AT YOUR SERVICE: Richard Chai has been tapped to design new uniforms for the Andaz 5th Avenue hotel in Manhattan. For the first phase of the project, Chai created new uniforms for the hosts, who greet the guests, check them in and help bring their luggage to their rooms. Future phases will outfit other staff members.
The Andaz is committed to using local artisans throughout the hotel. “They support local farms and the art is from New York artists. It’s all about community. It’s an honor to be part of this as a New York designer,” said Chai, who presented the uniforms last week to the staff, in an informal runway show at the hotel using the hosts as models.
Chai said he wanted to give the staff “a look, but there also needed to be a practicality to it.” In other words, the shirts needed to be longer, and the clothes had to have stretch in them because it’s a physical job. They will start wearing the new uniforms this week.
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