Chicago artist Hebru Brantley blew out the candles on a stack of abnormally sweet soup cans. Alliance Bakery created the eye-catching confection for Brantley's birthday bash April 12, an affair that was presented by Hennessy Black and held at Lacuna Artist Lofts. Weighing approximately 30 pounds, the red velvet cake with cream-cheese frosting was inspired by a classic pop-art image. "The idea came about by trying to capture the Warhol cans, in a way that would serve 100 people," said the bakery's owner and executive chef, Peter Rios. "The cake was constructed over two days and was entirely hand-painted."
Brantley chose a Warhol-inspired cake to mesh with the vibe of his bash. "The event was inspired by the greats: Basquiat, Warhol, and Haring, who also inspire Hebru's work," said Brantley's assistant Pia Johnson. To add to the theme, guests played old-school video games and Q-Tip performed.