SHOPPING
MY FINDS: GRACE LEO
Hotels are practically part of Grace Leo’s DNA. The daughter of a Hong Kong hotelier, Grace has been living and breathing this world since birth. She earned her stripes at InterContinental, Sheraton and Warwick International before launching her own company, GLA Hotels, to consult at the independent, boutique end of the luxury market. Grace is now working, in collaboration with French designer Bruno Moinard, to transform London heritage site Ten Trinity Square into residences, a private members’ club and five-star hotel, which will be run by Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts.
She has meanwhile launched an online portal, A Touch of Grace, showcasing beautiful pieces for the home that she has sourced and curated herself. Here, the hotelier and tastemaker talks about her new venture, and shows us a few of her favourite things. atouchofgrace.com
I was inspired to start A Touch of Grace because I’ve spent a lot of time sourcing the design elements and products featured in my hotels. Guests would often ask, Where did you get this or that from? My response has been to create a place where people can access my design concepts and finds with ease.
What makes A Touch of Grace unique is that it’s a direct reflection of my personal sense of luxury and style. It’s about what I like in the world of European decorative products and how anyone can use those products to create their own art-of-living style. To me, the products you buy and how you use them define your lifestyle.
On my shopping list right now is a terrace dining set for my flat in Belgravia in London, with four chairs and a table. I’m also ordering a rug for my living room.
My fail-safe holiday outfits are a sexy little black dress that doesn't crease for evenings. And for daytime, a pretty silk blouse and a leather skirt.
My must-visit website is beautyandwellbeing.com. I go there to learn about the latest in skin products and trends.
The beauty buy I can’t live without is a skincare technique known in French as enveloppement d’algues. There is simply no underestimating the purifying properties of a professionally applied algae treatment to your entire body. Not only does it eliminate toxins, while hydrating the skin, but it also imparts a number of essential minerals, such as calcium, potassium, vitamins, zinc and magnesium.
My favourite online store is 1stdibs.com. It has the most amazing, vetted repertoire of antique dealers worldwide, with a constantly updated selection of products.
One of the best buys of all time that I’ve made for my own home is a series of small black-and-white paintings from the Marché aux Puces flea market in Paris. They still hang on my stairwell.
My top picks on A Touch of Grace are the Golden Forest Teapot by Dibbern, the Gothier Pen from Vittorio Martini and the Teddy Bed Tray by GioBagnara.
Get inspired by Grace's style in our Shop, where you'll find more ideas for easy style steals.
