Belle Époque Romance Meets Modern Luxury On The Seine At This Parisian Hotel
Picture this: your morning starts with a quintessential French breakfast, warm croissants, freshly squeezed orange juice, and rich café crème. You sip, you savour, and you watch as Paris slowly comes to life below, and once again the French (or you) fall in love with life all over again.
From its restaurants to its glistening Eiffel Tower suites, the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia Paris is like living the true Parisian dream. This palace-style hotel is romantically set along the street of Babylon in the 6th arrondissement, making it convenient and perfect for shopping and curious excursions around the famous Rue de Rennes. This Art Nouveau is not just an illustration of literature; it's an iconic landmark that has hosted the likes of famous artists such as Picasso, Sartre, and James Joyce.
This left-bank glamour hotel has a total of 184 rooms and suites, with the top floor featuring GRAZIA's favourite Eiffel Deluxe Rooms, which offer balconies with show-stopping views of Saint-Germain's landscape and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.
Designed by Louis‑Charles Boileau and Henri Tauzin, each room at the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia is a masterclass in Parisian elegance. Belgian oak floors, eucalyptus‑veneer panelling, and Murano glass lights that create a warm, romantic atmosphere with just the right touch of heritage. Think buttery 500-thread-count sheets, Carrara marble bathrooms bathed in natural light, and deep soaking tubs that feel more sculpture than fixture. Photo: @hotellutetia, Instagram
Although the atmosphere is something everyone feels instantly, the gastronomy at Brasserie Lutetia is truly on another level. Tucked beneath a glass roof, this is the checkpoint where Parisians mass to wine, dine, and be seen in the spirit of Saint-Germain society. Here, refined French classics are brought to life under the direction of Executive Chef Patrick Charvet, whose culinary style masterfully merges tradition with modernity. Using seasonal ingredients and delicate technique, he reimagines classic French dishes for the everyday modern diner.
Some standout plates include the perfectly seared sole meunière, elegant beef tartare, and oysters fresh from the raw bar. From sunrise breakfasts to late-night glasses of Chablis, Brasserie Lutetia delivers effortlessly chic Left Bank dining. We recommend the full experience, terrace seat included. Photo: @hotellutetia, Instagram
Stay for the oyster-leaf martinis at Bar Joséphine, where old-school Parisian novels meet modern-day mixology. Named after the iconic Joséphine Baker, it holds a mood that feels straight out of a black-and-white film. The signature cocktails are as artistic as the surroundings; floor-to-ceiling restored frescoed and velvet banquettes, topped by a jazz repertoire that flows from room to room.
From jet-lag recovery massages to Cellcosmet facials, The Akasha Spa wellness escape features a dreamy menu of treatments that include Eastern rituals with modern skincare science. Not to mention a 17-metre indoor pool, steam room, sauna, and guided meditation sessions, each detail is fashioned with maximum restoration in mind. The bonus? An in-house salon by Christophe-Nicolas Biot, an artist and mastermind in the hair world, that will leave you feeling better than when you came in.
topics: PARIS, The Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Grazia travel, HOTELS, LUXURY
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Grazia USA
5 days ago
- Grazia USA
Belle Époque Romance Meets Modern Luxury On The Seine At This Parisian Hotel
Photo: @hotellutetia, Instagram Picture this: your morning starts with a quintessential French breakfast, warm croissants, freshly squeezed orange juice, and rich café crème. You sip, you savour, and you watch as Paris slowly comes to life below, and once again the French (or you) fall in love with life all over again. From its restaurants to its glistening Eiffel Tower suites, the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia Paris is like living the true Parisian dream. This palace-style hotel is romantically set along the street of Babylon in the 6th arrondissement, making it convenient and perfect for shopping and curious excursions around the famous Rue de Rennes. This Art Nouveau is not just an illustration of literature; it's an iconic landmark that has hosted the likes of famous artists such as Picasso, Sartre, and James Joyce. This left-bank glamour hotel has a total of 184 rooms and suites, with the top floor featuring GRAZIA's favourite Eiffel Deluxe Rooms, which offer balconies with show-stopping views of Saint-Germain's landscape and, of course, the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Louis‑Charles Boileau and Henri Tauzin, each room at the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia is a masterclass in Parisian elegance. Belgian oak floors, eucalyptus‑veneer panelling, and Murano glass lights that create a warm, romantic atmosphere with just the right touch of heritage. Think buttery 500-thread-count sheets, Carrara marble bathrooms bathed in natural light, and deep soaking tubs that feel more sculpture than fixture. Photo: @hotellutetia, Instagram Although the atmosphere is something everyone