The Project

Formerly known as The Arch London, this London property located near Marble Arch has been transformed into a stunning 5-star hotel with a Japanese twist. The Prince Akatoki fuses a tranquil Japanese aesthetic with a unique sense of western heritage, creating a one-of-a-kind urban sanctuary in the heart of the city. Akatoki, meaning ‘dawn’ in Japanese, echoes the tranquillity and opportunity that each new day brings its guests. Its timeless facilities promote mindfulness at every touchpoint and include a Japanese inspired restaurant; a sophisticated late-night destination and 82 meticulously designed rooms and suites. A place for guests to relax, recharge and replenish themselves.

The Fashionizer team was approached to design and develop the uniform concept as part of the new global brand image for StayWell Holdings group, and its parent company Prince Hotels Inc., with The Prince Akatoki London being the first to open.

Fashionizer designed this concept with an international audience in mind, the designs will be used in various locations as the brand expands globally. The global design concept will be adjusted to reflect different local cultures around the world, while still retaining The Prince Akatoki’s Hotels’ core identity at its heart.

Given the short timeline, design deadlines and client meetings had to follow a tight critical path, without compromising the quality and integrity of the design brief. The designs had to embody the brand’s principles and colours, focusing on a crafted, minimal and considered aesthetic that reflects the Japanese cultural references embedded with traditions.

Fashionizer’s Solution  

The Fashionizer design team applied incredible attention to detail and carefully selected luxury fabrics dyed in subtle colours. Clean lines and a sophisticated elegance shaped their approach, allowing the design team to include details of Japanese design while still delivering uniforms with a western feel. 

The brand’s signature colour, “dawn”, is a cherry-blossom pink, to mirror the colour of the sky at dawn, signifying that every day is an opportunity for a renewed outlook on life. This shade of pink detailing runs through every outfit on the uniforms concept at The Prince Akatoki.

The management and concierge team are wearing blue-grey suits with “dawn” coloured ties and pocket squares, with female staff in complimentary blue-grey dresses consisting of unique high collars, with an inner neck trim and belt in the brand’s contrasting signature colour. The front of house team are wearing stone beige suits, with the ladies accessorising with a silk twill scarf, printed in tones of the brand’s signature ombre pink sunset. All of the suits and dresses are made of 100% superfine wool, a fabric that is lightweight yet durable for any time of year.

In the Japanese-inspired restaurant, TOKii, as well as The Malt Lounge, hostess wear an origami inspired asymmetrical off-the-shoulder blue-grey cotton dress with a contrasting “dawn” neck trim. The waiters are wearing stone beige asymmetrical placket shirts. As well as style, the Fashionizer team chooses fabric with operation and comfort in mind, which is why the food and beverage uniforms consist of natural fibres with elastane, for ease of movement for the employees.

Winner of the Forbes Travel Guide 2020 Star Awards