MARY STORRAR

“A LINK THROUGH WATER

Like Paris and Venice, the water at the heart of these cities is turbulent, dynamic and fast-moving. Taking the plunge, a quiet interlude in a hotel spa in the heart of these cities brings comfort and serenity, like a haven from the world. When you get out of the water, wrapping yourself in a soft towel prolongs the experience of a cocoon of well-being. The wrap-around collar I designed, padded and voluminous in terry cloth, recreates this cocoon of softness on the tunic. I insisted on a volume that was both fluid and fixed, but that was also soft. The elegance of the tunic and trousers, embellished with gold, is reminiscent of the sophistication of the spa at the Nolinski Paris hotel.

A LINK THROUGH ART AND HISTORY

The tunic is inspired by the costumes of the commedia dell’arte, of Venetian origin, itself inspired by the Comédie Française located near the Hôtel Nolinski Paris. One end of the terrycloth collar is shaped like a strawberry, and the long jacket and trousers are reminiscent of the shapes of traditional theatrical costumes. The stripes and pleats echo those used historically in costumes, but the structure of the suit adds sophistication and timeless chic, thanks to the collar inspired by the Parisian dinner jacket.

A LINK THROUGH ARCHITECTURE

The whole outfit is inspired by the very environment of the Nolinski hotels. The trousers, dyed using the ‘shibori’ technique, imitate concrete and marble, an echo of history and sophistication, but also an invitation to travel, to dream, with the reminder of the clouds on the grand staircase. The geometric gold ‘sublimation’ lines on the collar and sleeves echo those of the Nolinski hotel logo, highlighting the couture style of the interior architecture. The pleats are also gilded on their edges, as is the case on the arches of the Nolinski Venice hotel restaurant. The elegant mosaic-effect embroidery of the squid is the same as that found in the showers at the Hotel Nolinski Venice. The shape of the winged shoulders is inspired by the angles of the modern mouldings in the Nolinski Paris hotel.

With its attention to detail, this creation embodies the couture inspiration and sophistication of the Nolinski hotels.”

VOTE