29th May, 2014 – Sofitel So Singapore reveals a host of stylish graphic touches positioned around the hotel, brought into fruition by collaborating with legendary creative director Karl Lagerfeld. Sofitel is committed to redefining luxury hospitality experiences around the world, and the globally celebrated fashion designer was commissioned to give his final graphic touch to Sofitel So Singapore.

Karl Lagerfeld exclusively imagined and designed “The Lion's Seal” emblem of the hotel, which commemorates the birth of 'Singa Pura', the Lion City. Taking his inspiration from the age-old story of the discovery of the Lion City by a Sumatran Prince – which marked a new chapter in the evolution and growth of the island-country – the emblem pays homage to the lion as a symbol of innate courage and dignity, values which underpin the ethos of Sofitel So Singapore, driving the evolution of the local hospitality industry.

Karl Lagerfeld commented, “Singapore is an Asian powerhouse – the city of the future. Stories of its history and evolution have inspired me, especially the discovery of the island and the mystical lion it was named after. The lion has historically symbolised courageousness, elegance and leadership – attributes aligned to the visionary Sofitel So label. The Emblem is a result of that combined inspiration – one that will be special to its guests and special in the country.”

Karl Lagerfeld was also inspired by the property itself: an iconic neo-classical heritage building first built in 1927 as the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company Building which was given conservative status in 2000, and is today is situated in the thriving heart of Singapore's central business district.

For Sofitel So Singapore, the interior design of the property was developed by renowned Singapore-based, French design house Miaja Design Group with a creative cast led by Isabelle Miaja that mixed French elegance with Singapore touches resulting in a unique experience based on introducing playful and visually captivating luxury to the property.

Exclusive objects bearing Karl Lagerfeld's “The Lion's Seal” emblem

Bringing the inspiration behind the emblem to life, Sofitel So Singapore guests will be surrounded by Karl Lagerfeld's graphic touch through a variety of objects including hotel collaterals from correspondence cards to check-in folders, Doorknockers and many more surprise touches that guests are encouraged to discover themselves. The carefully curated range of objects will appear in public areas as well as guest rooms, many bearing the signature emblem design.

Above all, guests will discover the BooKube – an exclusive art piece bookend created by Karl Lagerfeld bearing 'The Lion's Seal' emblem as well as a quote from the creator - “Reading is a sport. Books are my personal brain building”. It is beautifully positioned in La BiblioteK, and is also found in all 134 luxurious rooms. The BooKube is cast from white Corian® weighing 1,200g.  It will be available for purchase for guests and collectors at Sofitel So Singapore as well as on the soboutique.com web site.

Karl Lagerfeld's fans and collectors will also be excited to discover other items available for purchase, including a bespoke bathrobe en nid d'abeille featuring the red and white 'The Lion's Seal' embroidery, and an exclusive leather bound sketchbook featuring the original sketch of the emblem. Perfect for collecting memories of Singapore on the go, travellers will be able to add their own drawings and notes to this custom-made notebook.

“We are delighted to announce the result of Karl Lagerfeld's collaboration with Sofitel So Singapore to the world,” said Tony Chisholm, General Manager of Sofitel So Singapore. “Guests will be able to discover a selection of specially-curated books and explore interpretations of “The Lion's Seal” throughout the hotel, offering them a unique concept unlike any other on the island.”

La BiblioteK – a literary hideaway curated by Karl Lagerfeld

Sofitel So Singapore will feature an inviting library space, La BiblioteK, with a selection of books personally chosen by Karl Lagerfeld, ideally located off the main lobby. 

As one of the world's most famous book collectors, Karl Lagerfeld's selection for Sofitel So Singapore will be representative of his own personal tastes and cultural interests. For La BiblioteK, Karl Lagerfeld will curate a number of books brought in regularly that will also be available for purchase exclusively at the hotel before any other book retailer in Singapore.

Sofitel So Singapore, dressed to impress by KARL LAGERFELD

Sofitel So Singapore's front of house team will be fashionably dressed from head to toe in exclusively selected pieces from the KARL LAGERFELD collection.  Taking inspiration from the streets of Paris, these designer clothes give Sofitel So Singapore teams a Parisian look and feel.  Garbed in the Karl Lagerfeld's signature famous black and white silhouettes, the teams will distinctively add a trendy touch to Sofitel So Singapore.

