@mrarnaut

The new Vogue Living Arabia is here, just in time of Salone del Mobile! I was first introduced to Aline Asmar d’Amman via Lebanese interior designer Chahan Minassian, who had been invited by d’Amman to participate in the refurbishment of the Hôtel de Crillon. Bringing back to life one of the most iconic hospitality projects in the world — in a no less than iconic Parisian landmark building — is by no means an easy task. So, I was excited to learn that an Arab woman was at the helm of such an important undertaking. I soon learned of her numerous accomplishments, including a furniture line designed in collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld, and the renovation of the Michelin-star Le Jules Verne restaurant, within the Eiffel Tower. When I finally met Aline in person, I fell in love with her charisma. Besides being incredibly talented and hardworking, she is the type of uncomplicated person that puts you at ease straight away, with a hearty laugh and a welcoming spirit that is truly Lebanese. However, it is not because of her affability that the founder of the studio Culture in Architecture is on this particular cover of Vogue Living Arabia, standing on the balcony of Venice’s Ca’ d’Oro. A supporting member of Venetian Heritage, d’Amman is now responsible for the design of one of the first Orient Express hotels, taking over the 15th-century Palazzo Donà Giovannelli. This sounded like the perfect occasion to spend a day in La Serenissima with the architect, who also designed the scenography of this year’s Lebanon pavilion for the ongoing Venice Art Biennale. Thanks to Aline and all the team that made this project happen! #voguelivingarabia Editor-in-chief: @mrarnaut Fashion director: @aminejreissaty Photography: @jeremyzaessinger Hair: @davidlucasparis Makeup: @lauraoboe_mua Creative producer: @allisonsam Locations: @orientexpress @paulbarlett @venetianheritage @galleriagiorgiofranchetti @toto_bergamo_rossi Special thanks to @stregisvenice Interview: @catminthe