Hotel management company Marugal has unveiled Vermelho, a 13-room boutique hotel located in the heart of Melides, Portugal designed by French fashion designer Christian Louboutin.
Louboutin’s connection with Melides dates back over a decade, originating from a spontaneous visit after a stay at his retreat in the village of Comporta. Drawn to the village’s sand pine forest and rice lagoon, Louboutin undertook the restoration of a small fisherman’s shack there. Since that discovery, he has returned each June for inspiration and to curate his winter collections.
“I realized many people have the fantasy of designing or owning a hotel,” says Louboutin. “I like to make my dreams a reality. That is why Vermelho was born.”
The hotel’s name, Vermelho, meaning “red” in Portuguese, pays homage to Louboutin’s iconic color. The name also carries echoes of the French word “merveille,” or marvel in English, and vermeil, a goldsmith’s term denoting silver plated with a thin layer of gold.
The designer worked with architect Madalena Caiado, textile advisor Carolina Irving, and Patricia Medina to bring his visionary concept to life. Reflective of Louboutin’s audacious spirit, Vermelho features an eclectic, maximalist aesthetic where diverse styles, eras, materials, and colors seamlessly coexist.
Notable design elements include a Renaissance garden-style promenade by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Ducrot; contemporary frescoes painted by Greek artist Konstantin Kakanias; red tile floors and azulejo panels in the guestrooms commissioned by Fábrica de Azulejos de Azeitão craftsmen; a glass-blown mural chandelier by Klove Studio; furnishings and housewares curated by Vida Dura; a hammered silver leaf bar created by Sevillian workshop Villarreal; and 19th-century bistro chairs from the Maison Gatti design archives.
“This project allowed me to empty my storage full of antiques and objects I have purchased over the years,” Louboutin adds. “Furthermore, it is an opportunity to show the excellence of many artists and artisans I admire.”
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