Behind‑the‑scenes look at crafting the new‑era wardrobe for team members at Waldorf Astoria New York
At Waldorf Astoria New York, fashion and hospitality blend effortlessly. Here, luxury lives in even the smallest of details. So, when it came time to create a new team member wardrobe for this legendary hotel, Managing Director Luigi Romaniello wanted to ensure the attire was as iconic as the building itself.
“The way you dress is also how you feel,” said Romaniello. “And this is an important element when you are taking care of our guests. We want to usher a new era into hospitality; and along with that, it needs to come with a sense of attitude that is different.”
To help execute a visionary sense of style for the hotel’s wardrobe, Romaniello turned to Nicholas Oakwell, creative director of Nicholas Oakwell Couture & NO Uniform. Oakwell and his team immediately went to work, drawing inspiration from the hotel’s tradition of setting the standard for luxurious hospitality as well as some of its architectural elements. Oakwell’s team was especially inspired by the metals featured throughout the hotel, which range from platinum and golds to silvers and bronzes. These metals are showcased in the various heritage spaces and iconic aspects of the hotel, from the famous Waldorf Astoria Clock in Peacock Alley to the Spirit of Achievement statue on the Park Avenue entrance of the hotel.
“Waldorf Astoria New York has always had this legacy of fashion,” said Romaniello. “And there is something about the hotel that when you walk into the doors, you already feel like your energy’s raising a few notches.”
From the exact cut of a lapel to the choice of a button, the wardrobe was crafted with artistry and intention, just like a couture collection. And the result is nothing short of stunning. For Romaniello, these tailored looks represent more than simply clothing; they offer the hotel’s team members a sense of empowerment.
These wearable pieces of art reveal the extraordinary attention to detail reflecting the precision, care, and pride that define this unparalleled hotel. This new style-forward wardrobe moves beyond fabric and fashion to reveal the soul of Waldorf Astoria New York: the team members who bring it to life every day.