feels instantly, the gastronomy at Brasserie Lutetia is truly on another level. Tucked beneath a glass roof, this is the checkpoint where Parisians mass to wine, dine, and be seen in the spirit of Saint-Germain society. Here, refined French classics are brought to life under the direction of Executive Chef Patrick Charvet, whose culinary style masterfully merges tradition with modernity. Using seasonal ingredients and delicate technique, he reimagines classic French dishes for the everyday modern diner. Some standout plates include the perfectly seared sole meunière, elegant beef tartare, and oysters fresh from the raw bar. From sunrise breakfasts to late-night glasses of Chablis, Brasserie Lutetia delivers effortlessly chic Left Bank dining. We recommend the full experience, terrace seat included. Photo: @hotellutetia, Instagram Stay for the oyster-leaf martinis at Bar Joséphine, where old-school Parisian novels meet modern-day mixology. Named after the iconic Joséphine Baker, it holds a mood that feels straight out of a black-and-white film. The signature cocktails are as artistic as the surroundings; floor-to-ceiling restored frescoed and velvet banquettes, topped by a jazz repertoire that flows from room to room. From jet-lag recovery massages to Cellcosmet facials, The Akasha Spa wellness escape features a dreamy menu of treatments that include Eastern rituals with modern skincare science. Not to mention a 17-metre indoor pool, steam room, sauna, and guided meditation sessions, each detail is fashioned with maximum restoration in mind. The bonus? An in-house salon by Christophe-Nicolas Biot, an artist and mastermind in the hair world, that will leave you feeling better than when you came in. topics: PARIS, The Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, Grazia travel, HOTELS, LUXURY
Grazia USA
15-07-2025
- Grazia USA
GRAZIA Exclusive: Inside Christine Chiu's Dazzling Return to Paris Haute Couture Week — An Exclusive Fashion Diary
Christine Chiu knows how to make an entrance — and a triumphant return. After taking a few seasons off, the global fashion authority, Haute Couture collector, and breakout star of Bling Empire made her highly anticipated comeback at Paris Couture Week 2025. Collaborating with renowned stylist Lorenzo Posocco, Chiu attended the most iconic shows of the week, including Schiaparelli, Armani Privé, Chanel, Givenchy, and Demna's emotional final show for Balenciaga. In this GRAZIA digital exclusive, Chiu invites us into her world as a VIC (Very Important Client), where fittings, show notes, private dinners, and emotional goodbyes to creative legends unfold in stunning couture. Below, read her personal diary and view exclusive photos capturing the unforgettable moments that made this Paris Couture Week her most meaningful yet. DAY 1: Arrival, Fittings, and Gala Glam Chiu's Couture Week journey began in the skies — literally. 'I bumped into my friend Alexa Dell on Air France's La Première and we ended up having an in-flight masking slumber party from LA to Paris. Too much fun, zero sleep.' The moment she touched down, it was go-time. A 4:00 PM Schiaparelli fitting was first on the agenda after learning her ordered couture gown wouldn't be ready. She quickly pivoted, sorting through backups before heading to Armani Privé at 5:00 PM for final tailoring. By 6:00 PM, she was already in glam for the Chanel High Jewelry Gala. But in true fashion chaos, Chiu discovered her collection of Chanel high jewelry pieces was locked in the bank due to the U.S. July 4 holiday weekend. Fortunately, a pair of Lion collection earrings tucked in her travel case saved the day. 'My date to this gala is Jennifer Smith and we had the best time catching up.' She missed the famous dancing horse show but still made the most of the evening, seated beside Chanel US GM Rebekah McCabe and viewing the final designs from the late High Jewelry designer. Day 2: Schiaparelli Show and Intimate Gatherings The next morning opened on a moody, rainy Paris — a perfect match for the cinematic drama of Daniel Roseberry's 'Back to the Future' Fall/Winter 2025–26 show for Schiaparelli. With Lorenzo dashing off to style Dua Lipa, his assistant Davide ensured Chiu's look — a blend of satin trousers, velvet handbag, statement jewelry, and an 'Out of This World' couture cape — was red carpet ready. A surreal twist: one of the standout looks included a beating heart motif, echoing a whimsical design suggestion she'd received from ChatGPT just days before. 'I thought it was so silly at the time and posted it on my IG with a poll … but now it's eerily accurate.' From there, Chiu rushed to the Crillon for a special W Magazine shoot with Juergen Teller recreating his iconic 1999 'The Clients' series. 'He shoots on his iPhone! I was the first client he photographed for this project.' Wearing Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda, she only wished she had brought her collection of Alta Gioielli crowns to complete the look. 'I've been buying Alta Moda since the beginning — and even Baby G's first couture was Alta Sartoria.' Next on the social circuit: a birthday lunch for Emily in Paris star Ashley Park, who had just purchased her first Birkin bag. 