He’s made an inimitable impact on the the fashion industry with his distinctive style, and now Roberto Cavalli is turning his hand to a new venture. The Italian fashion designer is branching into the hotel business, it was announced on Monday, and is opening his first right here in the Middle East. The fashion house has inked a deal with developer Damac Properties to open a hotel in Dubai, with a launch date touted for 2023.
As part of the deal, the Roberto Cavalli Group will design the interiors for at least five luxury hotels, Gulf Business reports, which will sit under a brand named Aykon Hotels. The first will be located in Dubai Marina, with the five-star tower housing 220 rooms. Work is expected to kick off in early 2019, with the finished building featuring balconies with sprawling views of the Palm Jumeirah, infinity pools, several food and beverage options, and a Roberto Cavalli boutique. According to visuals released this week, you can expect the signature Cavalli stamp present throughout the decor, from animal print furnishings to sleek metallics and glamorous gold accents.
“This is the first of at least five hotels in 10 years,” said Cavalli’s chief executive officer Gian Giacomo Ferraris, according to WWD. Niall McLoughlin, senior vice president of Damac, added that “this is not just to bring a brand and put it on the wall”. “It has to add value for the customer. Italian brands are very clear on their DNA, and the essence of their own label.” Damac has previously created a range of Just Cavalli villas in Dubai, which opened up for purchase last year.
When opened, the Aykon hotel will join a number of fashion-brand-designed hotels in the emirate, including the Armani Hotel Dubai, the Palazzo Versace, and the Bulgari Resort and Residences.
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