Lamar is a muse for the ages, a lens through which we can explore the love within both our hearts and others'.
Check out the video and photos below.
Having been there to catch the action once again, after many special nights at various Standards throughout the world, office thought it was finally time to talk to one of the masterminds behind it all — Stephane Vacher, EVP Culture and Entertainment for the brand. He’s responsible for bringing the exciting and engaging programming and is a figurehead in building out the world famous nightlife scene we have come to know from The Standard. The thoughtful and diverse programming has been a direct reflection of the diverse crowd the brand has been able to capture from the tastemakers of the world to travelers just looking to be in a fun environment.
As Stephane toured us around the 155 room property inside the largest tower in Bangkok, King power Mahanakhon it became clear this would not only be a stand out in Thailand but in fact the whole of Asia, making it a true flagship.
Can you describe the culture of The Standard and how it sets you apart?
The culture of The Standard is a celebration of Life, Inclusivity, Art ,Music, Fashion and Creativity overall, nurtured by like-minded people who are passionate and excited by what we stand for, and create. It is a platform that allows our teams and collaborators to express themselves not only through artistic channels but also through self-expression.
The Standard is known for their innovative and distinctive approach to hospitality. How do you keep it fresh?
We are constantly evolving as humans based on what we are exposed to at a present time as well as the way we interact with technology and new trends. We constantly challenge ourselves to grow as the world and the way we experience it changes around us.
How would you describe the perfect night?
A perfect night happens spontaneously and evolves organically as the hours go by. It is with family and/or dear friend(s), we start with drinks and no real agenda, and let the night take us away from one place to the other. It is all about quality time, it is stimulating and interesting and it usually involves music.
You’ve had so many great celebrations throughout the years. What’s one party moment that will forever stick out to you?
The nights can be magical, I have so many incredible memories. Some of my favorite ones are unexpected moment such as a small birthday celebration we hosted at The Boom Boom Room for a young actress (which I will keep anonymous); Stevie Wonder arrived unannounced and sat at the piano to sing her happy birthday for a crowd of 80 guests. It was so unexpected and intimate, it was such an incredible treat.
What’s the biggest mistake you can make when trying to create culture?
Surrounding yourself with people who have no emotional connection with what you are working towards.
Have you had a favorite collaborator?
I am fortunate to have collaborated with extremely talented people through the years, from upcoming and established music artists to light, sound, graphic, interior designers and many others in different discipline. I could not name a favorite.
What one thing you hope guests take away from their experience of staying at The Standard or attending a Standard event?
We work towards creating an immersive experience for our guests. The harmony between the environment we create, the entertainment, the drinks and the food offering, as well each guest interaction is what creates the experience and makes it so great. But if I had to pick one thing, I would hope that our guests remember how kind everyone is.
Best advice you have gotten in nightlife?
Don't get high on your own supply.
What does it mean to finally have a flagship location in Asia?
It is an amazing growth moment for The Standard. It allows us to expend our community and connect it between the US, Europe and Asia, as well as opening opportunities to create new properties in this part of the world.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, which one would you choose?
Sala Sinephro - Space 1.8, or maybe Floating Points & Pharoah Sanders - Promises, actually, Harold Budd - The Pavilion Of Dreams .. huummm, I really need to think about this one.
What is the most rewarding part of your career?
To hear from our guests, collaborators and coworkers, how much of a good time they had and how inspired they feel about what we do and the way we do it.
If you could travel to any time period, which one would you choose and why?
It would be the future. We can learn from the past but we cannot change what happened, alternatively, the future is ours to define but also a true mystery which makes it exciting.
If it was a moment in time , it would be July 21st 1990, Berlin, for Pink Floyd s The Wall concert commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall eight months earlier, which was attended by 350 000 people.
What are some projects you are currently working on or are excited about in the future?
