Mariam Nihal Saudi Gazette Georgio Armani is surely destined to reach the same mythical status in the world of high fashion as Coco Chanel and the doyens of Parisienne couture that took fashion to extremes and on the way defined “taste” for a substantial part of the world. On the way to immortality, he has elevated the humble T-shirt to a fashion-icon. “I love the T-shirt as an anti-status symbol, putting rich and poor on the same level in a sheath of white cotton that cancels the distinctions of caste,” he once said. Interesting then that he has developed the Armani Dubai Hotel, located in the world's tallest building, the Burj Al Khalifa, as that emphasises rather than eliminates distinctions of caste. I am not entirely sure I would even be admitted wearing even an Armani T-shirt, such was the litter of Rolls Royces, Maseratis and German exotica crowding the entrance to the hotel. The creative universe begins with its essentiality Armani believes, and “whatever path the imagination takes, ends with its purity”. The hotel may be the termination of this fantastical pathway, but true to Armani style and modus operandi, it remains true to his worldlier aphorism, “To create something exceptional, your mind-set must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail”. The hotel is a magnificent testament to that, flawless in physical execution of every detail of its construction, decoration and staffing. The decorations are typically minimalist and of the finest make, relying on the quality of materials and flawless crafting of the items, from curtains through to bedside table. Perfect, all perfect. All combine to create a feeling of quiet, slightly dark exclusivity where the guest is in a world created by Armani and everything, though not immediately obvious, is at hand with the slightest flick of a switch or touch of a button. So if you have ever wondered how it feels to live, breathe and live the Armani life, this is your answer. Though removed from the egalitarian T-shirt in form, the essence of the hotel is its luxurious, perfectly crafted simplicity. The hotel uses a “Life Style” culture to look after the guests. There is a team suited and booted in Armani fabric tailored to cater your needs whatever they may be. The cosmopolitan effect with the contemporary, young and versatile feel helps one connect with Armani Dubai. The eight fine dining restaurants offer a variety of cuisines such as Japanese, Indian, Mediterranean and Italian. The quiet attentive staff never intrude on the guests personal space and privacy and seem to disappear into the background. Whatever a guest needs appears or happens seemingly without effort. It's difficult to be this simple. The result is an odd but very agreeable sense of being very private in a public space, an exclusive person or group in a private universe of quiet luxury. It is the hospitality equivalent of the Matrix, a real-unreal world where one only has to think or imagine a wish and it becomes truth. The Matrix-feel is reinforced as you slide open a door and then many more with a single human touch. My room was a mystery only I had the power to unfold. It was a private capsule, the idea being “less is more”. Each wall could be slid open to reveal another room, bathroom or kitchenette. Depending on the room specifications, the level of amenities varies. Armani/Casa furnishing with touches of mahogany, grays, brooding black and virginal whites play with the spirited ambiance of the interiors. Smooth stone, patent leather, brass fittings and cut edge designs are crafted with an eye to comfort and minimal use of space. Smooth stone and caramel colored tapestry in the dressing room stretches to the bathrooms and your living room. Huge glass windows replacing walls transmit just enough daylight into the room adding life to the surrealism. Luxury is everywhere but not obtrusive or oppressing. Concealed Bose speakers deliver pure sound where and when you choose, the touch screens operate the rooms functionality from doorbell to lighting. This Matrix is one the guest controls. The Armani Hotel Dubai contrasts with the somewhat glitzy character of Dubai in that while decidedly not the T-shirt end off the financial spectrum, it delivers as near a perfect experience, uncluttered by the social glitz often associated with life in that emirate. In one respect the minimalism is just an illusion, it takes an immense amount of work and attention to detail to make life appear this simple. And therein is the essence of the Armani Hotel. And if you feel as if you are home, you probably are or at least, could be. The 144 Armani Residences give you the lifetime opportunity to convert that suite of your dreams into a forever address. In that case, you need to call the Hampton's and seal the deal. The Armani Spa offers designer pampering, a business center, a relaxation pool, as well as 24-hour Hotel room service and comprehensive concierge service. If you wish to step out and encounter the other reality, the Dubai Mall- the home of the giant brands and retail stores and the city's largest shopping hub is close at hand. Armani Hotel guests can take home part of the Armani lifestyle experience with carefully selected products from the designers' unique in-house retail outlets. You can also get your hands on the haute-couture fashion accessories from the Giorgio Armani Prive' collection at Armani/Galleria. Indulge in Armani/Dolci that offers a selection of biscuits, chocolates and all sweet things marked with the Armani signature. If the glitz gets you and you want some contrast, then forget Beverly Hills, meet the cast here. Meet the show stoppers, paparazzi-shy models, even Abaya clad glamour in theshowroom/lobby of Armani. A picture perfect scene, the intimidating aura envelops you before you even know it. The camera is on you, and all you're waiting to hear is the director say “Action.”
