If you’re a hotelier with a property in one of the four fashion capitals of the world, it would seem fitting to take into account the multibillion-dollar global enterprise when designing and running your hotel. Going one step further, creating events to celebrate fashion may just put you ahead of your competition in these cities. Aligning themselves as a central part of the industry, Le Bristol Paris has been attracting more business from locals and tourists alike with its Fashion Saturdays.
During the ‘60s, the hotel became renowned for attracting fashion enthusiasts because of its central location on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and the many fashion houses that hosted events within its walls. Today it holds a number of events surrounding the industry including its most famous, Fashion Saturdays, taking place over the past eight years. Its concept is simple, which could be why it continues to do well each week. From 2-4 p.m. on Saturdays, models will circulate between tables during tea time, showing off designs from major brands. The cost is approximately $93 per guest and can be booked directly through the hotel.
While taking in the sights, guests can enjoy English Tea from a selection of 15 teas, a glass of Champagne, finger sandwiches and a selection of pastries. Based on the designer’s style that week, Pastry Chef Laurent Jeannin will create a unique dessert for the occasion.
And the designers? They aren’t your everyday household names; they are some of the largest fashion houses in the world presenting their work. Céline, Yves Saint-Laurent, Givenchy, Chloé, Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney and Ungaro have all been drawn by the concept and have shown their collections. Making sure to be on the lookout for the next-best-thing, Le Bristol also invites up-and-coming designers to participate.
Italian designer Massimiliano Giornetti fills Ferragamo’s Fall Winter 2013-14 collection with clean architectural shapes and a consistency of texture and design. Giornetti plays on layering and volume by putting together a mix of pieces that is chic and a little bit Gothic.
The free-spirited Priscille Canivet, a Parisian living in New York, brings her timeless styles and naturally elegant and independent attitude to all her designs. Her ready-to-wear and couture lines are exquisitely made in France with the best quality fabrics and couture techniques. Canivet's pieces emphasize the beauty of women's body.
Collaborating on the Sultanas collection, designers Albert Oiknine, Fouzia Naciri and Said Belhadfa have created pieces inspired by literature and history. Their work touches on oriental influences and western styles, utilizing transparent materials that drape across the body with silk and pairing them embroidery and jewels. This collection is beautifully sensual.
The niche for luxury hotels looking to brand themselves as fashion hotels is ever growing, and world-renowned fashion houses are jumping on board as they begin to open their own branded hotels. While Fashion Saturdays is a just peek into how properties are incorporating that niche, and it appears that Le Bristol is heading in the right direction.