Sofitel, World Class Hotels & French Elegance

Sofitel is the only French luxury hotel brand with a presence on five continents with 120 addresses, in almost 40 countries (more than 30,000 rooms). Sofitel offers contemporary hotels and resorts adapted to today's more demanding and more versatile consumers who expect and appreciate beauty, quality and excellence. Whether situated in the heart of a major city like Paris, London, New York, Shanghai or Beijing, or nestled away in a country landscape in Morocco, Egypt, French Polynesia or Thailand, each Sofitel property offers a genuine experience of the French “art de vivre”.

Sofitel Legend and & Sofitel So are two labels that come to enrich Sofitel Luxury hotels.

Sofitel Legend hotels are iconic and mythical; they are often centuries-old listed heritage buildings: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam and Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena.

Sofitel So hotels are new « boutique hotels » characterized by a stylish focus on contemporary design by famous architects and/or embellished by international celebrities from the world of fashion, design or art: Sofitel So Mauritius Bel Ombre, Sofitel So Bangkok and Sofitel So Singapore (2014).

Find out more about Sofitel at

SOFITEL SO SINGAPORE – HOTEL FACT SHEET

THE ADDRESS: Housed in an iconic heritage building located in the heart of the city's bustling city centre, Sofitel So Singapore celebrates Singapore's well-balanced juxtaposition of old and new. Only minutes away from statuesque landmarks including the newly-built Gardens by the Bay, Singapore's renowned Marina Bay area, as well as cultural precincts such as Chinatown, the property is housed in an iconic heritage building built in 1927 right opposite the island's most famous food centers. The hotel is walking distance from most major corporations in the city.

DESIGN: Featuring stylish design credentials including interior design developed by renowned Singapore-based French interior designer, Isabelle Miaja, and graphic touches positioned around the hotel brought in fruition by collaborating with legendary creative director Karl Lagerfeld – Sofitel So Singapore brings a unique experience to the city. French decadence and sophistication blended with Singapore's modernity is realised in unexpected art pieces, room amenities and custom furniture throughout the property.

5 STAR LUXURY: All 134 guestrooms, including 9 suites, evoke an aura of French elegance coupled with 21st century modernity. Panelled walls recalling European splendour merge with local touches such as the Singapore Orchid, bringing the best of Parisian and island lifestyles to each traveller. Three-meter high ceilings and bespoke dome light boxes inspired by European 'coupoles' invite guests to dream while in the comforts of their customised Sofitel MyBed™. Step out on one of the So Lofty rooms' exclusive balconies for an enhanced experience of intense living in the city.

Each room includes technology for lifestyle featuring Apple® Mac mini media solutions, an iPad Mini and an iPhone 5, along with complimentary high-speed internet. A well-stocked complimentary bar, Illy® coffee machine and other surprise offerings also await all guests.

RESTAURANTS & BARS:

Xperience Restaurant: Mastering the interacting culinary experience around a 20-foot long state-of-the-art French Molteni oven, Sofitel So Singapore's resident Chef Ms Anne-Cecile Degenne and global celebrity guest chefs will delight patrons with unique contemporary international cuisine and new seasonal offerings every 2 months. With a wide selection of wines by the glass and exquisite dishes designed for sharing, the hotel's restaurant and bar are the town's new fancied venues for socialising. The in-house DJ and creative interior design set the mood in the interactive gastrobar-style restaurant for guests to embark on a one-of-its-kind experience of the senses.

Xperience Bar: With Sofitel So Singapore's talented mixologists lending their savoir-faire to tailor-make each cocktail, guests will see their most luxurious cravings satisfied within an intimate setting in the hotel's lobby bar and exclusive library.

HI-SO Rooftop Bar: Full of sins and contradictions, Sofitel So Singapore's sexy and trendy rooftop will take socialites out of the city's conventions for spirited after-work and week-end parties. From sunset to late night, Singapore's glamorous and fashionable crowd will chill in the golden pool, sip champagne in relaxing cabanas and dance to the uplifting sounds of upcoming DJs at the one-and-only 'beach' club in the city.

WELL-BEING & LEISURE: Guests gaze at the stunning views of the Lion City's skyline and are pampered in style, while immersing themselves in the exclusive experience of the hotel's rooftop golden-tiled swimming pool. Sofitel So Singapore's So FIT gym provides pleasurable adrenaline rushes to the sound of custom playlists available on personal iPods. With features like a rock-climbing wall, personal trainers and the latest cardio and strength equipment, the gym is engineered to maximise guests' well-being beyond traditional exercising.

SERVICES: Apart from the ultra-knowledgeable City Guru, free Wifi and a porter service, guests can also enjoy a currency exchange service, dry cleaning and ironing services, babysitting on request, free parking as well as valet parking services.