The CAPITALS of Fashion

Spring/Summer looks for 2023 will be gracing the runways this month, and it’s been nearly 80 years since the first show opened in New York, way back in 1943. Fashion weeks allow designers, buyers and the media to socialise around the season, and offer a way to showcase a  variety of designs  in different capitals, all the while creating buzz for the industry in general and putting a spotlight on new and upcoming talent. While the industry has predominantly been overshadowed by the strength of the French fashion scene, the industry has seen many shake-ups over the last 10 years, and this year will prove no different. With new fabrication, technology, innovation all playing their part in what could be a  month of retro and renewal.

As part of the ‘Big Four’, New York, London, Milan and Paris are held back-to-back, in February and September, highlighting the upcoming looks for the seasons; Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter. For 2022 the Spring/Summer 2023 campaigns will run in New York from 9 to 14 September, followed closely by the baby of the fashion weeks, London, which will be held from 16 to 20 September. Milan overlaps slightly with London starting on 20 September and running through to the 26th, while Paris closes out the season, with the longest run starting 26 September to 4 October.

With the pressure of shows and moving around the cities to get to the shows you want to see, it’s best to make sure you have a place to stay that provides top level service and a comfortable ambience to rest at the end of the day. We’re putting our best recommendations forward for your consideration

New York, 9-14 September

Starting in New York, The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue is a sophisticated hotel, centrally located at 400 Fifth Avenue, between 36th & 37th Streets that truly represents the New York state of mind. Its 234 state-of-the-art guest rooms and suites are some of the largest in the city, with sophisticated décor, combined with the comforts of home, dazzling views of Manhattan and thoughtful amenities. The Langham boasts a residentially inspired aesthetic, topped off by a multi-million-dollar permanent art collection featuring the works of Alex Katz and two luxurious Empire State Penthouses designed by French retailer Roche Bobois, who also designed the hotel’s luxurious Empire State Presidential Suite. 

Ai Fiori, a Michelin-starred restaurant from famed restaurant group, Altamarea Group, and Bar Fiori, a destination bar and lounge, are both located on the hotel’s second floor. Rated by Forbes Travel Guide, Esquire Magazine, and The New York Times, Ai Fiori showcases modern interpretations of French and Italian Riviera cuisines, while Bar Fiori offers crafted cocktails and light bites for those that prefer a snack over a full meal. 

Part of The Langham’s appeal is the Langham Club. Located on the 4th floor and overlooking Fifth Avenue, it redefines the club concept with the ultimate in exclusivity, modern conveniences, and attentive service. Guests will be able to enjoy an elevated experience with a wide range of privileges including all-day refreshments featuring culinary presentations from the talented culinary team at The Langham, New York. 

langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/new-york/ 

The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue

400 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018

+1 (212) 695 4005 

[email protected]

London, 16-20 September

Next on the calendar comes London, and for that we suggest The Langham, London, Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’. Having first opened its doors in 1865 this hotel became famous for its extraordinary innovations that revolutionised the luxury hotel experience. So, it’s no surprise that it also became a favoured venue for celebrities, musicians, and royalty.

The Langham, London allows you to indulge in a luxurious getaway as you step into the refined rooms and suites, with unique offerings to make your stay extra special. Guests of Executive Rooms and Suites enjoy access to The Langham Club, a serene retreat offering a range of complimentary benefits including butler service, breakfast, an all-day food selection, Taittinger Champagne, pressing services and use of a boardroom.

Situation in Portland Place, at the top of Regent Street, one of London’s shopping districts, and a stone’s throw from Oxford Street, as well as Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, The Langham, London provides guests with access to the latest trends in shopping and dining.

There’s a choice of a 380 rooms and suites, and the property features elegant British style, which lends to its heritage, while providing comfort and amenities perfect for the modern traveller. Plentiful dining options such as The Wigmore, a multi-awarding winning cocktail lounge, Artesian and the resplendent Chuan Body + Soul spa, all lend to the classic resort-in-the-city feel.

