The West Hollywood EDITION
Standing in a line for over forty-five minutes tested my patience, while also resembling a fashion runway at the corner of Sunset Blvd and N Doheny Drive. With the inauguration of Edition West Hollywood, the city of Los Angeles once again consolidates its status as a "luminous jungle".
Ian Schrager is the entrepreneur and hotelier behind this new concept, which has offices in London, Miami Beach, Barcelona, New York, Shanghai, Turkey, Sanya and now Los Angeles.
Edition presents a perfect marriage between its architecture and design that permeates all the senses. Passionate, creative, avant-garde and visionary are just some of the adjectives that characterize Schrager. Considered the father of the "boutique hotel" concept, he reminds us, once again, that luxury can be taken to new heights.
Edition is undoubtedly the most innovative hotel and residence concept of the moment, and with this launch, Ian Schrager reminds us why he is considered the guru of the hotel world, encapsulating the Zeitgeist since the 70s in his creations.
His conceptual mind gave rise to the Delano hotel, in Miami, and the Mondrian, in Los Angeles, as well as the renowned Studio 54, which will forever be reflected as one of the most emblematic places of the time.
Entering Edition is entering a world where the interior spaces reflect luxury and comfort, but at the same time, a homely and warm feeling. From the outside, Edition West Hollywood looks like a modern house in the mountains of Colorado, due to the natural details that subtly frame the environment.
Renowned architect John Pawson worked hand in hand with Schrager to create a minimalist and refined space, but with the desire to maintain a warm and avant-garde atmosphere.
I am not surprised to find the work of Agnes Martin, a Canadian-American artist, who captures her abstract art in a minimalist and demure way. Her work is considered an ode to silence and introspection, characteristics that perfectly reflect the aesthetics of the place.
In turn, contrasting with the lightness of the main lobby, a Sterling Ruby installation hangs from the ceiling. Consumption, waste and the psychology behind creativity are elements that define Ruby's art without any kind of apology or censorship. However, his work reflects a certain contrast between the freedom of his artistic expression and the restrictions of social norms.
With a special pin (tiger) you got access to the hotel's new underground “dive”. After a long corridor and a long wait (once again), an elevator takes you to what at first glance looks like a basement. When the doors open, an intimate but completely modern space becomes the perfect place for a concert or a Hollywood-style “after”.
Schrager considered opening a property in Downtown Los Angeles, but says the Westside still has a certain California allure that he wanted to encapsulate. Each part of the hotel reflects different personalities, offering guests a unique experience.
Music lovers can channel their devotion in the (secret) basement bar-club. Foodies will have no choice but to head to Ardor, a vegetarian-focused restaurant by chef John Fraser that promises to delight even the most avid palate. (I have had the chance to dine at Ardor a few times, and it is worth the hype. Their milk bread with roasted tomatoes is a must).
With 140 rooms, 48 suites, 2 penthouses and 20 residences, Edition is considered a luxury hotel and residential space. The rooftop offers views of all of Los Angeles, both DTLA and the famous hills of Hollywood Hills.
Schrager continues to develop new concepts in which it redefines luxury, lifestyle and comfort. Attention to detail is essential in all its properties, so more than a stay, staying at Edition is an experience.
Article written by (Miguel Sagaz) in Spanish for Hotbook Magazine.