French sophistication in the heart of the metropolis
By Pamela McCourt Francescone
Flamboyant, cool and chic, the Sofitel So Singapore is the eclectic brainchild of stylist and designer Karl Lagerfeld who has propelled the 1920s building towards new boundaries of style without betraying its neoclassical allure. From the emblem of the lion – from which the city got its name Singapura – to the interiors Lagerfeld infuses his take on contemporary luxury with whimsical irony, and with tongue-in-cheek references to France as in the flashy portraits of Napoleon in the guestrooms.
The wall with the hexagonal mirrors in the lobby – which divides the Heritage from the new So Hip wing – introduces a geometrical figure that Lagerfeld replays on floors, furnishings and details. Like the wine rack and the flooring in Xperience, the restaurant with an open kitchen, pink couches and the casual air of a French brasserie. The menu runs to Tapas, Pasta, Moules, Wagyu Burgers and the signature dishes: Lamb Sous-vide and Spaghetti Laksa with Tiger Prawns which is a symphony of Singaporean spices.
White and grey are used to effect on the moulded walls and sumptuous curtains, and there are smart apple green and turquoise splashes. The eye is caught by the high ceilings and light boxes with stylish cupolas, and also by smaller details like the Matrioska dolls that represent Singapore’s three ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese and Indian. The bedside iPads control everything from the lights to the aircon and from the curtains to the TV.
From the Rooftop Bar with its infinity pool, you can practically reach out and touch the skyscrapers in Central Business District, the city’s financial hub. This exclusive spot is the perfect rendezvous for a cocktail, a business lunch or, more simply, to relax in or beside the gold-tiled pool.
