THE ROYAL MONCEAU HOTEL, By Philippe Starck

THE ROYAL MONCEAU HOTEL, which belongs to French businessman Alexandre Allard and is backed by the Raffles hotel group, is set to become the very embodiment of luxury's future.

And to make this a reality, no expense is being spared with an investment of more than two million euros per room. The renovations are being overseen by Philippe Starck.

A prestigious establishment just steps away from the Champs-Elysées, the Royal Monceau is being shaped by this "extreme" luxury team into a grand hotel synonymous with elegance, creativity and timelessness, with a dash of grace.

Says Starck about his partner in this collaboration, "Alexandre Allard is a person of intelligence, with a deep sense of humanity and a truly uncommon energy. He's part of a line of great visionaries which is unfortunately becoming even rarer.

" Closed since January, the new Royal Monceau by Raffles should re-open in part in September. Among Starck's other recent projects is another Privé by Cassina collaboration with the Italian firm. His designs for the new furniture line represent a blurring of boundaries within the private, intimate setting of the home. Day and night blend together in chairs, sofas and poufs.

Whether sitting, lounging or lying down, the line evokes desire in all its forms.