16 Jul 2010
Claridge�s, one of the world�s most famous and glamorous hotels, is collaborating with legendary fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg to bring her signature style to a series of twenty guestrooms and suites, the first of which were unveiled on June 23, 2010.
For more than a century, Claridge�s, considered the Art Deco jewel of Mayfair, has stood as an emblem of timeless elegance in London and is the hotel where Diane von Furstenberg has been a loyal guest for the past three decades.
�Claridge�s is the most glamorous hotel in the world,� says von Furstenberg, �hotels like this don�t exist anymore and the legacy must be respected! It is very important to keep the original architecture and the formality of the layout of the rooms in order to preserve the old style of grand hotel life that I love so much. It has been a true privilege to design new furniture, fabrics and rugs to keep it relevant for today�s needs and taste.�
One of the world�s most celebrated designers, Diane exemplifies the modern global nomad, traveling the world for inspiration and drawing upon her own experiences in her designs. Travel is her muse and in 2008 von Furstenberg�s first cruise collection drew inspiration from Claridge�s, the hotel that has been her home away from home in London since the 1970�s.
�Our collaboration with the talented Diane von Furstenberg is the latest storyline within our history of forward thinking design,� commented Stephen Alden, CEO Maybourne Hotel Group. �Diane�s personal love and passion for Claridge�s provides a unique perspective which she has drawn upon in executing her creative vision.�
Designed in collaboration with longtime friend and interior decorator Olivier Gelbsmann, the hotel�s legendary Piano Suite will be one of the first to be unveiled. Each guestroom will boast its own DVF style whilst preserving the Art Deco heritage of Claridge�s. Beautiful contemporary prints, Chinese florals in big, bold scale and animal patterns are just a few of the styles presented in the chic, inspiring spaces. Each bedroom will have a Diane von Furstenberg custom designed cashmere blanket in sumptuous colour combinations.
Four star pieces including a dressing table, travelling trunk, desk and cocktail bar, all inspired by Diane von Furstenberg�s travels and the mobility of campaign furniture, were created for some of Claridge�s guestrooms and suites. The dressing table recalls trips to Italy, the traveling trunk evokes images of caravans and stylish steamer trunks, while the cocktail bar resembles jewellery boxes found in the Middle East. Each room will also feature furniture handmade by British craftsmen and light fixtures that have been created in the UK and Paris using Murano glass. The rooms will also display photographs taken by Diane von Furstenberg on her travels through Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
The window dressings, inset wall coverings and upholstery, feature DVF�s exclusive textile collection which will be available to interior designers and consumers in September 2010. Cotton canvas fabrics range from a black and white ikat print to a bold wide stripe. The contemporary selection of fabric combined with the elegance of Claridge�s sets the contemporary yet refined tone of the rooms.
The Piano Suite�s bedroom will be a light and dreamy compliment to the bold living room, featuring a pale thistle and off-white design scheme and a bleached solid oak four-poster bed. All glasswork found throughout the suite will be Murano and boxes and trays have been specifically hand-crafted in Bali. The floor coverings utilize Diane von Furstenberg�s handcrafted rugs from The Rug Company, a long time design partner. The handmade, luxurious wool and silk rugs feature signature modern animal patterns in dark chocolate brown and ivory, and will be inlaid within the suite�s hardwood flooring.
Since opening its doors in 1898, Claridge�s has been the destination of choice for discerning travelers. Diane von Furstenberg�s guestrooms and suites will compliment the bespoke design legacy of Claridge�s while celebrating the glorious future of the Art Deco jewel. Home to the legendary Claridge�s Bar and Fumoir, Claridge�s has played host to royalty, celebrities and heads of state who desire timeless elegance at London�s best address.
For more information on the Diane von Furstenberg guestrooms and suites at Claridge�s, please contact +44 (0)20 7107 8862 or www.claridges.co.uk
Maybourne Hotel Group Maybourne Hotel Group whose headquarters is in Mayfair, London, owns and manages Claridge�s, The Connaught and The Berkeley three of the world�s most renowned hotels. Maybourne hotels are committed to delivering authentic and unique guest experiences that reflect the individual nature of its hotels, its guests and its people whilst maintaining a timeless elegance and intuitive service style that are the hallmarks of its properties.
Diane von Furstenberg DIANE von FURSTENBERG, one of the premier names in American fashion, was founded in 1972 by the designer. Renowned for its iconic wrap dress and signature prints, DVF has grown into the global luxury lifestyle brand it is today. The company, headquartered in New York City, has expanded to a full comprehensive line of ready-to-wear, swimwear, handbags, footwear, luggage, accessories, fine jewelry, watches, fragrance, eyewear and rugs. Its distinctive collections are sold in over 71 countries and in 34 namesake retail boutiques worldwide.
For more information, please contact: Luci Pickett or Carol Kong Grebstad Hicks Communications Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2810 0532 Fax: (852) 2525 7972 Email: luci.pickett@ghcasia.com / carol.kong@ghcasia.com