When I dream of the afterlife in heaven, the action always takes place in the Paris Ritz.
? Ernest Hemingway The legendary Ritz Paris is more than a luxury hotel; like Proust's madeleine, the very word "Ritz" conjures images in the mind: residential retreat, circle of high society, literary salon, fantasy film set, rock star hot spot, diplomatic refuge, bastion of French haute couture. Since its birth on June 1, 1898, at 15 Place Vendôme, the Ritz Paris has already lived many lives. In the heart of the City of Light, the Ritz Paris shines, and international luminaries from the worlds of high society, fashion, art, literature, cinema, finance, and diplomacy have illuminated its rooms, from Boni and Anna de Castellane to Barbara Hutton, Princess Grace, and the Duchess of Windsor, from Maria Callas, Coco Chanel, and Ernest Hemingway to Cornelius Vanderbilt, Winston Churchill, Marc Chagall, Marlene Dietrich, and Sir Elton John. For four years, this jewel in the heart of Paris underwent a complete transformation, and now the Ritz Paris has again opened its graceful doors to the world, a glamorous star taking the stage of the Place Vendôme with renewed spirit. This radiant volume overflows with elegant imagery illustrating the Ritz's esteemed guests and showcasing the impeccable work of architect Didier Beautemps and interior designer Thierry W. Despont to restore and rejuvenate the hotel while respecting its intrinsic history. AUTHOR: Author Laure Verchere holds a degree in art history. A former journalist for Elle Decoration, she is currently a luxury lifestyle brand artistic consultant. Verchere's other titles for Assouline include Juan Pablo Molyneux: At Home (2016), Renzo Mongiardino: Renaissance Master of Style (2013), and Antiquaires: Paris Flea Markets (2010). over 250 illustrations
