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Dear readers, This issue is all about new products, inspirations & ideas that will help you keep you up to date with the latest launches of the Interior Design Industry. We bring you the best from Maison&Objet, which kicked off the 2019 Design Agenda, as well as a preview of the PAD Paris and the Milan Design Week, combined with the ultimate guides to both events. CovetED was, of course, in Paris last January for Maison & Objet to see first hand the new trends for 2019, and had the opportunity to interview Hubert de Malherbe - head of Malherbe Design - a Parisian Interior Design studio specialized in retail interiors, working for luxury brands like Dior and Sephora. We got to know a bit more about the company and learned how to create outstanding retail interiors for luxury brands. As summer is fastly approaching, we also took the opportunity to pick out the best new outdoor designs to nourish your appetite for new ideas, and help you spruce up your outdoor space be it; a backyard, a front yard, or a patio. Finally, a quick note about the shortlist of Covet International Awards – you will find all the winning projects and the designers behind them in this issue of CovetED Magazine, to the Design gallerist editorial, which brings a selection of unique designs from the 20th and 21st century - and a tribute to Karl Lagerfeld in the fashion section of the Magazine, which revisits the Fashion icon’s career. PS: If you are looking for extra inspiration, visit our Youtube Channel: COVETED MAGAZINE.
EDITOR IN CHIEF
COVETED PRESENTS THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR
MILAN DESIGN WEEK 201 9 Every year in April, Milan gets a lustrous touch courtesy of a wide variety of events and exhibitions that either take place in the prestigious Salone Internazionale del Mobile or even throughout the city, in the coveting design districts.
SALONE DEL MOBILE
These initiatives come to challenge and elevate the notions of design, craftsmanship and luxury, as well as providing numerous business and creative opportunities for design enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
Now into its 58th edition, the Salone del Mobile is a showcase that has always mixed business with culture, shaping the history of design and furnishing yesterday, today and tomorrow. Returning with an international focus, this riveting platform is the best stage for showcasing truly top-notch with an emphasis on innovation.
This year, Milan Design Week will occur from 8-14 April and, ahead, you can learn more about all the design events and attractions you ought to check out during this highly curated week that seeks to bring to light the best of Italian and international design.
The Salone Internazionale del Mobile is divided into three major style categories. The first one is Classic – Tradition in the Future, which consists of drawing on the values of tradition, craftsmanship and skill in the art of making furniture and objects in the classic style. The second one is all about Design, in this category, you can expect to be inspired by products that are both functional and innovative and boast a great sense of
style. Lastly, xLux is the section devoted to timeless luxury with a contemporary nod. Quality and technology come together to create the most exquisite range of goods that are shaped by the creativity of the leading sectoral companies, practised at developing their businesses by investing each year in innovative products and home furnishing solutions. The many exhibitors, along with the thousands of products being unveiled for the first time, confirm Salone Internazionale del Mobile’s enormous value as an international showcase of creativity and a forum for industry professionals, with more than 330,000 attendees on average, every year, from 165 different nations. Kartell, Dedon, Cappellini, Giorgetti, Moroso, Porada, Antoniolupi, Extremis, Kettal, Swarovski, Moooi and Luxury Living Group are a few of the luxury brands you can expect to see during the trade show. Furthermore, the renowned Portuguese design company, Covet House will have a mega exhibition space which will feature iconic pieces and novelties alike from successful design brands, such as Boca do Lobo, Maison Valentina, Essential Home, Luxxu, Rug’Society, Pullcast, among others.