The property is also home to the most traditional of pastimes, afternoon tea. As the first hotel to do so, it’s served at Palm Court, situated next to the spectacular lobby, there’s no better place to enjoy this English tradition.

langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/london/

The Langham, London

1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London, GB W1B 1JA

+44 20 7636 1000

[email protected]

Milan, 20-26 September

As the sartorial hub of Italy, Milan is an exceptional city for fashion and design. Fashionistas know to stay close to the Quadrilatero d’Oro (the golden rectangle), which teems with luxury fashion and jewellery boutiques. 

It’s for this reason we recommend the Mandarin Oriental, Milan for your stay during fashion week. It’s literally on the doorstep of the world’s fashion brands, and with 104 guest rooms, comprising 34 suites and junior suites the hotel is housed in four 18th century buildings overlooking two parallel streets, one being the via Manzoni. With its elegant façade and grand inner courtyards, it feels like a luxurious manor house, it feels like a residence than a hotel.

The hotel is home to the two Michelin-starred Seta restaurant where guests can enjoy chef Antonio Guida’s gastronomy with a contemporary take on Italian cuisine. Mandarin Oriental, Milan also features The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Milan, a haven of wellness using a holistic approach to physical, emotional and mental equilibrium, where the treatments use heritage treatments long favoured in the orient.

It’s the arrival experience at the Mandarin Oriental, Milan that sets it apart, with a lobby that resembles an elegant living room, complete with refined, contemporary décor, and a large open fireplace reminiscent of a noble’s house.

An additional bonus for this property is its proximity to Linate Airport, at just 7 kilometres, you’ll be able to catch that last minute flight to Paris for the next important dates on your schedule. 

https://www.mandarinoriental.com/milan/la-scala/luxury-hotel

Mandarin Oriental, Milan

Via Andegari 9, 20121 Milan, Italy
+39 02 8731 8888 

[email protected]

Paris, 26 September to 4 October

Rounding out a month of collections and catwalks brings us to Paris; the originator of fashion! There is no doubt that the city turned the world to the ‘new look’ and the city’s unparalleled style credentials have remained at the forefront of design ever since.

When it comes to stylish places to stay, there is a never-ending supply, however we’ve chosen Nolinski, a place where the ‘art de vivre’ is celebrated. Harking back to the Haussmann era, this property was the first from the Evok Collection, which looks to create stories in each of its distinct hotels. 

The Nolinski is nestled among the Comédie Française, the Palais Royal, Rue Saint-Honoré, and Opéra Garnier. In the morning, this neighborhood is bustling with the activity of offices, shops, hurried pedestrians, strolling tourists, and it remains alive late into the night, with Fashion Week, shows, dinners with friends, or a night at the Louvre.

The perfect pied à terre for the fashion elite. Spread over six floors, space, style and comfort come to the fore through the design genius of Jean-Louis Deniot, with each ‘apartment’ featuring its own colour scheme, adorned by sumptuous fabrics, and classic furnishings offset by contemporary treatments. 

With 45 rooms, including 9 suites, the Nolinski features an art deco inspired eatery, Nolinski Le Restaurant, an eponymous cocktail lounge in the centre of the Grand Salon or immerse themselves in the haven that is Spa Nolinski by La Colline for cutting edge treatments in an atmosphere of refinement. The Nolinski is truly set apart from traditional chain properties for its intimacy, its curiosity and its ability to immerse in the very best of ‘je ne sais quoi’.

nolinskiparis.com/en/

Nolinski Paris

16 avenue de l’Opéra
75001 Paris, France
+33 1 42 86 10 10
[email protected]

Before you go

Make sure to plan and make your bookings before you go. Reservations through the hotel’s website will often provide you with the best rate, and those added luxuries you’ll need on what is sure to be a busy and fast-paced time in each city. The hotels we’ve selected are within easy reach of the fashion events, or are well connected through ground transport, making for an interesting and varied experience, whether you want to attend every show or you want to blend in with the vibrancy of the city.