Aman NEW YORK For Aman’s first urban resort in the US, Jean-Michel Gathy brings the Zen ethos of the brand to the bustling streets of Manhattan. Words: Ayesha Khan • Photography: © Robert Rieger
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hen the Heckscher Building was
Midtown, creating combinations of the two on
completed in 1921, it was New York’s
a space-by-space basis. “Aman’s DNA is the
tallest skyscraper and one of the most
concept of exclusivity and simplicity, expressed
expensive spots for retail and office space. The
with quality materials rather than unnecessary
property went on to house the first iteration
layers of adornment,” Gathy explains. “Then, in
of the Museum of Modern Art, the New York
reference to New York, the sense of place comes
headquarters of Dior, and garnered more than
from the spirit and energy of the city.”
its fair share of controversy when it was owned
Upon entry off bustling 57th Street, guests
by infamous Philippine President Ferdinand
are whisked to a place of tranquillity befitting
Marcos. Today, now known as the Crown
the brand’s moniker – Aman is Sanskrit for
Building, it houses New York’s latest Asian hotel
peace. Bathed in decadently dark hues of locally
import, featuring 83 suites, 22 luxury residences
sourced Belgian blue marble and dark timber,
and an impressive 2,300m2 spa spread across
the lobby immediately envelops visitors in a
three levels.
quiet, understated luxury. The monochromatic
Given the prestige of the site and profile of the
tranquillity is interrupted only for a brief
brand – arriving ahead of a slew of other Asia-
moment by a striking deep orange piece of
born luxury brands set to open in the metropolis
sculpted canvas hewn of recycled cardboard
– Aman knew it had to make an impression,
by masterful Brazilian artist Domingos Tótora.
and so turned to long-time collaborator Jean-
Under foot and overhead, a basketweave pattern
Michel Gathy of Denniston. For the design,
recalls the foundation of Southeast Asian
Gathy employed two diametrically opposed
handicrafts and serves as a subtle nod to the
concepts: the calm, Zen ethos of Aman and
interwoven cultural influences that make New
the infectious energy of New York’s bustling
York one of the most diverse cities in the world.