13 Sep 2017
Tags: Marriott International
Paris, France – 13 September 2017 – Ahead of Maison & Objet Paris, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR), today announced the brand's collaboration with Chinese art collective X+Q Art will extend to Paris. Founded by renowned artists Qu Guangci and Xiang Jing, X+Q Art will unveil its limited edition artwork - inspired by the brand's Parisian heritage - at the brand's flagship hotel: Le Méridien Etoile.
Themed 'Ai Mei • Midsummer', the distinctive artworks are sculptures of a young girl celebrating the unique sense of place of eleven Le Méridien hotels across Greater China, and for the first time, a sculpture reflecting Paris as a destination. The artworks will showcase at Maison & Objet Paris 2017, attracting curious and creative-minded guests from around the world.
“With a shared passion to inspire discovery through an unexpected and artful lens, we are delighted to see our collaboration with X+Q Art come to Paris after its success in China,” said Brian Povinelli, SVP & Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts. “Like Paris, Le Méridien continues to attract artists and enchant creatives from around the world; and with more than 100 Le Méridien hotels globally, the idea that everyone should explore the world in style seems to really be resonating.”
Inspired by the brnd's first-ever hotel and celebrated flagship in Paris, 'Ai Mei • Midsummer' celebrates Le Méridien Etoile and the destination's rich culture and heritage. There is also a hint of whimsy in the art's design; with a nod to France as the birthplace of Champagne – embodying a sense of celebration and savouring the good life. The graphic on the sculpture's dress creates chic silhouettes and portrays France's national colors of blue, white and red, symbolising the exquisite Parisian lifestyle reinterpreted via Chinese art and design aesthetics.
“Le Méridien brand is an ideal platform to share our inspirations and aspirations for art, and for the first time raising them to an international platform,” said Qu Guangci, co-founder, X+Q Art. “Our work with Le Méridien embodies our joint appreciation of different destinations and diverse local cultures, a concept we are aiming to bring across at the Maison & Objet 2017 and an international audience this year.”
The first Le Méridien and acclaimed flagship hotel, Le Méridien Étoile, revealed its transformation after a multi-million-dollar renovation last year, cementing itself as an iconic hotel. Proudly positioned as the largest hotel in Paris, it is anchored by L'Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées and was redesigned with its destination in mind, expressing quirky impressions of Paris throughout the property. Following the unveil, Le Méridien Étoile will house the 'Ai Mei • Midsummer' Paris piece at its signature Le Méridien Hub™, the brand's signature lobby concept, enriching guests' in-hotel experiences through the lens of art and adding an international artistry layer to the hotel's French heritage.
From left to right: Andy Kong, Director of Brand and Marketing, Asia Pacific, Marriott International; Qu Guangci, renowned Chinese artist and co-founder of X+Q Art; and Maxi Grossner, Executive Assistant Manager, Le Méridien Etoile unveiled 'Ai Mei •Midsummer' Paris at Le Méridien Etoile ahead of Maison & Objet Paris
From left to right: Andy Kong, Director of Brand and Marketing, Asia Pacific, Marriott International; Regina Chan, Director, Asia Pacific, Maison & Objet; Philippe Brocart, Managing Director, Maison & Objet; and Qu Guangci, renowned Chinese artist and co-founder of X+Q Art unveiled the collection of 12 Ai Mei • Midsummer artworks at Maison & Objet for the first time
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About X+Q Art
Founded by reputed contemporary Chinese sculptors and artists Xiang Jing and Qu Guangci in 2010, X+Q Art features products ranging from limited edition sculptures to accessories and design products. X+Q Art has partnered with high-end department stores, luxury hotels, design galleries and museum stores, including Lane Crawford, the Guggenheim Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, among others.
About Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts
With more than 100 Hotels & Resorts worldwide and the strongest, most globally diverse portfolio in its history, the Paris-born Le Méridien brand connects the curious and creative-minded traveller to unexpected and engaging experiences within their destination. With its brand promise of “Destination Unlocked,” Le Méridien has transformed numerous guest touch points through global partnerships with creative minds. Plans call for dynamic portfolio expansion within the next five years in some of the world's most exciting destinations, concentrating on markets in Asia-Pacific and the Americas. For more information, please visit LeMéridien.com or follow us on social media – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Media Contact
Daryl Pan
Senior Manager, Brand PR, APAC, Marriott International
Tel: (852) 2192 6202
Alethea Lam
Vice President, Communications APAC, Marriott International
11/F Cityplaza One, 1111 King's Road
Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong
(852) 2192 6000