'Ashley bought her first Birkin in Paris at the Faubourg Saint-Honoré flagship store — and I was there to facilitate!' The group toasted with lobster dishes and rosé champagne, joined by Broadway friend Krystina. That evening, she changed into glam again for the Chanel US Fashion Dinner at Laurent restaurant. Her seatmate: the fabulous Catherine Porter, head of VIP relations at Chanel. 'Most think these dinners are stuffy — we had rounds and rounds of Pornstar Martinis.' She returned to her hotel by 11:30 PM — only to virtually clock in for her day job with Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery. DAY 3: Chanel, Couture Fittings, and Armani Privé With a 6:30 AM glam call, Chiu prepped for Chanel's 10:00 AM Haute Couture show. She noted the change in entrance — this year through the back of the Grand Palais, which led guests into the intimate Salon d'Honneur. The smaller guest list and plush interiors recreated the feeling of Chanel's original 31 Rue Cambon salon. 'The show was noticeably smaller in space and guest attendance this year. A prominent theme in this collection is the weaving in of wheat ears — symbolic of abundance.' Tradition continued with Chanel's post-show lunch — this time at LouLou's patio instead of L'Avenue. Guests dined on truffle pizza and spritzes while sharing their reactions to the collection. Chiu ducked out early for her 3:00 PM fitting at Rue Cambon. She tried on four gowns — always drawn to looks in the #50 range, often saved for eveningwear. Her Chanel team teased her about trying a suit this year. No dice. The gowns are too enticing for her to pass up. ''Très bien,' 'très jolie,' says the Chanel team… I dance around like a little girl on her birthday.' With little time to spare, she switched into glam once again for Armani Privé. Running on fumes and rosé, she brought Jessica Wang as her show date. When the expected town car didn't arrive, a party bus did. Naturally. The Armani Privé show did not disappoint. Chiu's gown was an immediate standout — sophisticated and opulent. 'The Armani Privé collections are ALWAYS beautiful – they've consistently designed for women in the most glamorous and flattering manner. Armani Privé evokes old money elegance with luxurious detailing and ultra seductive hints.' She noted a fun detail about the show's layout: 'A fun observation: Armani Privé tends to seat VICs and talent across from each other at the shows – by the cameras/press – and I have alternated sides back and forth over the years.' Following the show, she joined the Armani dinner — a coveted invitation that often overlaps with Chanel's post-show festivities. In past seasons, Chiu would try to attend both, bouncing between desserts and coffee, but this time she stayed with Armani through cocktails and dinner for a more relaxed evening. 'This year, I just stayed with Armani through cocktails and dinner and it was much more enjoyable for all!' DAY 4: Demna's Final Balenciaga Show By July 9, Chiu was in the home stretch — though the day's significance couldn't be overstated. At 8:30 AM, glam began for Demna's final show at Balenciaga. Her look included a couture feather mask turned into a bralette (a transformation only made possible by Demna's personal approval), paired with a silk skirt, pantaleggings, diamond hoops, a Jason of Beverly Hills feather ring, and wraparound shades. 'I exited the car at the show and immediately forgot to suck in my stomach… only to be greeted by Selma Hayek who complimented my look.' Inside, emotions ran high. Chiu recalled attending Demna's debut couture show in the very same salon. She reunited with friends like Katy Perry and Nicole Kidman, and congratulated Demna backstage, fighting back tears. 'After the show, I went backstage to see Demna. I congratulated him on all — fighting back tears of happiness for him.' After the show, she met with Hermès legend Michael Costes for a private shopping session and left with a secret new acquisition. 'While I won't disclose the exact bag, let's just say it was INSANE!! And I am so happy! Thank you Michael!' Caught in traffic and eager to get back to the Crillon, she jumped out of her car and ran through the streets of Paris — in heeled boots. That evening, the Balenciaga cocktail and exhibition stunned guests with archival memorabilia, including every show invite from Demna's tenure and even his original Balenciaga internship rejection letter. 'Wow. Speechless. Inspiring. His determination, talent, vision — so inspiring.' Dinner at the Gaultier atelier, catered by Caviar Kaspia, felt like the perfect palate cleanser. Later, Chiu made her final stop at Maxim's for the Balenciaga x Lorraine Schwartz afterparty. 'DJ, champagne, more food… I partied until I could no longer.' FINAL DAY: Fittings Before Departure Chiu's final day in Paris was nothing short of a sprint to the finish. She began with an early fitting at Balenciaga — becoming the first client of the morning to step into the atelier following Demna's emotional final show. There, she selected three standout looks and was walked through the intricate construction of a couture corset by the head tailor she had worked with in past seasons. One gown in particular spoke to her instantly, and she placed an order on the spot — securing exclusive rights to ensure it wouldn't be seen on anyone else. From Balenciaga, she rushed to her final appointment of the week: a re-see at Schiaparelli. While Daniel Roseberry was busy with press interviews, Chiu was measured by the tailoring team and had the chance to revisit her favorite pieces from the runway. She was thrilled to try on two alternate gowns she loved, but disappointed to learn that her top choice had already been tagged for press or celebrity dressing, and ultimately waiting for the completion of her original custom gown before placing her final order. 