Branded hotel souvenirs are getting an upgrade. In this case, W Hotels has collaborated with French creative Thomas Lélu to design a range of collectable merchandise. Jenny Southan reports
W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 hotel brands, has launched an exclusive collection of canvas tote bags and notecards, enscribed with handwritten quotes from contemporary French artist, photographer and author, Thomas Lélu.
Lélu has crafted a unique space for himself in the art world, quickly amassing a community devoted to his thought-and-often-smile-provoking conceptual art and visual commentaries. Embracing this talent, W Hotels – a brand committed to championing artists who bring fresh perspectives and mirror its core values of curiosity and originality – saw Lélu’s work as a “perfect pairing”.Inspired by the dynamic W Hotels lifestyle after his recent visits to the newly transformed global flagship W New York – Union Square and West Coast flagship W Hollywood, the collection features five custom quotes printed on tote bags and note cards.
“Can I stay a bit longer? Stay forever.”
“Hi! Could you bring me a cocktail? I need attention.”
“Are you in love? No, I’m at the pool.”
“Wake me up when there’s no WiFi.”
“Sometimes all you need is a one-way flight.”
Available to buy online at the W Store, the merchandise will also “soon” be available to purchase at W Hotels around the world.
George Fleck, senior vice-president and global brand leader for W Hotels, says: “Thomas Lélu’s unique ability to capture the current cultural zeitgeist in a witty, sometimes provocative, and always relevant way truly embodies our W Hotels brand’s DNA, and we’re excited for our guests to experience this exclusive collection.“Collaborating with this visionary artist, rebel, and creative has been truly enriching to our global brand transformation and how we can communicate the fascinating new universe of W Hotels, with Thomas inspired by simple and hilarious moments from his travels of our hotels around the world to craft something that piques the curious travelers’ interest.”
Lelu says: “Collaborating with W Hotels has been an incredible experience, especially given the brand’s storied legacy of setting new standards in the lifestyle hospitality sector. W Hotels has always been at the forefront of innovative design and experiences, and this collaboration allowed me the creativity to contribute to that tradition.
“With this collection, I wanted to capture the vibrant energy that defines W Hotels while celebrating the unique moments that make every journey unforgettable.”