From Armani runways to artisanal baker: Ex-model opens patisserie in Recoleta

Iván San Martín traded the global runways of Milan, Paris, and New York for the artisanal craft of baking, opening his own patisserie in Buenos Aires. The former model, who walked for elite brands like Armani, Gucci, and John Galliano, now dedicates his energy to Le Moulin De La Fleur, a French-Italian inspired confectionary in Recoleta.

San Martín's journey into fashion began unexpectedly at 19 when he was discovered by an agency in his hometown of Bahía Blanca. Despite not speaking Italian or English, he moved to Milan and quickly found success, walking for Armani and later experiencing global exposure after opening and closing a show where Tom Ford was present. This opened doors to major fashion capitals and prestigious designers.

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The bakery is pure touch and hand.

"The bakery is pure touch and hand," San Martín says, describing his second profession. His current venture prioritizes sourdough, slow fermentation, and in-house production, shunning pre-mixed ingredients and artificial flavors. He learned languages and honed his skills, eventually returning to Argentina to pursue this new passion, though he occasionally still takes modeling jobs.

His career shift reflects a desire for a different kind of craft. After years in the demanding fashion industry, San Martín found a new calling in the meticulous and hands-on world of baking, bringing his dedication and precision to creating artisanal breads and pastries.

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I came for this, I left my house in Bahía Blanca for this.