Since its inauguration on 1st June 1898, the Ritz Paris has embodied the elegance and intimate luxury synonym of the French “art de vivre”. The warm and glittering Ritz style was immediately adopted by celebrities from around the world, artists, crowned heads and top writers. All of them had their habits, contributing to the myth of the prestigious hotel on Place Vendome. Even today, the haute couture world feels at home within its walls, while the greatest fashion photographers work in the magnificent Ritz décor.
The universe of the Ritz Paris seduced Marcel Proust, who drew his inspiration for a À la recherche du temps perdu character from Maitre d’Hotel Olivier Dabescat; Hemingway, a permanent fixture at the bar in the company of his friend writer Scott Fitzgerald in the 1920’s; Gabrielle Chanel, who lived there, received guests and passed away within the hotel walls; Audrey Hepburn and Gary Cooper, the stars of Ariane, the great Billy Wilder classic was shot in the Ritz in the 1950’s; Gianni Versace and his runway models…
The sale glorifies the Ritz style, recognizable amongst all, harmoniously combining paintings, chandeliers and French antiques from Louis XIV to Empire style, including Regency and Louis XVI. A spirit created by its founder – César Ritz -, who perfected the tone to seduce American guests with the comfort and elegance of a hotel which combines modern American comfort and French “art-de-vivre”
Auction: From 17th to 21st April 2018. It will be preceded by an exhibition staged by a great Parisian interior designer who will transform, for a week, the salons of Artcurial’s headquarters on the Rond-Point des Champs Elysees. Events will also be organized throughout the month of March in Artcurial’s various European offices (Munich, Milan, Vienna…). The catalogue of the auction will be online in March, https://www.artcurial.com/.