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LET’S GET ITALIAN
TRENDS, DESIGN & FASHION ALL IN ONE
1. Still from ‘Only Lovers Left Alive’ (2013) by Jim Jarmusch; 2. Interior by miles redd; 3. Charlotte armchair by essential home; 4. Still life by sophie leng; 5. Nanan backery interior by bucktudio; 6. Interior by miles redd; 7. Loren Armchair by Essential Home; 8. Tod’s SS19’; 9. Angela santana femal oil painting; 10. Nanan backery interior by bucktudio; 10. Nanan backery interior by bucktudio; 11. Still life by sophie leng; 12. Fendi milan pre-fall 19; 13. Edith sideboard by Essential Home
Milan, the city of design, the epitome of luxury. New trends are
ways ready to impress. A little bit of imperfection actually makes
appearing every day, all around the world, but it all comes down
things perfect. That’s one of the mottos of one of the leading fash-
to Italy this year. The birthplace of some of the best luxury design
ion brands born in Milan - Versace. The 2019 ready-to-wear collec-
brands, from Versace and Gucci in fashion, to Minotti and Baxter
tion is all about nostalgia. An unlikely fit, but fitted nonetheless,
B&B Italia, Ipe Cavalli, Visionaire, Poliform in furniture decor, Italy
music, grunge and the growing 90’s flair are back in full force. Ap-
is known for their fashionable and stylish take on design. In 2019,
pealing to a younger generation, Donatella Versace brings the uber
it’s all about the excitement, the nostalgia of velvet, the bold colours
glam into oversized safety pins and bondage harnesses, Versace’s
and the clean natural lines. As nostalgia is nothing new, this throw-
design staples. Event though it is in the eye of the storm of fashion-
back might just be the reason why you should be on the lookout for
able Italy, Milan is not all about fashion. Luxury brand Fendi Home
Milan Design Week.
is just one of the leading interior design brands you should always
Design in Italy starts with fashion. Born from a simple fabric and
be on the lookout for. With plenty to please the eyes, the Milanese
pattern, it all comes to life on the world’s most exciting runaway.
brand is focusing on urban fittings and the atmosphere of blue skies
This year is all about velvet, round and curvy shapes, clean lines and
around the aura of New York.
bold colours. One look and it takes us to the sunny Italian squares,
Clean lines and soothing, pleasing designs take this to a whole new
the daring patterns and colours worn by the fashionable Italian
level. Minotti is also taking this reality to a whole other level. When
women. This year, design is luxurious and exclusive. Gucci knows
creating this world of design with the most fashionable in just one
how to create this in the best way, bringing extraordinary vintage
simple piece, they bring a story into people’s homes. Keeping it
cuts and turning into fearless, incredible clothing lines that are al-
stylish with a velvet touch, luxury brands like Minotti and Fendi
OUTDOOR I N S P I R AT I O N S NEW DESIGNS
&
As each day goes by, the outdoor space is gaining more and more popularity, becoming one of the most crucial areas of a contemporary home. It is the place dedicated for entertainment and family gatherings where exquisite summer feasts and serene contemplations take place and, as such, it’s imperative that its decor should follow certain levels of comfort and luxury. Numerous trends have made quite the impact in the outdoor area, including soft and lavish furniture, highly decorated pillows and blankets, shaded spots and even cosy fire pits which, all together, create a homey oasis in its entirety. In 2019, colour will play a major part in this time of change within this sector. Colour brings in a feeling of positivity and balance into a space. For example, bold and vivid colours such as red or purple will accentuate the qualities of your outdoor and make quite the statement. These two tones are also complementary to others,
such as blue and green, which in turn add richness to a space and work extremely well with surrounding landscapes. Obviously, one simply cannot talk about colour nowadays without mentioning the 2019 Pantone Colour of the Year, Living Coral. One can introduce this warm and accent hue into a series of elements, from pillows to umbrellas, as well as decorative accessories. Now more than ever, the outdoor area is all about having a retreat that brims with serenity and tranquillity. A simple way to achieve such a notion is by entangling your space with nature. There are countless ways to do this, you can opt to combine pavers with adjacent grass or gardens and give it a “fade away” effect that is rather dramatic when used with plank-style pavers. If you prefer a more aesthetic look, make sure to introduce patterns into your design.
