Interior design and fashion both belong without a doubt to the most aesthetically pleasing fields of interest in the world. Whether you’re designing a magnificent gown or putting together an interior from scratch, it’s all about combining the right materials and shapes to create a result worthy of a magazine shoot. So what if you combine both? What if you let a fashion designer in charge of decorating a whole building? And what if, as an outsider, you could benefit from it? Thanks to Christian Louboutin’s brand new hotel in Portugal, you can find out the answer to those questions.
Of course, Louboutin is first and foremost known for his shoes. The red soled heels have become a true fashion institution on their own and have been featured in many iconic movies and images over time, with celebrities adopting them from the start. But Louboutin is more than just a red sole and the designer has proven that once again by opening Vermelho in the small Portuguese town of Melides, settled on Portugal’s west coast not too far from Lisbon.
Quirky design
Twelve years after buying a house for himself in the town, he bought a second one as a business project. Initially, Louboutin wanted to turn one of the oldest houses of the village into a restaurant. Those plans changed thanks to the local mayor and the potential of the building, which proved ideal for the development of a hotel. And so, with the help of interior architect Madalena Caiado, Louboutin designed a thirteen room hotel which reflects the great sense of aesthetics of the designer.
Simple at first sight but with a great eye for detail once you get a closer look at things. That’s the general idea behind Vermelho, which mixes traditional Portuguese elements such as the typical alentejos with quirky antique finds and beautiful linens designed by Carolina Irving. Louboutin didn’t want his hotel to feel clinical nor symmetric – he wanted his guests to feel like they’re staying in a family home. That’s also the idea of the restaurant of the hotel, which is essentially a luxurious version of a Sunday family dining situation. Simple but tasteful, traditional but refined. And thanks to the bar and spa, you’ll always have something to keep you busy during your stay, even if the weather doesn’t allow for a dive into the ocean.
Prices start from 278 euros a night for a double, including breakfast.
