Held at The Ritz-Carlton Dubai to celebrate the launch of Late Checkout’s collaboration with the hotel, the project transformed the cigar bar into an immersive extension of the brand’s world, one rooted in nostalgia, character-driven storytelling, and the romance of travel culture. Inspired by the cinematic quality of Late Checkout’s identity, the space was designed to feel like stepping into a scene from an unseen film, where every object, corner, and styling moment hinted at the lives and stories of imagined travellers and personalities passing through the space.

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Blending the timeless atmosphere of classic hotel lounges and members clubs with a more contemporary fashion sensibility, the experience explored the intersection between vintage travel aesthetics and modern culture-driven design.

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Warm lighting, rich textures, layered props, and curated visual details created an intimate environment that felt collected over time rather than conventionally staged.My main contribution focused on styling and dressing the cigar bar to complement the collection and fully embody the Late Checkout universe. Through sourcing vintage-inspired props, travel artefacts, books, analogue objects, framed imagery, luggage pieces, and collectible details, the aim was to create a quirky, lived-in atmosphere filled with personality and subtle narrative moments. The final result captured the distinctive mood of the brand while transforming the Ritz-Carlton setting into a cinematic hospitality-meets-fashion experience.

THE INSPIRATION

THE PROPS