INSPIRATIONS //
Backyard oasis in Napa Valley, California
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INSPIRATIONS // The outdoor-specialised brand, Vondom, has unveiled a few novelties this year, including Suave by Marcel Wanders and the Marquis table lamp by estudiHac. Suave is a complete collection that grants the spotlight to exquisite materials and textures found in superb designs, such as a modular sofa, an ornamented coffee table, comfortable pouffes, among other pieces that provide a glamorous and warm touch to any outdoor space. Marquis presents an outstandingly characteristic fold system, which was inspired by the moulds of folded paper for developing pleated fabrics that generates a new textured skin made of basic triangles of shiny polycarbonate. This exclusive piece creates a singular interplay of shadow and light. British dynamic duo Doshi Levien has created a new outdoor collection for B&B Italia. The outdoor seating designs feature a monolithic and sculptural shape and provide quite the visual contrast. They are best defined by their enveloping volumes, that are made from the weaving of double polypropylene fibre. Foscarini has just unveiled a new piece for their extraordinarily creative Twiggy Family, the Twice as Twiggy Grid Floor Lamp. This marvellous outdoor lighting design features architectural details and an iconic shape. The long stem of the lamp is made of materials initially manufactured for fishing rods, to counter-balance weight and create a graceful curve that hovers in the air. The steel collections designed by Florent Coirier for EMU have a minimalist design but a great personality: Miky is a restyling of bistro chairs from a modern perspective, using straight and clear-cut lines and generous shapes; Mom, instead, is lively and colourful, with a soft and cosy structure. Strong and stackable, Miky and Mom are intended for trendy and dynamic furnishing, effortlessly adjusting to a variety of possible uses.
Suave Collection by Marcel Wanders for Vondom COVETED MAGAZINE PAGE 49.
The Graphic Lamps collection by DelightFULL is comprised of a wide variety of lighting designs, whether letters or symbols, that feature a sleek form and a soothing light effect. These contemporary pieces are perfect for giving an extra lustrous glow to one’s outdoors.
Graphic Lighting Collection by DelightFull The leading luxury outdoor fabric brand, Extex has created a new enticing fabric collection entitled Plume. The collection was inspired by the aesthetics and texture of the layered feathers of a bird’s plumage and was specifically designed for outdoor use. The collection features a soft chenille surface and includes nine colour options, from neutral tones such as Hero or Kestrel, to more vivacious shades such as Swallow and Rosefinch. Fermob has created an inventive and aesthetic mix and match accessory collections for the perfect finishing touch for every terrace, balcony and garden. The Trèfle collection is all about poetry, a quality expressed in the wide range of textile products including blankets, mats and 15 decorative cushions.
Trèfle Collection by Fermob
Trèfle Collection by Fermob
LAUN has recently revealed their first two products – the DeMille Lounge Chair and the Confetti Side Table – a pair of contemporary pieces that offer sophistication to outdoor spaces. The DeMille Lounge Chair gives a nod to LA’s Eastside “streamlined moderne” architecture and features a stainless-steel frame with removable upholstered cushions. The Confetti Side Table is made of terrazzo and comes in a mid-century, hourglass-like form.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH NORMAL STUDIO
nder the name of Normal Studio, Jean-François Dingjian and
It was somehow unavoidable to speak about craftsmanship. It is
Eloi Chafaï defend an Elementary Design. These two creators are
probably the hottest topic in the industry right now, and every-
less attached to the formal search for an object than to the tool that
one wants to have something to say about it. Either in the form of
will make it, the one that generates the shape and guides them in
words, like many who advocate protective legislation to secure the
the first sketches of a chair, table or even a luminaire. Behind their
longevity of the arts, or, like Normal Studio, the ones who rely on
name slips a palate for the right forms. Deeply committed to the
expert craftsmen’s work.
social and cultural values of design, these authors produce timeless objects that don’t obey to any trends. Eloï and Jean, the two incredibly accomplished designers that compose the duo, started by describing Normal Studio.
’We are a small studio and we do about everything regarding industrial design, furniture design, lighting fixtures, interior architecture and artistic consultation for the brand. We’re like a small family. Very artisanal. ‘’
‘’Yes, we often work with galleries like Carpenter’s Workshop, which has exceptional craftsmen that are very hard to find. It’s very satisfactory to research with these guys, with their savoir-faire. ‘’ As for their favourite type of project, they don’t have a specific one, per say. They both agreed that trying out new things, and researching new ways and concepts is what they love the most.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH SEBASTIAN HERKNER
Maison et Objet’s Designer of the Year 2019 urrently the head-designer of his studio in Offenbach, a small town near Frankfurt, Sebastian Herkner is the new sounding name in the world of product design. In the midst of celebrating his distinction as Designer of the Year 2019, the designer sat down and talked with us. At 37 years-old, Sebastian describes himself as a really privileged person since he enjoys what he’s doing and can do anything with his passion.
I’m a privileged person in general, I can travel the world.” discloses Herkner.
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For the designer, travelling is one of the most important things one can do, because it allows you to understand cultures. “Discovering all senses of a culture is really amazing and that’s also a really huge influence on my work. Becoming a designer wasn’t exactly his childhood dream. Since a young age, he was always a creative person, but he never had the idea of becoming a product designer, since it was never a topic of discussion at school or in the media. “There was fashion, art, culture and painting, but never product design.” It was through a purchase on a flea market that Herkner learned what was product design. The designer was determined to use his skills to create products, so he started right in his home town of Offenbach, where he’s still based. After graduating, he opened his own studio. With a five-person team, the studio does everything from furniture to lighting, accessories and mirrors. It has even spread to tiles and sunglasses now. The designer enjoys the diversity and looks at it as a challenge, always focusing on high-quality products and good materials.
“Our generation is quite privileged thanks to technology, we can access lots of information and we can travel more. But we have a digital life and an analogue life. On the one hand, we have the digital where everything is transparent, and on the other hand, at home, we want to have the quality, like leather, glass, marble. That’s why there has to be a resource for reality, which is important and also part of my design approach.” The designer prides himself on his high-quality products and the work he has done with craftsmen, claiming that he wants “to create companions for our lives”. Herkner also has a really sustainable approach to design and that’s why he focuses on creating long-lasting products, as he further explains,
Sebastian Herkner Lucio Doro © Laila
Bell coffee table by Sebastian Herkner
Metal legs for wittma n©Photo studio Sebastian Herkner
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW //
“We don’t have the money or the time to produce more waste. We have to take really good care of our resources. Marble is somehow ending one day. It’s really important that designers think responsibly.”
“if you think about the watches from Switzerland, the chocolate from Belgium, the fashion from France, shoes and porcelain from Portugal… This is our European culture and we have to really take care of it. It’s our identity.”
When it comes to types of projects, the designer can’t choose, stating that he enjoys the variety. When working with a new company, his design process is really about getting to know the company itself, their work methods, their DNA. “At the workshops, I really get a lot of inspiration because I see what they are doing.” For Herkner, every project needs to start with dialogue and observation, a collaboration between him and the client, requiring the need for a compromise on both ends. The designer’s style is always evolving, but one thing remains the same is quality while mixing traditional crafts with new technology.
“Dialogue is very important in my work but it’s also a very important message for our generation, to talk to each other, to be curious and open-minded.” The designer sees the influence of traditional craftsmanship in today’s design as a paradox between the digital world and the an-
Herkner Lamp by Sebastian Herkner Photo studio Sebastian Herkner
alogue world, connecting it to the importance of having quality products. He associates that with the European culture, claiming that the continent has a culture of quality and craftsmanship, as he concludes,
Thonet black by Sebastian Herkner Photo studio Sebastian Herkner
Photo studio Sebastian Herkner
COVETED MAGAZINE PAGE 59.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH CHERYL EISEN
heryl Eisen is the president of Interior Marketing Group, the largest luxury design and real estate marketing firm on the East Coast. For over 10 years, they have been best known for combining interior design and staging characteristics, creating highly curated environments where people envision living on. CovetED had the immense pleasure of talking to Eisen and we picked her brain a bit about the firm’s and her own work methods and aspirations. In regards to favourite projects, Eisen enlightens us that her preferred ones are those that involve a huge open space with double-high ceilings, as she explains,
“I mean, it’s so fun to have a canvas like that and to just come in and do whatever it is I want to do. The beauty of what we do is that we don’t really design for the client all the time, sometimes it’s for the buyer, and this means we can do whatever we want.” IMG’s signature style is incredibly characteristic. They often opt for layered neutral kind of interiors and they also introduce a lot of mirrors in the decor, alongside long sheer drapes and neutral textures placed on top of each other. In addition, the firm’s design process is based on tailoring the design with the client, to create realistic living places that also happen to be beautiful and luxurious. When it comes to staging, they start by identifying what the buyer’s demographic is and then they proceed to tell their story.
