Birthday of an Icon: Kempinski Lady in Red celebrates 10th anniversary |27 January 2020
Providing a genuinely personalised and intuitive guest experience based on cultural empathy, guest intelligence and an understanding of each individual guest’s needs is the role of the iconic Lady in Red, a highly emblematic position created by Kempinski Hotels ten years back. As this unique brand ambassador welcomes guests in each hotel of the elegant luxury hotel brand around the globe, every hotel of Kempinski Hotels pays tribute to the Lady in Red this year.
In Seychelles, Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare have been surprising guests with various birthday activities as of January 17, 2020.
Festivities kicked off with an elegant cocktail reception beside the hotel’s private lagoon. The event was attended by hotel guests and representatives of the travel industry, who feasted on a plethora of canapés and appetisers inspired by Lady in Red’s keen interest in craftsmanship and gastronomy.
During the event it was announced that the luxury hotel would make an R10,000 contribution – on behalf of Lady in Red – to the President’s Village at Port Glaud.
“A Kempinski Lady in Red should be more than just an icon of the hospitality industry,” says hotel general manager, Hany Abdelmoneim. “She is an ambassador of the hotel and the community in which she serves. When asked how they would like to celebrate their 10th year anniversary, our Ladies in Red said that they wanted to contribute to the empowerment of young
women in Seychelles. We were very touched by their noble request and are delighted to support the President’s Village in their care and support of young girls in our community.”
Sylvie Ernesta of the National Council for Children says: “On behalf of the residents and staff of the President’s Village, we would like to convey our sincere gratitude towards your establishment and its management. It is always an encouragement for us when partner organisations recognise the work we are doing to empower and push our young girls in a positive direction.”
Conceived by Kempinski in 2009, the first Lady in Red appeared at a general manager’s meeting in Geneva. She wore a red haute-couture dress tailored especially for the occasion and appeared on stage to the tune of Chris de Burgh’s classic song ‘Lady in Red’. Today there are more than 150 Ladies in Red gracefully representing Kempinski across their portfolio of luxury hotels.
On arrival in one of Kempinski’s 79 hotels, the Lady in Red is instantly recognisable: Dressed in a striking and elegant tailor-made red outfit that reflects the sartorial traditions in each destination, the Ladies in Red evoke an authentic sense of place and occasion showcasing the cultural nuance and classic European elegance for which Kempinski is known worldwide. Dedicated to please and educated to entertain, these brand ambassadors are alert to any opportunity to go one step beyond to craft unforgettable experiences for well-travelled guests, acting as both the perfect host and a trusted companion during their stay with Kempinski Hotels. As they play a pivotal role in every guest stay, they are team players who are very well connected to their colleagues at the Front Office, in the Food & Beverage department and with the concierge working closely side by side with them.
“The Lady in Red is a local expert who knows everything there is to know about our hotels and the destination,” explains Benedikt Jaschke, chief quality officer Kempinski Hotels and member of the management board. “Whether it’s a special anniversary celebration, a surprise proposal or a once-in-a-lifetime family holiday, they draw upon their passion for craftsmanship, gastronomy and local culture to ensure visitors are well-equipped to live unforgettable memories every time they visit.”
“Essentially, the Lady in Red was meant to replace the rather old fashioned guest relations position, which was not iconic at all,” adds Benedikt Jaschke. “We were looking for the extra sparkle of a unique personality with unique responsibilities who is easy to recognise.”
Coming from all walks of life, Kempinski’s Ladies in Red represent more than 30 countries. There are even some Gentlemen in Red, for example at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, which can be recognised by their red tie and red socks.
“Indeed, a Lady in Red is no mere wallflower,” says Edwina Alcindor, Lady in Red at the Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare. “We are approachable, attentive and curious, but discrete and cultivated at the same time, good-mannered, polite, but also discerning. We all share the Kempinski perspective on luxury that it must be rare, must be felt and must be original. In fact we are always ready to pick up on small hints that might reveal how we can add a dash of magic to a guest’s stay.”
Contributed by Kempinski Seychelles Resort
