Langham marks 160 years of hospitality with cultural icons campaign
Langham Hotels & Resorts has launched a global campaign celebrating 160 years of hosting cultural luminaries, from Charles Dickens to Olympic athletes. Olivia Palamountain reports
Ahead of its 160th anniversary celebrations later this year, Langham Hospitality Group is highlighting the diverse array of guests who have contributed to its heritage since the flagship London property opened in 1865.
The campaign, which has been crafted under the tagline "Your Story. Our Legacy", launches with Olympic medallists Cheung Ka-long, the Hong Kong fencer, and Chinese swimmer Wang Shun.
Future phases will feature photographer Douglas Friedman, architect Dirk Lohan - grandson of Mies van der Rohe - and Oscar de la Renta's creative directors Laura Kim and Fernando J. Garcia.
The hotel group emphasises that its philosophy extends beyond established names to embrace "new visionaries", reflecting what it calls the brand's "inventive DNA".
"For over a century and a half, The Langham has opened its doors to changemakers and tastemakers who have defined their eras and enriched the cultural landscape," says Bob van den Oord, CEO of Langham Hospitality Group.
"Their stories form the backbone of the brand’s legacy, which underpins its stature as an enduring symbol of luxury hospitality. This campaign is not just a tribute to those narratives, but a prelude to the milestone celebrations of The Langham’s 160th anniversary happening later this year. It marks the beginning of a celebration to revere the past and define the future of our namesake."
The original Langham London, opened by the Prince of Wales in 1865, has hosted literary giants including Winston Churchill, George Orwell, Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain, as well as Napoleon III.