The observation gained momentum after a viral TikTok by comedian Awkwafina featured desserts from Artelice that appeared visually and stylistically similar to items sold at Desserts by Clément, prompting questions about inspiration, influence, and coincidence in the increasingly visual world of modern French pastry.
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| Artelice on the left, Clement on the right. |
Side-by-side comparisons reveal multiple overlaps across both bakeries’ menus, including raspberry-shaped desserts, mango-shaped entremets, coffee bean confections, peanut-shaped pastries, and perhaps most notably, a mushroom-shaped cake. Beyond the desserts themselves, some observers also noted similarities in presentation and layout, from sleek white bakery cases to minimalist interiors that place sculptural pastries side by side, front and center.
Desserts by Clément arrived several years later, opening its Pacific Beach storefront in late 2023 after founder Clément Le Déoré built a following through wholesale work, catering, and pop-ups. Le Déoré, a French-trained pastry chef, has earned local acclaim for his flavor balance, refined technique, and ambitious designs. Since opening, Desserts by Clément has developed a strong following in San Diego while continuing to expand its menu and explore future growth.
Still, the sheer number of overlapping designs has fueled discussion among pastry enthusiasts and industry watchers. In an era where desserts are instantly shared, compared, and archived online, visual similarities are more likely to be noticed and debated, even when they stem from common influences rather than direct imitation.
Whether the similarities between Artelice and Desserts by Clément represent shared influence, parallel creativity, or coincidence ultimately remains open to interpretation. What is clear is that Southern California is currently experiencing a golden era of French pastry, with both Los Angeles and San Diego showcasing world-class talent pushing the boundaries of dessert design.
Desserts by Clément is located at 1380 Garnet Avenue, Suite E, in San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood. Artelice Pâtisserie operates multiple locations across Los Angeles County.
Originally published on January 11, 2026.
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| Artelice on the left, Clement on the right. |
Artelice Pâtisserie opened its first Los Angeles location in early 2017 and has since become one of Southern California’s most celebrated pastry shops. Founded by brothers Farid and Saeed Azarang, Artelice is known for its precision-driven approach, modern French techniques, and visually striking single-serve desserts. The brand has expanded across Los Angeles County and has received national recognition from outlets including Forbes, Yelp, and Modern Luxury. Farid Azarang trained at Le Cordon Bleu and brings a technical, design-forward mindset to the pastry program.
Desserts by Clément arrived several years later, opening its Pacific Beach storefront in late 2023 after founder Clément Le Déoré built a following through wholesale work, catering, and pop-ups. Le Déoré, a French-trained pastry chef, has earned local acclaim for his flavor balance, refined technique, and ambitious designs. Since opening, Desserts by Clément has developed a strong following in San Diego while continuing to expand its menu and explore future growth.
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| Artelice on the left, Clement on the right. |
Looking at the desserts themselves, the resemblance is difficult to miss. Artelice’s “Champignon” dessert features hazelnut mousse, praline, and layered textures designed to resemble a mushroom, while Desserts by Clément offers a similarly shaped mushroom dessert built around hazelnut, dark chocolate mousse, and crunchy elements. Both bakeries also offer mango-shaped desserts built around tropical fruit mousses and inserts, finished with glossy, hyper-realistic coatings.
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| Artelice on the left, Clement on the right. |
None of this suggests wrongdoing. Modern French pastry has become increasingly visual, shaped by social media, international competitions, and a global exchange of ideas. Hyper-realistic forms, mirror glazes, molded desserts, and layered mousses have become part of a shared pastry vocabulary rather than proprietary concepts.
Still, the sheer number of overlapping designs has fueled discussion among pastry enthusiasts and industry watchers. In an era where desserts are instantly shared, compared, and archived online, visual similarities are more likely to be noticed and debated, even when they stem from common influences rather than direct imitation.
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| Artelice on the left, Clement on the right. |
In a response to a request for comment, Le Déoré addressed the similarities directly, explaining that while Desserts by Clément and Artelice are not affiliated, the teams are friendly with one another and operate within the same modern French pastry tradition. He noted that many of the desserts in question rely on commonly used silicone molds and shared industry techniques, which can naturally lead to similar visual outcomes across different bakeries.
Importantly, Desserts by Clément continues to stand on its own merits. The Pacific Beach bakery consistently delivers high-quality desserts, draws steady crowds, and showcases serious technical skill. Likewise, Artelice remains one of Los Angeles’ most respected pastry operations. Inspiration has always been central to culinary evolution, and even the most celebrated chefs build upon ideas refined by others.
Whether the similarities between Artelice and Desserts by Clément represent shared influence, parallel creativity, or coincidence ultimately remains open to interpretation. What is clear is that Southern California is currently experiencing a golden era of French pastry, with both Los Angeles and San Diego showcasing world-class talent pushing the boundaries of dessert design.
Desserts by Clément is located at 1380 Garnet Avenue, Suite E, in San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood. Artelice Pâtisserie operates multiple locations across Los Angeles County.
Originally published on January 11, 2026.