Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has announced plans to launch his own branded hotel chain.
He has already taken a first step in signing on to design a tower for the Lisboa Palace Hotel, planned to launch in Macau in 2018. Besides the Karl Lagerfeld Macau hotel, another tower in the complex is being designed by fashion peer Donatella Versace.
Lagerfeld’s company says it “in the process of studying other opportunities to open other properties around the world”.
Under the banner of Karl Lagerfeld Hotels & Resorts, his properties will include members’ clubs, restaurants and residential buildings, all under a licensing agreement with Amsterdam-based Brandmark Collective.
Lagerfeld’s contribution to the Lisboa complex features a statue of his cat Choupette at the entrance, while his own silhouette graces the room keys. In comparison, Versace’s design is more low key with the lobby decked out in gold trim and white marble, while the pool has mosaic tiles.
Both designers feature Chinese elements in their designs, with Lagerfeld weaving in Phoenix and peony emblems, and Versace focussing on dragon and chrysanthemum details.
Born in Germany 83 years ago, Lagerfeld has already collaborated with luxury Parisian hotel Le Crillon and the Metropole in Monaco, but his new business will involve his company designing entire hotels.