When asked what inspires her the most, Eisen mentioned other designers,
“I love seeing what people are doing, it keeps me on my toes. I love seeing new lines of furniture and how they’re used in spaces and new textures and art.” She also gives special attention to Kelly Hoppen, admiring her unique style that exudes an unmatched level of calmness. Being such a prestigious enterprise comes with its challenges, and for IMG, the biggest one is inventory, as Eisen discloses
THE WINNERS OF THE COVET INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Asya by Ptang Studio Limited
The Covet International Awards is a fierce design contest organised by Covet House and the Covet Foundation that seeks to promote the most outstanding interior design projects in the world. This is a unique ceremonial distinction that was created with the purpose of reviving the value and meaning of art, design and craftsmanship. The international awards are divided into a series of categories, including residential, commercial, hospitality and students. The winners of each category have already been announced and during the occasion of Milan Design Week, design enthusiasts and industry professionals will get to discover the Best of the Best. But first, let’s meet the projects and the creative geniuses behind them.
Dio by Gareth Seah
RESIDENTIAL PROJECT TALBOT COOLEY INTERIORS Established in 2001 and based in Houston, Texas, Talbot Cooley Interiors, otherwise known as TC Interiors, is an experienced design firm that focuses mainly on creating sophisticated and unique interiors, where comfort and practicality come together beautifully as one. Talbot Cooley often incorporates her own custom designs into the timeless spaces she creates, while also taking into consideration the vision of her clients. She has mastered many design styles, including contemporary, French casual and edgy traditional, and a few years back, the designer completed the interiors of two astounding residences in Texas, Blalock and Somerland Way.
Mary Mcdonald interior design
CONTEMPORARY QUEENS
by Domenico Dolce Some of the greatest European painters were the masters that
These queens were dressed in Dolce&Gabbana Alta Moda and
inspired Domenico Dolce to photograph beautiful women,
Alta Gioielleria creations, in a sumptuous and opulent set of Ba-
something that began two years ago during his Alta Moda event.
roque interiors. Domenico’s compositions are not only a tribute
Iconic images that are now in an extraordinary book that also
to feminine beauty and charisma, but a revitalisation of the im-
presents 140 inspiring illustrations.
age of sophisticated and timeless luxury.
Domenico Dolce was the photographer, designer and tailor of
The 40 paintings highlight an array of artist, from Bronzino to
this project. He chose and prepared the clothes, accessories and
VigĂŠe Le Brun and from Tiziano to Mengs, showing the most fas-
jewellery for each of the ladies, transforming them into contem-
cinating princesses, empresses and noblewomen of the past five
porary queens.
centuries, creating a picture gallery between the past and present.
BOOKS WE COVET //
Italian craftsmanship, along with their expression of compulsive love for an authentic Italian lifestyle, let us see their “Dedeist” vision.
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20TH & 21ST
CENTURY FURNITURE, ART & ANTIQUES A much-anticipated design gallery featuring a highly-curated online exhibit of contemporary design, renowned designers and emergent cutting-edge newcomers. As a frontier between design & art, Design Gallerist uncovers new developments in contemporary design, broadcasts international design shows, gives you interviews with design icons, previews gallery showings and guides you through the most important breakthroughs in contemporary design.
WWW.DESIGNGALLERIST.COM
MOUTH NEON LAMP BY STUDIO JOB As part of the BLOW collection, the collaborative design brand between Job & Seletti presented this neon wall light that aptly summarises the brands cheekiness and pop design spirit. Featuring a red neon edge that produces a soft diffused light. Website: www.studio-job.com
LUMIERE ROUND MIRROR BY BOCA DO LOBO An artful, large round wall lamp sculpture made out of wood, folded by polished stainless steel that portrays a perfect mirror. Through the manual fitting of hammered polished brass sheet bursts an antique fixture with an intricate edge detailing arm, topped by an elegant pane lantern, handsculpted by a casting mold. Website: www.bocadolobo.com
FINE WINES & FOOD FAIR AT VILA VITA PARC
The astonishing Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa in Porches, Algarve is certainly one of the most stunning resorts in Portugal and worldwide. From 5-13 May 2019, the luxury hospitality venue hosted the biennial event, Fine Wines & Food Fair. Guests can expect to have a delightful week of pure gastronomy, delectable cuisine and mouth-watering creations, paired with the finest wines! The celebration of gastronomy takes place every two years at the luxury property, located in a picturesque clifftop setting on the enchanted Algarve coast. The programme for the 2019 edition will be mainly comprised of awe-inspiring gastronomic experiences with a series of themed dinners.
