He calls himself a chocolate speed sculptor but we know him better as the chocolate genius! US-based artist Paul Joachim was discovered on YouTube by a Pakistani event management company and was roped in by Unilever to sculpt and craft chocolate-based figurines, busts and life-size statues for today’s biggest Magnum chocolate party. Magnum, which is synonymous with chocolate and fashion, is all set to host its biggest event of the year. After a series of unprecedented chocolate showcases in Karachi, Magnum brings its much anticipated calendar event to Lahore called The Magnum Chocolate Party presenting ‘A Chocolate Affair’. Paul Joachim is both excited and nervous and tells Daily Times, in an exclusive interview that he’s currently keeping his chocolate artwork under wraps and wants everybody to witness it live today at Avari, where the event will be held. “Although I have sculpted and put forth unique and distinct chocolate figurines and busts and what not, my artwork at the Magnum Chocolate Party, will truly be something that I have not done before. You have to see it to believe it and enjoy it,” he says, excitedly. Joachim, has over the past, won numerous awards and accolades for his work, that include a nomination for the Golden Tier Award for Top 3 Master Chocolatiers, has won the Food Network Challenge award and has also been the winner of the coveted OSSAS Live Competition. Of all his works, he specifically mentions the life-size Marilyn Monroe statue of chocolate he made, the Robin Williams bust, which took him 15 hours to sculpt, the plus 45 kilogramme small chocolate elephant he sculpted live at Busch Gardens, which took him two days, and also the Ellen DeGeneres life-size statue which I saw in pictures and couldn’t believe all that was edible. Of all his works, he specifically mentions the life-size Marilyn Monroe statue of chocolate he made, the Robin Williams bust, which took him 15 hours to sculpt, the plus 45 kilogramme small chocolate elephant he sculpted live at Busch Gardens, that took him two days, and also the Ellen DeGeneres life-size statue “Being on Food Network was quite an achievement and I would like to mention that my work takes me all over the world and the feeling is both fulfilling and satisfying when the artwork is complete and turning out exactly how I wanted it to be,” Joachim says. And now, the world’s only chocolate speed sculptor is more than enthusiastic to display his skills at the Mangum Chocolate Party today. For those of you, who don’t know, the Magnum Chocolate Party is a fashion and chocolate inspired event that has been held annually since 2012. It is a decadent night curated to celebrate creative indulgence. It brings together artists, designers, models, musicians and fashionistas in commemoration of its delectable Belgian chocolate. By creating innovative and disruptive content each year the platform has formed a legacy where the soiree is one of the most awaited events of the social calendar. Magnum, which has always been one of my most favourite ice creams, added a cherry on top of its growing reputation by launching its pleasure stores worldwide – a place nobody can get enough of. Imagine seeing your favourite bar being decorated with add ons of your choice, topped with your preference of sauce. This activity remains at the premises of fashion shows, social events and other functions. And so the annual Magnum Chocolate Party adds to the fun and glamour of this dessert. The affair is set to take place today and brings to Pakistan, for the first time ever, this globally celebrated and award winning chocolate artiste, chocolatier Joachim, who has repeatedly captured audiences worldwide with his impeccable prowess in the manner with which he crafts pieces of art and fashion from chocolate. He will be creating bespoke pieces specifically for this show. Further, at A Chocolate Affair, the chocolate genius is set to collaborate with ace designer and master of theatrics Ali Xeeshan for a first of its kind fashion and chocolate inspired installation. Curious to know more about his spell binding work, I wonder if all the life-size chocolate sculptures he makes are edible, considering they look so real and flawless. “Well, we do have a base at the bottom of it to make it erect and to keep it standing, but yes, the entire thing is edible and made purely from chocolate and sometimes topped with golden mousse,” Joachim says. This down-to-Earth chocolate genius has turned his passion for luxurious chocolate and sculpting into innovative live entertainment at high profile events. His remarkable chocolate art has been featured on CBS’ The Talk, Food Network, A&E and Hallmark Channel along with the National Enquirer, the Wall Street Journal, Fox News and countless others. As a Food Network Challenge winner, Joachim has sculpted everything from a life-size LeBron James, to horses and giant track shoes. His incredible speed combined with the artistic beauty of his sculptures sets him apart. A masterful life-size chocolate bust can be completed in as little as 30 minutes, turning his art into high energy, live entertainment. Furthermore, Joachim takes the experience to another level by mesmerising audiences with exhilarating chocolate tastings and engaging stories as he sculpts at museums, events and ultra-high-net-worth private occasions worldwide. But currently, we are truly on the edge of our seats, wondering how Joachim will surprise us today. Speaking about the Magnum Chocolate Party 2017, Unilever Pakistan Foods & Refreshments Director Farheen Salman said, “Magnum is the most aspirational ice cream brand globally, and a lifestyle choice for its consumers. The annual Magnum Chocolate Party sets itself apart by bringing in something unique each year where we push the creative boundaries of chocolate and indulgence. For this year’s event, we are delighted to invite the globally celebrated chocolate genius Paul Joachim to collaborate with Pakistan’s finest and bring to life the most novel, aspirational and satisfying evening.” Two of my most favourite works by Joachim include a 24-inch chocolate Mad Hatter, and a morbid Halloween chocolate clown! Currently, in Lahore, Joachim tells me that it’s the first time he has set foot in Pakistan and the experience has been “wonderful”. He says he wanted to stay for longer and perhaps visit other cities as well, but there is an event back home he has attend. Fingers crossed, we can’t wait to see Joachim live in action today! The writer is In-charge Lifestyle at Daily Times. She Tweets at @cheenaagha and can be reached at saira_a16@hotmail.com Published in Daily Times, October 9th 2017.