There's arguably no photography studio more famous in France than Studio Harcourt. Founded in 1934 in Paris, it is known for its black-and-white photos of celebrities and socialites. Having your own Hollywood-style portrait taken by the studio was (and is) considered a status symbol. In fact, famed author Roland Barthes wrote, "In France, you aren't truly an actor if you haven't been photographed by Studio Harcourt." And now one hotel is bringing that experience right to your room.
Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet's Paris, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, recently unveiled the Harcourt Suite paying homage to the famous studio. The walls are adorned with Harcourt Studio photographs of famous actors, including a timeless portrait of Gérard Philippe acting as a headboard behind velvet curtains. Then, during your stay, the suite transforms into a real Harcourt photography studio, with a salon composed of a makeup room and fitting room, and a living room that turns into a pop-up photography space exactly like that of the famed Parisian studio.
The room is already equipped with Studio Harcourt's signature lighting system, an elegant black portrait backdrop, and a beautiful seating area for those viewing the shoot. Plus, the makeup studio comes complete with a Hollywood vanity, director's chair, and starlet makeup essentials, including Studio Harcourt's signature Kohl eyeliner.
You can join the ranks of Salvador Dalí, Brigitte Bardot, and Karl Lagerfeld by having your hair and makeup done, participating in a one-hour photography session, and receiving an ethereal black and white portrait published on art paper and signed "Instant Harcourt." You'll also get Harcourt Art books, a Harcourt candle, and a makeup kit by Harcourt Paris to mark the occasion.
Of course, this all on top of a stay in a sprawling 2,200-square-foot suite with views of the Arc de Triomphe, a white marble bathroom, terrace overlooking the inner courtyard, walk-in dressing room and private gym. Plus, guests staying in any one of the four new signature suites ( George V Suite and the Arc de Triomphe are two others) get roundtrip airport or train transfers, complimentary breakfast, one spa treatment per person, dinner for two, access to Spa Diane Barrière, laundry service, 24-hour butler service, and a complimentary snack and drink bar.
The price tag for a three-night stay and VIP photoshoot experience? It will cost you $66,300. But being part of Studio Harcourt's living visual history is priceless.
