Landmark, five star hotel, The Chester Grosvenor celebrates its 150th anniversary this year and, just in time for the racing season, Milliner Laura Apsit Livens has designed a stunning, individual hat that is inspired by the hotel.

Chester born Laura grew up knowing the hotel well and before her career took off -  making it more sensible to be based in London's Mayfair; she was once the hotel's milliner, producing one off creations, sometimes in a hurry, for the hotel's clientele.

Laura has her own atelier and millinery showrooms, working for her own label and also in collaboration for other design houses including Louis Vuitton and jewellers Mappin & Webb. Her star studded client list includes Paloma Faith, Rita Ora and Jessie J, as well as having worked with Phllip Treacy on the designs for the royal wedding in 2011.

Laura's design for The Chester Grosvenor was inspired by the hotel's location; next to the much lauded Eastgate clock and also by the ironwork of the sign that has hung at The Chester Grosvenor for many decades. She also took inspiration from the rich colours found in the hotel's interior.

Laura said: “It was such a joy to draw inspiration from The Chester Grosvenor. It is an icon in the city and epitomises tradition and elegance.”

“I am a staunch believer in tradition. I still use very old couture techniques, each piece hand blocked and stitched without any use of machinery to obtain the highest quality finish.”

Paul Cookson, General Manager of The Chester Grosvenor said: “Laura is such a talented milliner and also a friend to the hotel for many years. We are just delighted that she has taken the time to honour our anniversary with one of her amazing hats.”

Laura's Grosvenor hat is on display in the hotel's reception and is available to purchase for £770.00.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The Chester Grosvenor was built in 1865 when the second Marquess of Westminster saw a need in an expanding city for a larger and grander hotel. It boasted seventy luxurious bedrooms and a stable yard fit for fifty horses, and soon became one of the country's most celebrated hotels, welcoming England's future King, Edward, Prince of Wales just a few years after opening.

Many years on, The Chester Grosvenor continues to be known as a beacon of luxury, service and elegance. Its flagship restaurant, 'Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor' has held a Michelin star for 25 years, an accolade only four other restaurants in the country hold.

Laura Apsit Livens specialised in Millinery at Central Saint Martins. She was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year 2012 from London College of Fashion. Her pieces have been featured in Italian Vogue, LOVE Magazine, Hello, Fault Magazine and WWD. Further work can be seen on her website wwww.lauraapsitlivens.co.uk.

For further information, comment or photography, please contact            

Katie Bentley, PR & Communications Manager

Katie.bentley@chestergrosvenor.com

01244 895 844.