These days’ fashion designers are putting their personal stamp on much more than clothing and accessories. Some, like Guess owners Maurice, Paul and Armand Marciano, are getting behind spirits and wine with the purchase of a landmark L.A. liquor store. Others like Roberto Cavalli are into opening nightclubs. Still others like Justin Timberlake and Sean Combs want to do it all – fashion, music and food. And then there are the designers who put their personal stamp on really big projects … like hotels. Trust me, these three luxury resorts owned by fashion’s elite are the ultimate places to stay. How could they not be? They are tailor made, after all.
Armani Hotel Milano, Milan, Italy
It should come as no surprise to anyone that Italian designer Giorgio Armani owns a hotel, and in Milan, one of fashion’s top capitals. Nor should it be a surprise that the hotel bearing his name should be so luxe. There are 95 rooms at the 79 year old designer’s boutique hotel on Via A. Manzoni, all boasting the signature sleek and minimally modern Armani aesthetic. We’re mostly impressed with the Armani Signature Suites: two duplex units, one with its own private gym and the other with its own private cinema. Both have Armani amenities, of course. This is one of the posh fashion hotels in the world. The great attention to details is one of the outstanding things about the place. It is said that Armani himself oversaw the entire arrangement down to the bath towel. The mother-of-pearl doors, the beige leather-lined walls, the backlit headboards are some of the things that will surely catch your eyes. Isn’t the lap of luxury a nice place to be?
Via A. Manzoni, 31
20121 Milan, Italy
+39 02 8883 8888
www.armanihotels.com/en/index.html#milano
Missoni Hotel, Kuwait
Missoni’s second branded hotel is as lavish as the Italian fashion house itself. The 169 room fashion paradise bears the brand’s signature zigzag patterns and stripes everywhere in the hotel, from the bedrooms to the pool that overlooks the Arabian Gulf. Those who book the opulent Suite d’Oro are treated to amenities like a designer lounge with designated ‘relaxation’ and ‘work’ areas, a pantry for mixing up some mocktails at your bar (alcohol is illegal here), complimentary movies and iPods, of course. Naturally there are Missoni robes, linens and assorted goodies scattered throughout the accommodation, including the bathroom where you’ll find Missoni branded bath and body amenities, slippers and eye popping towels. The option to add another ‘Missoni Room’ to the Suite d’Oro is offered, if you find you really need to spread out with more Missoni around you. No doubt it is worthy of being one of the world’s best fashion hotels.
Symphony Complex
Gulf Road
PO Box 1113
Salmiya 22012, Kuwait
+ 965 2577 0000
www.hotelmissoni.com/hotelmissoni-kuwait
Palazzo Versace, Queensland, Australia
The Palazzo Versace in Queensland, Australia tops the chart of world’s finest fashion hotels. Nothing Donatella Versace does is insignificant, and her Australian hotel property is no exception. It’s luxurious in a very big way. The Italian designer’s Gold Coast resort is as opulent as the late Gianni’s over the top South Beach villa. Everything on the property is custom Versace, from the Palazzo Versace bespoke guest amenities to the black robes and slippers to the Versace crystal from which you’ll be drinking the libations whipped up at your own in-room bar. With 200 rooms as well as a spa, fitness facility and three award-winning restaurants on site, you might just say there’s more than enough Versace to go around. The grandeur does not end here. You will have access to the exclusive waterfront setting, spectacular architecture, and Versace inspired furnishings.
94 Seaworld Drive
MainBeach
QLD 4217, Australia
+61 7 5509 8000