We are opening properties in Singapore, Melbourne, Lisbon, Brussels, Mexico and many other destinations in the next few years. Each projects is unique and tailored for its specific location. Diving into the local culture to understand how we can contribute to it is fun challenge I am looking forward to.
Led by Michael Nyarko, Ace Hotel Toronto partners with local brands and organizations to host a range of public activities. They recently collaborated with JEMS on a series of conversations, workshops and events that center sex and the culture of sex, followed by a public installation with Montreal-based Studio Rats called “The Garden of Inflated Delights”.
True to Ace Hotel’s ethos of embracing local culture in the cities they inhabit, its public and private space art features a diverse collection of works from nearly 40 Canadian creators, including Nadia Gohar, Erin Vincent, Ale Groen, Dahae Song, Rod Mireau, Meera Sethi, Victoria Sequeira, Claudia Gutierrez and Guillermo Trejo.
Nyarko says, “Ace Hotel should be your playground, a safe space and an opportunity to think big and connect. We have various spaces in the building that give you different sensations…Ultimately, if someone calls this their home, we have done a good job”.
Can you describe your role at Ace Toronto? What's your day-to-day like? And why do you do what you do?
At Ace Hotel Toronto, I am the Community + Marketing Manager. Aside from the standard email and Google suite usage, I often get to engage with creatives, brands, curious people and my colleagues to dream about ways to make impactful and exciting cultural moments. Programming gets me excited because I get to witness and contribute to my community in positive and dynamic ways.
Could you tell me about the JEMS event and installation at the Ace? What other events are coming up?
Our collaboration with Jems is called Rubber Hearts, a series of conversations, workshops and events that centres sex and the culture of sex. To bring the partnership to life, Jems invited Montreal-based Studio Rats to install 'The Garden of Inflated Delights' in our Lobby. It was amazing. In the very near future we are working towards a fun drawing class and a mini vogue ball. While not a programming moment, something else fun we have at the hotel is our direct-dial phone to our friends at Superette, purveyors of the best smoke in Toronto. You can find the phone in the lobby, give them a call, and have their budtender guide you through their offerings. They're just around the corner from the hotel, so it's an easy stroll to collect your goods and have a great time around the city.
Which artists commissioned for the public art space are you most excited about? And why?
I enjoy Nadia Gohar's work in the Lobby. Her use of colours, and textures of brush lines gives a very human example of home to me. David Umemoto's monochromatic yet highly-architectural concrete mural up at our rooftop bar Evangeline ; I really like its Escher-esque structure. Alo Groen's piece in our restaurant, Alder also gets a shout-out. His take on still life perfectly sums up the spirit of the space. Good food and good company.
Hotels are oftentimes spaces of exclusion - neutral spaces where people can escape to. Yet, they are also spaces for intimacy and gathering. What do you want people to feel when they visit the Ace Hotel?
Ace Hotel should be your playground, a safe space and an opportunity to think big and connect. We have various spaces in the building that give you different sensations. Alder hits the taste buds – courtesy of our Chef partner and Toronto icon Patrick Kriss – the Lobby allows you to relax or work, and Evangeline should be where you free yourself. Ultimately, if someone calls this their home, we have done a good job.
Today, Greer gives us insight on another side of the scene, through the eyes and experience of Sean, the 41-year-old man who has been working the bars in Tompkins Square Park for 25 years.
Greer tells us, "Of the four corners in Tompkins Square Park, I've spent most of my time in the last few years at the North East corner. This is where the bars are - the outdoor workout space, park gym, whatever you want to call it. As with any space of public gathering, there are fixtures who you come to see as routinely as the rats.
I came to know Sean through my time training at the bars the same way I've come to know anyone over there; you become a familiar face, then you get a nod, eventually a 'have a good day' and finally you introduce yourself. Most people like to talk, even though most people keep to themselves. These communal spaces are special to me because they serve as meeting grounds for discourse. In this video portrait, I talk to Sean about his relationship to the bars - how he found his footing and what his experience is today."
