The Dorchester Hotel's 'Summer Garden' is a luxurious outdoor dining experience that seamlessly blends British elegance with Italian avant-garde design. This collaboration between the iconic luxury hotel and the Milanese fashion house La Double J is a testament to the power of creative exploration and a celebration of maximalism. The garden is a vibrant, immersive space that invites you to leave the city's hustle and bustle behind and indulge in the exuberant charm of Italy's southern coast. It's a space that feels both lively and elegant, and very natural to the setting, with a careful balance of Italian maximalism and British refinement.
One of the key features of the Summer Garden is its attention to detail and craftsmanship. The design philosophy of 'Raise Your Vibrations' is embodied in the garden, with bold prints, layered textures, and sculptural elements creating a lighter, more dynamic contrast to the hotel's more structured and enduring spaces. The garden is a harmonious combination of the two brands, embodying both La Double J's vision of Italian glamour and The Dorchester's quintessentially British sensibilities.
The patio flooring is decorated in La Double J's signature Napoli Rosa print, a burst of warmth and beauty spreading out beneath your feet. Scalloped-shape tiles in orange, pink, and brown bring the warmth of a golden sunset across the garden floor, reflecting a fearless use of color that continues throughout the design. Every element of the garden, from the floors to the cushions to the place settings, is bursting with color and life, creating an immersive experience that balances color and movement with a sense of cohesion and typical Dorchester refinement.
The garden is also home to Lyman Whitaker's signature floral statues, which were customized to replicate the colors of Icelandic poppies. The result is a fantastic creatures garden where the sculptures dance as flowers in movement with the intensity of wind, adding magic to the space and capturing the attention of those who pass or drive by thanks to their height. The other two flowers framing the entrance are large-scale sculptures of Icelandic poppies, specifically made for the project, all made by hand and painted by Viareggio-based artist Luca Bertozzi.
In conclusion, The Dorchester Hotel's 'Summer Garden' is a luxurious outdoor dining experience that seamlessly blends British elegance with Italian avant-garde design. It's a space that feels both lively and elegant, and very natural to the setting, with a careful balance of Italian maximalism and British refinement. The garden is a testament to the power of creative exploration and a celebration of maximalism, inviting you to leave the city's hustle and bustle behind and indulge in the exuberant charm of Italy's southern coast.