This year, some of the major international guest chefs include Thomas Allan from The Modern (NY), Christian Bau*** from Victor ’s Fine Dining in Saarland (Germany), Jan Hartwig*** from Atelier in Munich (Germany), Jacob-Jan Boerma*** from De Leest in The Netherlands, Annie FÊolde*** from Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence (Italy), Karlheinz Hauser** from Restaurant Seven Seas in Hamburg (Germany), Dieter Koschina** from Vila Joya, in the Algarve (Portugal), Nigel Haworth* from Northcote in Lancashire (UK), among many other renowned names in the industry.
HOTEL DE RUSSIE ROME, ITALY
Rome, one of the most requested destinations for those who love history, the capital of an ancient empire that contributed to modern language, religion, politics, art, literature, architecture and engineering and so on. It is one of the most privileged cities with architectural patrimony and where the sense of place makes more sense than any other city in the world. As we use to say in Rome, do as the Romans do, the Rocco Forte family took this concept of sense of place as their philosophy, and that’s what turns their hotel chain so unique. They started the company in 1996 and nowadays have 14 hotels all over the world, including in Italy, the UK, Belgium, Berlin, Germany, Russia, Saudi Arabia and China.
BACCARAT HOTEL NEW YORK, USA
It only takes a few seconds when stepping inside this incredible hotel for one to immediately feel the luxury state of living, the perfect combination of the noble heritage and the perfect craft of the legendary French crystal company with a modern flair and elements. At the ground-floor entrance, we were welcomed warmly by a fourfoot-tall dual-sided fireplace paying homage to Baccarat’s furnaces, which are stoked 24 hours a day to produce the world’s most coveted crystal. Behind the entrance, a wall is formed with nearly 2,000 Harcourt glasses, the brand’s most iconic crystal piece. Laid horizontally and illuminated with LED lights, the installation subtly flickers and flashes throughout the day. After being hosted by the nicest Concierge, we were invited to meet one of the 114 sanctuary-like guest rooms and suites. When arriving at our room, it was crystal clear that we had arrived at Baccarat’s crown jewel. This room was designed like a pied-àTerre and we felt at home with the delicious delights from French gourmet house Ladurée and a custom desk, sconces and table lamps by Baccarat. This suite conjures the alchemy of modern day in Paris through a Baccarat lens. Luxurious artistry gives way to beauty beyond measure. All the amenities were charming and, we must say, we slept like babies that magic night. This was the Baccarat experience as a luxe personal escape. The Afternoon tea experience reaches new heights with a Tea Sommelier offering a special pairing of tea by Mariage Freres and culinary delights invented to complement the experience. Introduced first with King Louis XV Tea and Prince of Wales Tea, the journey through the senses is now exploring Russia with the Tsar Nicholas tea, dubbed Best Tea by Bloomberg.
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL PARIS, FRANCE
Paris, known as the city of love, is surrendered by luxury and now concentrates some of the most inauspicious places, including the most luxurious hotels, complemented by the most exotic and glamorous restaurants, and the events that the world follows so closely. The French capital is indeed charming and full of vibrancy, which does not seem to slow down anytime soon, not even when the city darkens to give life to the lights that make this the perfect place for all lovers. To confirm this scenario, the most luxurious hospitality experiences in the world are born: Shangri-La Hotel Paris is the most perfect example of that. This glamorous hotel offers unique breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower as well as the many iconic monuments of the city. Comfort, luxury and glamour are present throughout one’s stay.
