During the Paris Fashion Week, the historic Palace-Hotel Plaza Athénée bedecks itself in an awe-inspiring installation. Its iconic facade and public spaces are adorned with haute couture silhouettes and gowns, making it an unmissable attraction. For 110 years, nestled on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, Plaza Athénée has been the city’s ‘haute couture address’, pulsating with the rhythms of fashion weeks and welcoming prestigious guests. Thanks to an ingenious concept, the hotel’s facade will transform into a fashion red runway featuring lifesize models, infusing life into the historic structure. Until July 13th, “Couture and Métiers d’Art” exhibition will spotlight 7 artisans and 6 couturiers. Six unique creations, tied together by the hotel’s iconic color, will grace the lobby. The collection, custom-crafted for Plaza Athénée, exemplifies the symbiosis of two quintessentially French skills – craftmanship and couture. Masters in glasswork, basketry, and bronze, collaborate with French designers to create stunning, unprecedented designs.
Plaza Athénée Hotel. 25, avenue Montaigne, 8th . Tel. 01 53 67 66 65. www.dorchestercollection.com/en/paris/hotel-plaza-athenee
HOTEL ///
A new bartender for the legendary Bar Hemingway
After nearly thirty years at the helm of the famed Hemingway Bar, Colin Field (twice voted the world’s best bartender by Forbes magazine) handed over his position in June to another figure from the legendary Ritz Paris… Indeed, the ‘new’ bartender is none other than Anne-Sophie Prestail, who has been with the establishment since 2006, and to whom Mister Field has passed on his expertise and know-how, not to mention, of course, the incredible and numerous anecdotes that have built the reputation of the place. While the venerable institution remains unchanged in certain aspects (woodwork, leather seats, subdued lighting, zero background music, signature cocktails, more than perfect service), it is also supposed to ‘evolve’ with its time. Let’s trust Anne-Sophie and her team of passionate mixologists.
RITZ PARIS. 15, PLACE VENDÔME, 1ST . OPEN DAILY FROM 5:30PM TO 1:30AM. www.ritzparis.com
FASHION ///
GUCCI UNPACKS ITS BAGS IN PARIS
The opening of the first Gucci Valigeria store (in the world) for travel accessories brings the celebrated Italian brand full circle. Owned by the Kering Group, it recently announced the replacement of its esteemed creative director Alessandro Michele by another Italian, Sabato de Sarno, raising a rumpus in the world of fashion. But the brand has stayed true to its traditions and the ideas of its founder Guccio Gucci (1881-1953), who discovered his vocation while working as a baggage handler at the Savoy Hotel in London before founding his own traditional baggage production workshop in Florence in 1921. A century on, the modern-day journey continues in this Paris store inspired by the luxurious carriages of the Belle Epoque.
GUCCI VALIGERIA. 229, RUE SAINT-HONORÉ, 1ST . www.gucci.com
BEAUTY ///
Bienaimé: beauty revival in a magical boudoir
Founded in 1935, this perfume brand was put on ice after the death of its founder Robert Bienaimé. Now it’s back, combining its traditional love for beauty and the planet with a devotion to ethical cosmetics and artisan know-how. This first 18sq.m. store takes customers on a sensory journey, from the tester ritual to liquid and solid soaps with testing basins, creams for hands and lips, candles and matches. Each shopping bag can be stamped with your initials for a personal and elegant touch. Smart luxury. What’s not to like?
BIENAIMÉ. 30, RUE SAINT-ROCH, 1ST . www.bienaime1935.com
HOTEL ///
Cédric Grolet x Grey Goose break the ice
He was known as the grand master of trompe-l’œil fruits, and now Cédric
