From my friends at Edge Management in Los Angeles comes this Press Release: Nicky Hilton to Open Boutique Hotels With Help From Designers.
“LOS ANGELES – Nicky Hilton grew up in the Waldorf Tower, so it’s only fitting that her next design venture is a chain of boutique hotels called Nicky O, the first of which is set to open in South Beach in November.
“The 22-year-old clothing, accessories and jewelry designer, whose middle name is Olivia, has partnered with Chicago-based Falor Development Group to open five to six locations in major U.S. cities. The second location will be Chicago in early December.
” ‘I am a fashionista, so I wanted to bring that element into hotels,’ said Hilton, who has asked several of her designer friends to create suites. The first to sign on is Roberto Cavalli, who will design a 5,000-square-foot penthouse suite in the Miami property. ‘I can’t reveal the other names yet, but you know them. They all have stores on Rodeo Drive,’ Hilton said, adding ‘I met with Roberto about a year ago, and what strikes me about him is how excited he is about this. Right off the bat he had so many ideas.’
“Apart from Cavalli’s gold-themed suite, which will mimic the look of his retail stores, the hotel will have a French Regency-meets-Old Hollywood style. Hilton will design everything from the lobby and guest rooms to the linens and matchboxes.
“The 95-room hotel, created from two existing Ocean Drive hotels that have been renovated and combined, will also feature a second-floor pool, Italian and sushi restaurants, a lounge and a boutique. Rooms will average about $500 per night.
” ‘I definitely want to stand out and be different, and I don’t feel that any hotels out there bring the fashion element into their design,’ said Hilton, who will be in Miami this week to “try and convince them to let me change things” in the historical property. ‘That’s definitely been the most challenging part so far.’ ”