'No, sorry, I don't want to purchase a couture look that will be dressed on someone else — celebrity or not.' And with that, Christine Chiu's whirlwind Couture Week came to a close. 'What I love most about haute couture in general is that each piece looks stunning at first sight, but the experience continues when you examine closely and find all sorts of surprises in the detailing and intricacies of the material.' Photography by Arthur Gareev, Victor Telles, Celin May, Marion Felicite Hair by Erica Campos Makeup by Ayamini Shimura Styling by Lorenzo Posocco Additional Credits: Hotel de Crillon
Grazia USA
11-07-2025
- Grazia USA
These 6 Arab Designers Ruled The Haute Couture Runway At Paris Fashion Week
Photo: Supplied While this Paris Couture Week was perhaps more pared-back than previous seasons, with big houses including Valentino and Dior (following the announcement of Jonathan Anderson stepping into the role of creative director) opting out of the official FW25 calendar this July. But it was the Arab designers showcasing who really came out on top for the Fall '25 Couture Week. These individual creatives from the Middle East continue to reshape the industry, rewriting rules and creating beyond imagination. From Elie Saab's exploration of otherworldly beauty to Rami Al Ali's historic debut as the first Syrian designer to showcase on the official Paris Fashion Week calendar, these Arab designers ruled the Haute Couture runway this season. Elie Saab Photo: Supplied Elie Saab's latest couture collection, 'La Nouvelle Cour' is the embodiment of a woman's otherworldly beauty. With designs which are effortlessly regal. Said to be an expression of feminine grace, this collection created a realm of its own, where temptation and tradition collide. A royal fantasy, full of delicious pastels, an ode to the lavish delights of the queen herself, Marie Antoinette. With a more is more attitude, playing with voluminous skirts of silk gazar, capes, and silk shrugs. This was contrasted with the Lebanese couturier's exceptional tailoring and imperialist sophistication, coloured in black with gold accents. Georges Hobeika Photo: Georges Hobeika Lebanese couturier Georges Hobeika's latest collection aimed to create a bridge between the past and the present. Utilising ancestral techniques and craftsmanship to create the pieces, the work was focused on exquisite details from beaded bodices, dressed dripping with crystal fringe and monochromatic 3D appliqué, which escaped the body of the gowns. Enhanced by the colour story moving from light neutrals and blushes to burgundy and black, adorned with metallic appliqué. Telling the story of a person finding themselves, being confident and planted in their identity and beauty. Zuhair Murad One of the greats of couture, Zuhair Murad continued his legacy with his latest couture collection entitled 'A Sheer Desire'. A tribute to the Golden Age, the runway saw a lineup of looks reimagining this age, highlighting a woman's power and triumph, creating a striking beauty which reigns supreme. Gowns were embellished with cabochons, beading, baroque and pearls – a tribute to the glorious gowns and costumes of the film era. Ashi Studio Photo: Ashi Studio This season, Saudi-born designer Mohammad Ashi embodied contemporary couture, creating a collection which defied expectations of the industry. The collection was a whirlwind of emotions, with no name and no story. Instead, inspired by life, with no guarantee and clear direction, this collection took a personal journey completely up for interpretation. With a modern approach to couture, corsetry is at the core of the collection. Tony Ward Photo: @tonywardcouture Instagram Titled 'Entre Rêve et Regard', Tony Ward showcased a collection which was inspired by masquerade and theatre, where a person crosses this line, becoming someone else. Where using opulence and costume is self-expression. The collection featured a slew of handmade 3D appliqués, baroque embroidery, covering designs which are structural and deliberately sharp, creating a sense of power. Corsetry is used to create a structure which allows the delicate embellishments to feel like armour. The voluminous sleeves and fluid sheer lace movement deliberately contrast the stiff shapes and feel like a form of self-expression. Rami Al Ali Photo: @ramialaliofficial Instagram Making his debut at Paris Couture Week, Rami Al Ali became the first Syrian designer to showcase in the French capital. The designer, who is based in Dubai, unveiled a collection entitled 'Guardian of Light' rich in Syrian culture, paying homage to his homeland using wood inlays, historical embroidery and copper motifs to create glistening patterns. The vibrant dresses were in soft pastels, made of crepe and silk, which moved softly, creating a sense of freedom, also representing the designer's hope and optimism for the future of his country. This bright, uplifting collection is Al Ali's hope and optimism for the future of his country.
