On the Same Page

By Dalya Benor

Trudy Crane and Chloé Crane-Leroux. Photo by Carlota Grau, courtesy of Simon & Schuster.

Trudy Crane and Chloé Crane-Leroux have a lot in common. Artists, vegans, and collaborators, the mother-daughter duo has a new cookbook, “The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking: Nourishing Recipes and Heartfelt Moments,” coming out this month from Simon & Schuster.

“The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking” is available at Books & Books, Bal Harbour Shops.

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With a tendency to finish each other’s sentences “our minds are pretty weirdly connected,” says Chloé—both mother and daughter, throughout our interview, wax poetic about the moments shared around a table. “They’re probably some of your happiest moments; you’re there with your loved ones, sharing in traditions, rituals,” says Chloé. “And for me, now, it’s just so special because I get to relive those beautiful memories that I had as a child, but now I get to recreate them as an adult. That is such a privilege.”

“The way we have always lived is very much about those moments in the day spent hosting friends and family,” says Trudy. “It’s really recognizing the beauty of the moment.”

Both highly creative, Chloé and Trudy have followed a life path that has led them towards artistic endeavors—Chloé is a food and lifestyle photographer, while Trudy has, for the last decade, followed her passion for making ceramics. So, when the opportunity arose to develop a new cookbook, the two barely needed to brainstorm. “We had such a specific vision of what we wanted. Not only is it a cookbook, but it’s so much about our life and how we view food, beauty, and togetherness,” says Chloé. “We want to inspire people to create space with their family, their friends—but also by themselves. You can cook for yourself in a simple and beautiful way, creating your own moment that will make you happy and fulfilled.”

A vegan ricotta and squash galette, which “embodies the essence of fall,” says Crane-Leroux, as featured in the book. Photo by Chloé Crane-Leroux, courtesy of Simon & Schuster.

For Chloé, who grew up in Montreal, the pivot toward a plant-based life sparked soon after she moved to New York in 2014 to complete her BFA in Photography at Parsons School of Design. I wanted to shift toward a healthier lifestyle after a little too much junk—the typical college-student diet,” she says of her choice to give up eating meat. “After about six months, I went full-on and became vegan.” After their first vegan cookbook in 2017, the French-language “Saisons La table végane,” Trudy followed suit. “I felt so good and was inspired to cook a lot more. [Chloé ] became way more creative in the kitchen and trying all kinds of great things, and I think that’s what led us to writing the second cookbook.”

During the pandemic, Chloé says she was “cooking three times a day testing recipes, really expanding my food culture and my food habits,” which gave her the runway to develop a concept for “The Artful Way to Plant-Based Cooking”. With incredibly beautiful images, shot by Chloé in Girona and Mallorca, Spain, fresh and simple ingredients, and easy-to-follow recipes, it makes vegan cooking accessible for anyone. “We really want to inspire people with the type of lifestyle that we actually live,” says Chloé.

Photo by Elisa Crossow.

Trudy, who worked for 35 years as a marketing director for Canadian fashion retail company Reitmans, decided she wanted to leave corporate life for a more artistic path when she turned 50. For the last 12 years, Trudy has been a full-time ceramic artist, creating beautiful, organically shaped plates and bowls in white porcelain and stoneware. Five years ago, Trudy was scouted by a modeling agency and has now added runway model—she recently walked Rick Owens’s Spring/Summer ’25 Men’s show in Paris—as one of her hyphenates.

The fashion genes clearly run in the family—from Trudy’s time in the fashion world, to Chloé’s work as a fashion photographer, shooting for brands like Chanel and Dior, each has developed her own sense of style when it comes to dressing. While Trudy spends most days in the studio, making ceramics while wearing jeans and an apron, she opts for a classic and timeless style when she’s out of the studio. Chloé’s style is much more feminine and fashion-forward—a pivot from her earlier years on set, when she wore her photographer’s uniform of jeans and a T-shirt.

Still, the two go between each other’s closets. “Chloé used to steal my blazers when I was working,” Trudy says with a laugh. “I’ve always been a blazer girl!” Chloé interjects, adding that she’s grateful to still have her mother’s vintage Chanel and Prada pieces. “And I mean, we do have the same shoe size.”

Photo by Elisa Crossow.

Style Secrets

Whether it’s cooking, hosting, or seeking out inspiration, Trudy and Chloé always manage to make it look effortless. Here’s how they do it, and where you, too, can get the look at Bal Harbour Shops.

Chloé Crane-Leroux

How do you dress when you are home?
Typically, I’m wearing a flowy dress when I’m home; I love the latest from Zimmermann.

How would you describe your personal style?
My style evolves throughout the seasons. I’d describe it as French classic—simple and chic yet put-together.

What is your go-to outfit for work?
I used to have a uniform for photo shoots: a white T-shirt, jeans, and Converse. Since the pandemic, though, I’ve completely transformed my style. Now, vibrant and colorful dresses are my go-to.

What are your go-to shoes for day and night?
I always adore having a bit of heel, but comfort is always my top priority. I love wearing shoes that transition seamlessly from day to night, like a strappy kitten heel.

What is your favorite hosting ensemble?
I always choose a dress because it’s so easy to slip on without any fuss. When I’m busy hosting, simplifying the task of getting ready is crucial.

What are you coveting for Fall?
I have a real soft spot for long trench coats. They effortlessly complete any outfit and make anyone look incredibly chic and sophisticated.

What is your favorite housewarming gift?
A beautiful Diptyque candle. My favorite scents are Baies and Feu de Bois.

What type of jewelry do you love?
I wear a lot of jewelry and rarely take it off. I always have eight rings on, many of which are from Chanel and Tiffany & Co.

Trudy Crane

How do you dress when you are home? What about at your studio?
I dress very casually at home, in a light dress or jeans. In the studio my most important wardrobe staple is a beautiful apron! I love lace or linen aprons.

Where do you look for inspiration artistically?
I get out into nature, and that often feeds ideas for my ceramic work. I also have stacks of art and decor books, which are usually the first thing I go to when I need to feel inspired.

How would you describe your personal style?
My style tends to be classic with a twist. I like to have a classic pant with a lace blouse or a great jacket from Veronica Beard.

What is your go-to outfit for work? Do you have a uniform?
In the studio, I wear jeans and a James Perse T-shirt. When I am out working with Chloé in New York, I love a beautiful dress, usually in white or black.

What type of jewelry do you love?
I love Tiffany & Co and have always worn pieces from their collection. I am loving chunky earrings right now in gold for casual or dressy looks.

What brands or designers do you admire that are eco-friendly or sustainable?
There are many small brands I admire. Stella McCartney is doing a good job at making sure her brand maintains eco-friendly fashion.

What is your favorite housewarming gift?
My favorite housewarming gifts are books or candles from Diptyque. These always add to a cozy feeling at home.

How do you like to entertain over the holidays?
Apero is my favorite thing to do—a gathering of friends sharing small appetizers and a lovely glass of Champagne or wine. We have many wonderful recipes in our book for this moment in the day that are easy and delicious.

What are your go-to shoes for day and night?
I am a Birkenstock fan for day and for evening.

What is your favorite hosting ensemble?
A beautiful maxi dress or jumpsuit always looks great and is comfortable.