The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago

Welcome to The Gwen, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Michigan Avenue Chicago. Inspired by the 1920s golden age of luxury on Michigan Avenue, the juxtaposition of Chicago’s sometimes beautiful, sometimes harsh climate and the landscape against the site’s proximity to luxury flagship retailers, the designers got to work. Every detail of the design was impacted and influenced by the historical and physical context, from a color palette that ties into the city’s seasons, to patterns, finishes, reminiscent of what is referred to as Chicago in the 20’s “A Decade of Luxury” and furniture and lighting details inspired by the proximity to Chicago’s Magnificent Mile of lavish retail. The hotel’s entry is the showcase for replicas of Gwen Lux’s original sculptures. As well, a photo mural of the artist herself seemingly welcomes guests to her studio. To ensure seamless delineations for guests to work and socialize, the lobby’s linear layout called for thoughtful space planning. Bronze metal screens inspired by the vertical art deco fluting on the building’s façade and built-in furniture groupings create natural meeting spaces and niches. The lobby’s focal point, a commissioned sculpture, is a modern nod to the sculptress Gwen Lux. Furniture is adorned by luxurious velvets, leathers, and faux furs, which adds texture amidst the light blue, green, bronze, grey, and black color palette. In the Upstairs at The Gwen bar and lounge, materials and form continue to draw on luxurious art deco designs and the building’s historic elements - bronze metals, marbles, a brass channeled bar edge, and antiqued mirror. A large metal mesh modern chandelier accents the design like jewelry. The palette shifts to tonal variations of ivory and mink-grey with deep charcoal accents in the guestrooms. Pale peach, pink, and deep greens in pillows and blankets are a contrast against the neutral palette. Meant to evoke a sense of leisure, sophistication, and refinement, the rooms juxtapose masculine furnishings and materials with feminine influences in the art and details. A custom mural, influenced by Gwen Lux’s actual carvings, serves as a memorable backdrop against the upholstered headboards. Last, but certainly not least, the design team was so inspired by Gwen Lux that through their influence and recommendation, the hotel now bears her name and is known simply as “The Gwen.”