English Version | What to do, see, read...The Icons Issue

Descriptive memory

The greatest icons on the planet live surrounded by an aura so particular that it almost seems to touch the unreal. However, it is through their memoirs that they become close to us ordinary mortals, showing an exclusive, chaotic and eternally fascinating world. These are the must-see narratives, courtesy of the biggest names in the industry.

Golden screen

The good old classics never go out of fashion; they get better with time. Whether it's the nostalgia they provoke, the timeless performances or the unforgettable aesthetics, these iconic films are cultural treasures that influence, inspire and define generations.

The immortality of the image

Lost + Found is the new book by the brilliant and irreverent photographer David LaChapelle and celebrates the universe of icons in the age of the image.

We live in a time when superfluous fame is achieved as quickly as it is undone, where celebrity is ephemeral and the image, although powerful, is often fleeting. However, there are artists who, through their gaze, manage to capture something deeper, a truth that survives the instant itself. David LaChapelle is one of those rare image chroniclers of our time, capable of transforming the banal into the extraordinary and the iconic into something even more sublime.

In Lost + Found, his new book published by Taschen, LaChapelle invites us to embark on a visual journey through an exuberant and unsettling world, where icons such as Naomi Campbell, Andy Warhol, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga appear not only as mythical figures of pop culture, but as symbols of an era marked by the fascination with (their) image. As well as being a collection of portraits and figures, this two-volume project, which completes his anthology of five books, is a meditation on the essence of stardom and its impact on the contemporary imagination.

LaChapelle recreates a universe of light and color where every detail is intentional, where every pose and expression reflects not only the figure portrayed, but an entire and unavoidable era. With Lost + Found, the American photographer offers us his usual impactful, humorous and ethereal vision, in a celebration of the ephemeral that paradoxically becomes eternal. True icons never die, and neither do good images.

Iconic addresses

There are hotels that become true legends. Known for being A-listers' favorites, these iconic destinations fuse luxury with history, offering the perfect setting to be authentic celebrity hideaways. From (top) Hollywood clichés to European charm, these addresses are destinations in their own right.

The Plaza Hotel, New York

The Plaza Hotel, located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street in New York, opened its doors in 1907 and it would be redundant to say that it quickly became a symbol of luxury, sophistication and opulence in the city that never sleeps. Famous for its timeless charm and Beaux-Arts style details, the Plaza has hosted countless celebrities, from F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was inspired by it for scenes in The Great Gatsby, to Frank Lloyd Wright and The Beatles, who were also guests in 1964, causing a real frenzy in the city. With Home Alone 2, Kevin McCallister immortalized images of the hotel running through its corridors. Among the illustrious visits and events, Truman Capote's unforgettable Black and White Ball in November 1966 stands out.

Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles

"If you must get into trouble, go to the Marmont", said Harry Cohn, co-founder and chairman of Columbia Pictures. Built in 1929, the Marmont has become an unavoidable sanctuary and hangout for the world's greatest artists - not because it's the most expensive and luxurious, but because it's a symbol of privacy and indulgence. As the epitome of “sex, drugs and rock'n'roll”, this Chateau was the scene of bizarre events that made it even more iconic: Jim Morrison fell from the roof, James Dean climbed through a window to audition for Rebel Without a Cause and Helmut Newton suffered a fatal accident when he crashed in the driveway. An eternal inspiration for artists such as Lana Del Rey, it remains one of Hollywood's hot spots and a must-go for any rising star in the industry.

Hotel de Paris, Monte-Carlo

A must-see in Monte Carlo's glamorous landscape, the Hotel de Paris has been a meeting place for the global elite since the 19th century. Situated on the famous Place du Casino, the hotel has been frequented by legends such as Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson and Salvador Dalí. Nowadays, during the Formula 1 Grand Prix or the Cannes Film Festival, it is the place where Beyoncé, Leonardo DiCaprio and other Hollywood stars find the privacy they seek. With Alain Ducasse's three Michelin-starred Louis XV restaurant, the Hotel de Paris offers an experience that mirrors the luxury and sophistication that define the spirit of Monte Carlo.

The Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles

To talk about the Beverly Hills Hotel is to talk about Hollywood history. Since its opening in 1912, this legendary address has been on the list of celebrities' favorite stays and, in 2024, the fascination continues. For Marilyn Monroe, it was once home somewhere in the 1950s, and for John Lennon and Yoko Ono, the perfect hideaway for a week. Elizabeth Taylor, for her part, chose it for six of her eight honeymoons and Faye Dunaway found the hotel's swimming pool the perfect backdrop for her morning-after Oscars in 1977 - see the famous photograph taken by Terry O'Neill. Located just a few minutes from Rodeo Drive, this Pink Palace is in itself a tourist attraction and undisputed landmark.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes

Hidden among the pine trees and the turquoise sea of the French Riviera, the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has been the favorite destination of great names in the arts since the 19th century - from Coco Chanel and Pablo Picasso to Slim Aarons. During the Cannes Film Festival, the hotel becomes a meeting place for the biggest stars, who enjoy the timeless charm and serenity of this French icon. Inspired by the legendary beauty of the place, Christian Dior created Eden-Roc Eau de Parfum, a fragrance that captures the essence of the Riviera and the luxurious, sunny atmosphere of the place. It was also at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc that Sofia Richie celebrated her wedding, the images of which reinforced the hotel's status as a dreamy, beautiful setting and the ultimate exponent of quiet luxury.

Claridge's, London

Located in the heart of Mayfair, the hotel has been an emblem of elegance and tradition in London since 1856. Celebrated for its Art Deco style and impeccable service, the hotel has been the refuge of illustrious figures such as Winston Churchill, Audrey Hepburn and members of royalty, including Queen Alexandra, who gave birth to Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia there - in suite 212. In the 1970s, designer Diane von Furstenberg began her partnership with Claridge's, which culminated in her first interior design project commissioned by the hotel. Today, with its famous afternoon tea and refined atmosphere, Claridge's attracts celebrities such as Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss, who appreciate the discreet luxury and privacy on offer. Between classic charm and modern sophistication, the hotel remains a London gem.

Reid's Palace, Madeira

Rising above the cliffs of Funchal Bay, Reid's Palace in Madeira has been a symbol of elegance and hospitality since 1891. This timeless hideaway has welcomed illustrious guests, from Winston Churchill to George Bernard Shaw, who have found inspiration and serenity amid exotic gardens and breathtaking views of the Atlantic. With an unmistakable touch of British glamor, Reid's Palace maintains classic traditions, such as its afternoon tea, framed by Portuguese charm and the island's mild sunshine. For over a century, this hotel has been a mirror of sophistication, making it a true national icon and an unmissable destination for the most demanding.

Translated from the original in Vogue Portugal's The Icons Issue, published November 2024. Full story and credits in the print issue.