deep-seated belief that he, much like the building, belonged unequivocally to the urban landscape of New York City, where their complex love story unfolded. It represents permanence, strength, and the unbreakable connection to their shared metropolis.
- Laptop: An indispensable tool and constant companion, Carrie’s laptop is where her thoughts transformed into the iconic columns that narrated each episode of Sex and the City. As a prolific writer, her laptop was her diary, her confidante, and the vehicle through which she explored love, relationships, and the perplexing questions of modern womanhood. The laptop screen on Michelle’s cake boldly reads: “GET CARRIED AWAY,” a clever pun that perfectly captures the immersive, often whimsical nature of Carrie’s writing and her tendency to lose herself in thought, inviting viewers to do the same. It’s a tribute to her professional identity and the introspective voice that anchored the series.
- Royal Blue Satin Shoe with Crystal Buckle: This particular shoe holds immense significance, representing a pivotal moment in Carrie and Mr. Big’s convoluted love story. It was the very first occupant of the magnificent custom-designed closet that Mr. Big created for Carrie in their new apartment. Famously, at the climax of the first movie, as Carrie runs back into the apartment, not for Mr. Big, but for her cherished shoes, she finds him waiting for her, shoe in hand. In that moment, the shoe “clinched the deal” – a romantic gesture that signified his commitment and understanding of her deepest desires. These elegant royal blue satin shoes, a nod to the iconic Manolo Blahnik “Hangisi” pumps, were also chosen by Carrie to wear at their subsequent, more intimate wedding ceremony, solidifying their status as a symbol of their enduring, if unconventional, love.
- Martini Glass: The Cosmopolitan, or “Cosmo,” transcended its status as a mere cocktail to become the infamous signature drink shared among Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda. More than just a beverage, the Cosmo glass on the cake represents countless nights of laughter, deep conversations, tearful confessions, and unwavering support among the friends. It epitomizes their vibrant social life, their shared adventures in Manhattan’s bustling bars and restaurants, and the spirited camaraderie that formed the bedrock of the show. The Cosmo became synonymous with female empowerment, sophisticated urban living, and the celebration of friendship.
- Carrie Necklace: This seemingly simple “CARRIE” nameplate necklace holds profound sentimental value for the character. Acquired at a flea market shortly after she first moved to NYC, it became a powerful emblem of her personal identity, independent of any relationship. It represented her youth, her ambition, and her unique connection to the city before she became inextricably linked to Mr. Big. Throughout the series and films, this necklace served as a touchstone, a personal artifact that grounded her, reminding her of who she was before the glamour and the drama, a symbol of self-love and self-definition.
- Pink Waistline and Tutu: Perhaps the most instantly recognizable and eccentric fashion statement from the entire series, the pink waistline and white tutu recreate the iconic opening sequence of Sex and the City. This whimsical ensemble, often paired with a bubblegum pink spandex top, is what Carrie is wearing as she famously views the advertisement of herself on the side of a passing bus. It’s a bizarre, yet utterly captivating signature piece that immediately signals the show’s playful, fashion-forward, and uniquely New York aesthetic. This element of the cake perfectly captures Carrie’s daring, unforgettable style and the show’s groundbreaking influence on fashion and popular culture.
Michelle Bommarito’s “Mrs. Big” cake is not just a dessert; it’s a meticulously crafted narrative, a delicious tribute that perfectly captures the essence of Sex and the City and its beloved protagonist, Carrie Bradshaw. Each detail, from the grand scale to the minute embellishments, speaks volumes about the iconic show’s impact on fashion, friendship, and urban romance. We extend our sincerest gratitude to Michelle Bommarito for sharing her absolutely fabulous Sex and the City cake with us, reminding us of the enduring magic of the series and the incredible talent within the culinary arts.
To witness more of Michelle’s breathtaking and intricate work, be sure to explore her stunning portfolio on her official website. Her artistry extends far beyond themed cakes, showcasing a diverse range of exquisite designs that are truly works of edible art. Happy Friday everyone! We hope you enjoy reminiscing about these iconic moments and perhaps even getting carried away by the magic of the movies once again!