It’s in a hotel in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower, that we meet designer Olivier Lapidus. And he knows this hotel well, having created it from scratch. A crazy gamble, since this is the first time he’s ventured into the hotel business. A meeting organized thanks to Snap Traveller, a company set up by two young entrepreneurs to facilitate relations between hoteliers and bloggers and journalists. Created three months ago, Snap Traveller makes it a point of honor to find unique and original hotels, far from the uniform chains and palaces. It was in one of these nuggets, therefore, that we met Olivier Lapidus.
After running the family fashion house from 1989 to 2000, and releasing several capsule collections, Olivier Lapidus embarked on this new adventure. It was on his return from China, where he had spent several years, that he came up with the idea of adapting his dressmaking techniques to design by creating a hotel from scratch. For him, “the world of couture, which is limited to fashion, is over”. These days, a couturier not only makes clothes, but also accessories and jewelry, and can even create his own boutique, which is akin to design.
It was in a former Parisian hotel, the Passy Home, that he decided to set up shop. After 3? years of renovation, Hôtel Félicien was born. Open for just 3 months, the hotel aims to be upscale yet accessible to all.
From rugs to furniture, tables and armchairs, everything comes from the imagination of Olivier Lapidus. His credo: combine craftsmanship and innovation. Indeed, craftsmen and researchers worked together to create the furniture. His pride and joy: woven fiber optics. Never before used, it can be found throughout the hotel, from living room curtains to bathroom walls. Thanks to woven fiber optics, the furniture changes color for a warm, cozy ambience.
The hotelier wanted to play with color, light and materials. Glass, for example, is used extensively. In the breakfast room, his sketches are etched into the glass, creating an impression of relief. Leather floors, flannel and metal furniture, silk curtains – the furnishings are original and innovative. Even more impressive: fabric becomes a decorative accessory in the bedrooms. Paintings are made from dress fabrics or embroidered textiles.
In terms of organization, his hotel consists of 6 floors, each with its own universe. Each floor is named: the black floor on the1st is rather masculine, with the use of black and leather. On the other hand, the 6th floor, the Sky floor, is very delicate and feminine, with white and silk. Oliver Lapidus designed each floor as a unique collection with its own characteristics. The highlight is the top-floor suite with roof terrace and Jacuzzi. The hotel also boasts a spa, massage room and gym.
Even if he doesn’t want us to think of his hotel as a museum, the Hôtel Félicien is nonetheless a unique and exceptional place. A must-see, at least out of curiosity.
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