The Belmond Cadogan
The Project
One of London’s most anticipated openings in recent years, the refurbished Belmond Cadogan is a sanctuary at the crossroads of the city’s most stylish neighbourhoods between the luxury of Knightsbridge and the artistic spirit of Chelsea. Past meets present at this iconic London landmark, which was originally built in 1887 by the little-known architect HB Brace. The renovation of the historic building has preserved the heritage, while instilling a modern-day relevance.
Quintessentially British and steeped in history Oscar Wilde was a frequent guest infamously being arrested in 1895 in room 119 and it was home to the actress and royal mistress Lillie Langtry.
The Cadogan’s award-winning chef, Adam Handling brings his energetic passion for traditional British cuisine with a modern twist and places sustainability and zero waste at the core of his philosophy.
Opening its doors at the end of 2018, this historic hotel will be fully renovated and reconceptualised. Its 54 rooms and suites will reflect the hotel’s rich heritage, creating a stylish retreat for guests with access to one of London’s most exclusive secret gardens. With this in mind, Fashionizer designed bespoke uniforms for staff including housekeeping, front of house, doormen and food and beverage that echo the hotel’s strong heritage and setting.
Fashionizer’s solution
An iconic building needs iconic uniforms and the brief was to embrace the heritage of the hotel, its gardens and the fashionable London surroundings.
Fashionizer took inspiration from a variety of muses to create the bespoke uniforms. Charming three button jackets featuring narrow collars, evoke connotations of the sixties enduring style. Traditional weaves and strong checks on waistcoats and bow ties, are a nod to the 1970s punk movement that resonates profoundly in the hotels local area. The fire-engine red of the tailored doorman’s coat is a salute to the Chelsea Pensioners, residing at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The dark blue of the food and beverage uniforms were designed in collaboration with Chef, Adam Handling and his team in keeping with Adam’s signature Modern British approach. While housekeeping and front of house dresses are adorned with botanical wildflower and red rose prints inspired by the hotel’s gardens that famously featured in the romantic film Notting Hill.
To deliver the required look, Fashionizer developed bespoke prints and sourced fabrics from premium European mills. High-spec manufacturers were used to create the finely tailored garments.
Feedback
“We loved the way Debbie and her colleagues understood our brief and immediately came up with the right idea for the doormen’s uniform which set the tone for all future planning. All our ideas never mind how outrageous were taken seriously and brought back down to earth so that they make good business sense. The use of models for the first showing was very helpful and made final selections between our two (Hotel and F&B) teams much easier. The reactions of our first two preview events were very positive and the owners love the uniforms too.” Klaus Kabelitz, General Manager, The Belmond Cadogan
“I am really, truly impressed with how everything has been going so far, in addition to having the nicest uniforms in London, the service is incredibly well organised.” Susana Fernandez, Executive Housekeeper
