Diane von Furstenberg Unveils Her Designs for Claridge's
Yesterday evening, Diane von Furstenberg discussed her first interior design project for a series of rooms and suites designed exclusively for Claridge's, the Art Deco jewel in Mayfair, London.
The legendary designer is a longtime guest and friend of the hotel. Claridge's and Diane von Furstenberg have enjoyed an intimate relationship since the 1970's and some of her past collections have even been inspired by the renowned hotel.
"I am so excited, humbled and flattered to design rooms in my favorite hotel," said von Furstenberg at the unveiling which she hosted at her headquarters in New York. "It is the ultimate hotel. I have been staying there for 30 years. It is the only place where they still call me 'Highness'!"
"Claridge's is so unique," she added. "There are no other hotels like it."
For Claridge's, von Furstenberg designed rugs, furniture, cashmere throws and fabrics for the rooms. At her headquarters in Manhattan she unveiled design boards for several of the rooms. She explained she paid special attention to such furniture pieces as vanity desks and TV/entertainment centers. "Both of which are very important," she said. "Vanity is very important to me!"
The design boards revealed bold colors and several different animal prints. Her original furniture designs appeared to be classic and traditional.
"One of my fondest memories was when I was in London as a young, independent businesswoman and stayed at Claridge's. I knew I had made it," she explained. "To me, Claridge's is the most glamorous hotel in the world; I regard it as my home away from home. I am honored to become part of the hotel's legacy and rich design history.'
Stephen Alden, CEO Maybourne Hotel Group, which owns and manages Claridge's, (in addition to The Connaught and The Berkeley), was in from London to introduced von Furstenberg at the event. "Our collaboration with the talented Diane von Furstenberg is the latest storyline within our history of forward-thinking design," he said. "Diane's personal love and passion for Claridge's provides a unique perspective which she will draw upon in executing her creative vision."
On June 23, the first five "keys" (hotel lingo for rooms and suites) will be unveiled. von Furstenberg is designing more than 20 rooms in total for the legendary hotel. Claridge's is a Luxist Awards' Readers Choice Award nominee for best city hotel.