With an impressive architecture from the late 19th century, the Shangri-La Hotel Paris consists of 100 unique rooms and suites; three restaurants that feature scrumptious dishes that will awaken all the senses of those who experience them and one bar with the best cocktails in the city and several lounges scattered around the space where you can relax and enjoy. At Shangri-La, everybody is transported to another era, since even in the smallest details, the 19th century is never forgotten. If you love the Parisian style, opt for the Eiffel View Room, from which you can contemplate the symbol of the city through the huge windows that will make you feel like a true Parisian. At Shangri-La, everybody is transported to another era, since even in the smallest details, the 19th century is never forgotten. If you love
GRAN HOTEL INGLÈS MADRID, SPAIN
Considered one of the landmarks in the hospitality world, Gran Hotel Inglés went from a neglected space to one of the most sophisticated places for one to spend time in Madrid. Elegant and sophisticated, but always without losing the building’s history, the place that was once the meeting point for intellectuals is now a five-star hotel to spend some well-rested time in. Redesigned and renovated by the Rockwell Group, the leading design team made sure to bring back the hotel’s glory days. The design concept of the 165-year-old hotel is now in vogue, replenished with all the luxury decor elements that go from stylish wood found in the rooms to the plush velvet and leather furniture that defines the aura of the hospitality project. The team also introduced elegance and sophistication to the lobby, celebrating its 20’ ceilings with circular chandeliers and inspired by a class English manor. Some of the hotel’s original chandeliers and columns were restored and featured. A central lobby
bar is surrounded by a cocktail lounge with clusters of area rugs and a range of seating, creating a marvellous gathering spot for hotel guests and visitors. The spaces feel delicate, yet intimate. With trendy looks that go form wallpaper prints of vintage hotel postcards to the use of one of the most majestic materials, marble. The Rockwell Group brought elegance into a modern space that feels like home. With an excellent service to guests, you can count on award-winning products on the four spa treatment rooms, an excellent menu when it comes to gin and breakfast service, that goes from the most traditional Spanish cuisine to the food of the modern world. Currently, with one of Madrid’s top restaurants, chef Willy Moya is at the helm of Lobo 8. Undoubtedly a tasting experience, the menu changes seasonally and it will surely add some glamour to your travel experience.
Address : Calle de Echegaray, 8, 28014 Madrid, Spain Website: www.granhotelingles.com/en/
JOIA RESTAURANT MILAN, ITALY
SHANG PALACE PARIS, FRANCE
Chef Samuel Lee Sum Situated inside the amazing Shangri-La Hotel in Paris, one of the
Chef Lee Sum discovered a love for cooking through his mother’s
most renowned and celebrated hospitality designs in the world,
family. They introduced him to the subtleties of traditional
Shang Palace provides a fine-dining experience through the world
Chinese cuisine, which is a subject he can happily talk about all
of Cantonese cuisine, with a menu that pays homage to China’s
day. In his dishes, there’s a stunning combination of colour and
full flavours and authenticity. In 2012, Shang Palace had the
ingredients that are complemented by the natural flavours of high-
honour of becoming the first Chinese restaurant in France to be
quality seasonal produce.
awarded a Michelin star.
When it comes to cuisine, the sautéed live rose lobster with crispy
Inspired by the Canton and Huaiyang regions’ culinary traditions,
shallots and the marinated foie gras and bean curd in Chaozhou
the restaurant has become one of the most popular gourmet
style are highly recommendable. In addition, the deep-fried squids
destinations among tourists due to its ability to provide authentic
with pomelo and lemon peel and the poached chicken with Sichuan
Chinese cuisine, prepared by the brilliant Chef Samuel Lee Sum,
chilli sauce are also excellent choices for a superb dinner that really
whose main goal is to always challenge himself to improve his
embodies the best out of Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant also
already-phenomenal cooking. After spending six years as an
features a valuable list of fine wines, including the extraordinary
executive chef at top establishments in Tianjin and Kunshan, he
Puligny-Montrachet, which will certainly be the cherry on top of
took on the challenge of becoming the head chef of one of the best
the visit for any wine connoisseur.
restaurants in the world.
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