100 Years, Countless Stories — How Le Creuset Has Stood the Test of Time

What makes a brand a ‘legacy’ brand? Perhaps it’s the ability to fill in a market gap. Perhaps it’s one brilliant idea. Maybe it’s outstanding marketing. Or maybe it’s a little bit of everything, packaged into one fabulous product. In the case of French cookware brand Le Creuset, it’s all of the above, seasoned with charm, craftsmanship, and a bright splash of color.

Le Creuset was doing something different from the start. It was refusing to blend in. Pushing the boundaries of design, the founders chose fresh bursts of color over the dull monotones typical of kitchens of that time. A century since its debut, Le Creuset's signature hues—from fiery Flame orange to delicate pinks and bold blues—continue to captivate, earning admiration from seasoned chefs and home cooks with a flair for stylish cookware. People were falling in love—not just with the craftsmanship, but with the character that each bright casserole or saucepan brought to their kitchens.

Le Creuset was telling people that cookware didn’t have to be bland; it could also be bold and beautiful. And people were listening. Indeed, their signature enameled cast-iron cookware sets aren’t just pretty. Their pots, pans, and ovens are exceptionally effective, evenly retaining heat and locking in moisture, transforming everything from slow-simmered dals to layered biryanis into culinary marvels. Now, as the brand celebrates its 100th year, it continues to do what it does best—bring a touch of magic to the everyday.

In honor of this milestone, Le Creuset unveiled its limited edition hue: Flamme Dorée, meaning ‘golden flame.’ This sparkling shade pays homage to the original 1925 ‘Flame’ color, reimagining it with a shimmering finish. Pieces include the Signature Round and Oval Dutch Ovens, a Braiser, and a Saucepan, each topped with a sleek golden knob.

“This historic milestone not only honors our heritage and our place in kitchens worldwide but also reaffirms our commitment to innovation, excellence, and culinary inspiration—fostering new memories and culinary traditions for generations to come,” said Mr. Paul van Zuydam, Owner & Chairman of Le Creuset.

But the question remains: how, in today’s day and age, does a century-old brand continue to live up to its name? How does it stay relevant? We may find the answer in its varied collaborations with pop culture giants like Harry Potter and Star Wars, where cookware is cleverly turned into collectors’ items. While not all of these editions made it to Indian shelves, the buzz around them did. Today, social media influencers whip up scrumptious creations in colorful cookware at #LeCreuset. The brand also received the Duchess’s stamp of approval on Meghan Markle’s Netflix show, where she cooked with pretty Le Creuset pieces. Loyal fans have even created a popular international trading event, Le Creuchella, that turns product drops into highly anticipated experiences, tapping into a younger, experience-driven audience.

Embracing the fast pace of modern life, Le Creuset continues to evolve. This year, they launched an ‘On The Go’ line—an elegant collection of lunch boxes and water bottles designed for those who seek style even amidst the daily hustle. It’s a perfect example of how, even after a century, the brand continues to stir the pot.

Today, Le Creuset pieces are considered to be heirlooms—items to be cherished and passed down through generations. Case in point? Chef Alpa Pereira, founder of Mumbai-based patisserie Toujours. She said, “My first encounter with Le Creuset was when I went for a pastry course in Paris. Every time I wandered into the specialty kitchen stores, I was drawn to the vibrant, enameled pots. Years later, I finally brought home my first Le Creuset. The cerise red round pot—the one I had admired for years—found its place in my kitchen. It has now been with me for over three decades. Every Christmas, it comes out as part of our festive table: gently simmering poached fruits, clafoutis, or warm chocolate fondants. It has become more than just cookware. It’s a part of our celebrations, and I look forward to passing it down to my daughter, along with the recipes and memories it has held over the years.”

“Le Creuset holds a special place in my kitchen and heart,” put in Chef, Content Creator, and F&B Consultant Sneha Singhi Upadhyaya. “Their craftsmanship is exceptional—each piece is made to last a lifetime, and honestly, even longer. They’re versatile enough to go from stovetop to oven to table—which, for me as a chef and content creator, is a dream.” When asked what she loved most about the brand, she said, “Their design is timeless, the quality is incredible, and they keep things fresh with beautiful new colors. It’s a brand that never goes out of style. Le Creuset isn’t just cookware—it’s an experience. It brings joy to the process and soul to the plate.”

Chef Bani Nanda—founder of Delhi-based Miam Patisserie—also has a fond relationship with her Le Creuset pieces. “During and post the pandemic, ‘Instagrammable’ cookware was all the rage. The pots and pans looked pretty in pastel but weren’t ever truly functional. For me, Le Creuset was the best of both worlds—aesthetics and functionality.” She elaborated further, “I chose the off-white pots to start with and moved on to light pink. I cannot use any other pot or pan for cooking. The tough iron shell is ideal for braising meats because I don’t use a pressure cooker. Our cook at home first complained about the weight but noticed the excellent results when he made mutton in my Le Creuset 28cm braiser.”

In India, where the kitchen is the heart of the home and where cooking is both ritual and celebration, it’s easy to see why Le Creuset resonates. It’s not just cookware but a legacy. A reminder that joy can be found in the memories associated with the curve of a handle or the cheery color of a pot bubbling away on the stove. In doing so, Le Creuset teaches us the art of staying relevant by honoring heritage while embracing change, one beautiful piece at a time.