Kati Chitrakorn
Fashion writer for New York Times’ International Herald Tribune and Net-a-Porter
@kchiox
Dedicated Followers of Fashion • June 2014
Check in and join the fash pack
Where do you go for exclusive shopping experiences and behind-the-scene tours of a city’s fashion scene? These chic design-led hotels, says style writer Kati Chitrakorn
Milan
You’d expect a stylish stay at the Armani Hotel, but here’s something not everyone knows. When the ‘lifestyle’ manager calls to ask if there’s anything they can do for you before you arrive, ask for the Luxury Shopping experience: not only will you receive a surprise gift from the fashion designer himself, but you will also visit the Giorgio Armani boutique in Via Montenapoleone, 2, where a dedicated personal shopper will fit you in Armani creations, followed by an aperitivo at the Armani Lounge (pictured) back at the hotel.
New York
Book the Four Seasons’ ‘Behind The Seams’ experience. You’ll meet Kathleen Beckett, a former Vogue editor, who will be your personal fashion curator. She’ll whisk you off (in a limousine, naturally) to the studios of hot designers such as Maggie Norris Couture, handbag queen Paige Gamble and jewellery designer Prince Dimitri, where you can learn about their inspiration and be one of the first to try their latest collections. More of a bargain hunter? Try the Gotham Garment District Walking Tour – the perfect introduction to sample sales at Michael Kors and Free People.
London
The InterContinental London Park Lane has teamed up with the London Luxury Quarter to offer a unique “Made in Mayfair” experience for its guests. Exploring the area’s rich history of custom goods, you’ll see how the area has evolved – with each experience tailored to your preference. You might visit London’s oldest bespoke shoemaker, Foster & Son; stop by Floris (pictured), the sole perfumer to the Queen, and learn about bespoke perfume creation; or visit Gieves & Hawkes on Savile Row for a sneak-peek into the cutter’s room.
Shanghai
Named Asia’s most stylish city in 2013 by Global Language Monitor, it is no surprise that Shanghai has stolen the fashion crown from Tokyo’s Harajuku girls and Hong Kong’s hipsters. See the best of it with Hyatt on the Bund’s No. 2 Culture Tour. A guide will take you to the parts of town that pique your interest, whether it’s the Dongtai Road Antique Market, known for its porcelain and jade, or the Nan Wai Tan Fabric Market on Lujiabang Road. At the latter, seek out Katano, which is run by an 82-year-old tailor who offers bespoke shirt and suit appointments.
Paris
Renowned French fashion stylist Isabelle Dubern offers ‘in-suite shopping’ at the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme. Following an initial consultation, a selection of the best garments from French designers, such as Alexis Mabille and Lanvin, will be brought in to your suite. If you’re not pressed for time, you can take a tailored trip to Paris’ best boutiques to see fashion designers and jewellers, from Le Bon Marché to Colette and Merci, in their workshops – the perfect opportunity to steal some insider tips from the locals.
This article has been tagged Fashion + Style, Hotels