Sandra‘s Closet

A multisensorial event hosted in Shanghai at the iconic Park Hyatt depicts the Miu Miu world in a glitzy experience, with performances and a fashion show taking guests through a 1940s-flavored glamour bash.

For the occasion, one of the world’s highest hotels, possibly one of the Chinese’s megalopolis most memorable spots, has been completely restyled by renowned Hollywood set designer Carl Sprague.

Giving life to a cinematic fantasy of glamorous abandon, Sprague has created a sensational set for a party held up high in the sky setting the stage for glamorous stars to banter, dine, sing and dance the night away.

Cecilia Cheung

Zhou Dong

The event occupied five of the Hyatt’s fourteen floors. Throughout the evening a dinner, a fashion show and a series of performances and acts brought the Miu Miu world to life throughout the luxurious venue. The Supper Club style dinner, featuring the Miu Miu Fall Winter 2011/12 fashion show (see photo above), took place with models meandering through the tables. Three other floors were turned into the party venue.

Singer Florrie

Performances included London band Florrie in concert and Variety International in a unique 1940s-themed edition of their world-renowned variety show: a jazz club, an illusionist act, cabaret and much more, in a spectacular mingling of song, dance, circus and vaudeville.

Variety International

DJ sessions by Misty Rabbit and Dan Lywood animated the party until late.

The unforgettable experience transported more than 800 guests, for one night, into a parallel dimension of glamorous emotion: a depiction of the Miu Miu world in its lively complexity.

And guess why such an event took place in Shanghai?! I would say because the Chinese are the customers of the future, if not already of today…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu

View from the top

The Mandarin Oriental, Paris has officially opened its doors yesterday. The new prestigious hotel is situated in a 30s art déco building on one of the most fashionable streets in the world, Rue Saint-Honoré, surrounded by high end fashion, haute couture and steps from the Louvre.

Rooms

The 99 rooms and 39 suites were conceived by distinguished architect Sybille de Margerie, designer of LVMH-owned Cheval Blanc. Patrick Jouin, who designed Jules Verne and Alain Ducasse at Plaza Athénée, designed the restaurant and bar spaces. 2-star Michelin chef Thierry Marx is in charge for your dining experiences.

The bar

The in-house spa works with Guerlain products and offers an indoor pool and a well-equipped fitness center.

The pool

I’ve just received notice about an exclusive grand opening offer. When booking („J’aime Paris“ rate starting at  €765) between July 17 and August 28, 2011, you will be treated to a €300 voucher per room, per stay or a €500 per stay per suite to be used in the restaurant or the spa.

I love brand-new hotels especially when you are one of the first guests in a room!
And isn’t Paris always worth a visit?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental

What happens when you step into a dream? Or rather, what happens when you dream inside a dream?

Last week when I was in Milan, I stayed at the Maison Moschino. You are more than likely familiar with the Italian fashion brand Moschino and their second line Moschino Cheap and Chic but did you know that they also have a fantastic hotel?

Situated in an old neoclassical railway station on Viale Monte Grappa, 12, the hotel is the result of the creative work led by Rossella Jardini and Moschino’s creative team.

The minute you enter the lobby, you are  transported into a fantasy world. Moschino’s playful language of fashion has been transformed and adapted to design fanciful settings and surreal rooms that each tell their very own fairytale.

Divided into four floors, the 65 rooms and junior suites are all different. Magical and whimsical details reminiscent of Enchanted Forests and children’s favorites like Alice In Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood and Candyland are the themes of some of the rooms. Other elements include walls climbing with ivy, cushions and lampshades covered in roses or ribbons, ballgown beds and mystery keys. The hotel also has a restaurant and a spa. Prices are very reasonable.

Photos: © Maison Moschino

My room could not have been a better match for me. I was sleeping in the closet. Welcome to 404 and enjoy exploring all those little illusory touches.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht