Le Creuset, a cookware and kitchenware brand that’s been in existence for nearly a century, introduced a new line – the Harlem Toile de Jouy collection. The artist whose work is now on stoneware and a Dutch oven in the collection, is Sheila Bridges. Her vision was to use the collaboration with Le Creuset to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Harlem.
“Now, consumers can set the table for self-expression and claim a bold piece of design history.”
The collection blends the beauty and functionality of Le Creuset products with Bridges’ exuberant vignettes of everyday Black life. The pastoral motifs typical of French toiles are rendered in a crisp black appliqué, making them a striking statement on a landscape of Le Creuset white.
“We’re honored to partner with Sheila Bridges to bring her iconic Harlem Toile de Jouy pattern into the kitchen with this limited-edition collaboration,” said Christopher Scinto, Sr. Vice President, Marketing & Sales at Le Creuset. “Proudly paying homage to an authentic history, this design is intended to pair effortlessly with any Le Creuset color palette.”
The artist Sheila Bridges noted that:
“The celebration of Black culture through Harlem Toile de Jouy is very meaningful to me, and I’m thrilled to partner with Le Creuset to create an heirloom that can be handed down from generation to generation. Now, consumers can set the table for self-expression and claim a bold piece of design history.”
The collection features three items from Le Creuset’s portfolio, including:
- Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven
- Stoneware Pitcher
- Stoneware Mug
This set is only available at Bloomingdale’s, Le Creuset Signature Stores, and LeCreuset.com
Uptown Grand Central Is Seeking To Transform Into A BID
Many of you know our story: Uptown Grand Central got its start nearly a decade ago, when small businesses and property owners along East 125th Street in East Harlem organized — brooms and trash bags in hand — and held their first-ever street clean-up. The act was revolutionary, as northeast Harlem had long held the reputation for being under-resourced and too often forgotten.
In the decade since, we’ve gone from being an all-volunteer association to a 501c3 nonprofit to now working alongside the NYC Department of Small Business Services (NYC SBS) to formally organize a Business Improvement District (BID) that will provide sustainable resources for the East 125th Street corridor long-term. Our Clean Team hits East 125th Street seven days a week, collecting more than 12,000 bags of trash annually into our signature yellow trash bags. We have activated our newly rebuilt community plaza under the Metro-North tracks at 125th Street & Park Avenue — which was for decades abandoned, dark and dirty — with a year-round produce market and community events. Building on public art projects including our half-mile Grandscale Mural Project, this past year we created a lighting installation called “Uptown Flash” that, in addition to our street-level Winter Lights, not only beautifies the corridor, but also keeps it safe at night.
We believe in empowering local small businesses with access to resources and advocacy, and work closely with elected officials and agencies to inform them of local needs. We promote our local businesss community, creating events including the Harlem Night Market, Harlem Wellness Fest, Beauty Crawls, Mocktail Rides and Hot Chocolate Rides to showcase both established and emerging entrepreneurs. We’re a partner with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to connect our business owners with grant funding and online education.
Uptown Grand Central is dedicated to transforming East 125th Street into a thriving commercial and residential district with a bustling transportation hub. With your support, there’s more good work to come!