Hotel Maison des Champs-Elysées

Paris Couture Week is always amazing, especially in the summer, when the weather is nice. One of my favorite places to stay and a true insider tip is the hotel Maison des Champs-Elysées. Located in the heart of Paris’ «Golden Triangle», parallel to the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, this very special non-conformist 5-star hotel teases your expectations, with theatrical elements in a relaxed atmosphere.

Celebrating an elegant marriage of contemporary lines and unobtrusive luxury, the impressive decoration of the hotel can be seen in every detail. It is the result of the collaboration with iconic fashion designer Martin Margiela. Each corner is full of surprises and creates a magnificent setting for your stay in Paris. Offering a peaceful atmosphere and all the facilities of modern luxury comfort for good value of money, the hotel has 57 tastefully furnished rooms and suites. There is also a smoker’s lounge called the «Blind Bar» across from the lobby area that is dressed all in white, and even an outdoor terrace where you can relax and meet from morning to night in the midst of the city.

This month, I stayed at the Gilded Lounge Suite, in which artistic pretence is given perfect expression, whose walls are covered with wallpaper made from black and white photographs of the gilded lounge on the second floor. The perspectives and ornamental richness of the Napoleon III style are thereby reproduced in trompe-l’œil fashion throughout the suite. In the bedroom, a large bookcase filled with books covers the wall above the bed.

Last time, I booked the White Cover Suite. The lower part of the classic Haussmann walls with picture rails, surrounds and plinths breaks with the upper part which consists of large panels of stretched white cotton. The pictures, objects and furnishings are delicately covered with white cotton. A series of Ural alabaster lights on the bedroom ceiling become visible in the evening and frame a broad mirror, creating a magical setting.

The team is so lovely and always very happy to help with anything. I can absolutely recommend the hotel. By the way, I pay my stays and this post is not sponsored, but fully authentic.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Anouk Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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Hôtel Plaza Athénée – A Couture Experience

Chic, stylish and fashion-loving, Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris has enjoyed a long love affair with Haute Couture. Favoured by fashionistas, the spirit of couture lives on throughout the hotel in every personalised, hand-tailored detail. The location itself couldn’t be more appropriate, located on the famous Avenue Montaigne, where a century of designers and artists have pursued boldness and passion. On the doorstep you’ll find all the big-name boutiques including Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Prada.

The House of Dior has a very special connection with the hotel. Back in 1946, Christian Dior opened his first boutique on Avenue Montaigne, inspired by the idea of attracting elegant customers. In homage to his love of the hotel, his collections included creations called Plaza and Athénée. The legendary Dior Bar suit was even inspired by the chic women who frequented the hotel’s bar. Continuing this long relationship, the spa is a Dior Institut decorated with fashion sketches by Christian Dior and photos of his fashion shoots at the hotel.

«Women, with their intuitive instinct, understood that I dreamed not only of making them more beautiful, but happier too.» – Christian Dior

All of the hotel’s beautifully crafted rooms and suites are amazing but if you are a true fashionista and would like to experience something very special, I recommend a stay at the Haute Couture Suite that is entirely dedicated to Dior, something that’s reflected in its signature grey and pink tones. Subtle details like a mannequin, Dior books and a chocolate treat in a fashionable form, all add to the unique appeal.

The history of Haute Couture speaks of its passions in the charming design of this silken suite. A classical French palace ambience fills the living room, bedroom, dressing and bathroom with a sense of splendour, elaborate moldings and silver-leaf detail.

Paris Fashion Week is undoubtedly among the highlights of the year and the Hôtel Plaza Athénée a great spot to stay. In any case, if if it is designer fashion shopping you’re after, well you know all the best boutiques are just a few steps away.

And very importantly if you travel to Paris, don’t forget to buy one of the must-have luxe travel pieces from the collaboration between Dior and Rimowa. This luggage is to-die-for and just hitting the shelves…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hôtel Plaza Athénée 

My Look: Shopping in Paris

Sandra Bauknecht - Shopping in Paris

This week in Paris with Dior, I had barely time for anything but I managed to have a quick shopping spree on Avenue Montaigne, the famous shopping street in the 8th arrondissement. Personally speaking, it is one of the most beautiful destinations to indulge in high fashion in the world. It boasts numerous stores, such as Givenchy, Chanel, and Saint Laurent, as well as other upscale establishments such as the Plaza Athénée hotel, with is under construction at the moment.

My look: Smoking blazer by Balmain, slub cotton-jersey top by James Perseiconred skinny stretch-leather pants,  Sac Du Jour leather tote iconand red ankle boots, all three by Saint LaurentLady Excalibur watch by Roger Dubuis, Diorette ring and earrings, both by Dior Haute Joaillerie.

LoL, Sandra

Sandra Bauknecht in Paris Shopping

Saint Laurent Bag

Sandra Bauknecht in Paris Shopping 3

Saint Laurent Red Shoes and Pants

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht