Source:
https://scmp.com/article/81788/putting-pen

Putting on the Pen

ONCE again the name of fashion's great liberator was being invoked, this time in a setting she would have instantly recognised. ''For inspiration I went back to Chanel and all the wonderful romance of the 1920s and 30s,'' said Barbara Battaglini, with an approving glance at the Veranda Restaurant.

Had Coco materialised, nobody would have blinked. Exactly the sort of figure you would expect to see these days in Hong Kong's grande dame of hotels.

Nostalgia freaks will purr with delight. From the lobby, glittering under its original chandeliers, to the Veranda, with its cane chairs, potted palms and silently whirring fans, the just-refurbished Peninsula Hotel is a time-warp fantasy come true.

Just as it was in Chanel's day - complete with a 600-strong staff perfectly in keeping with the era, when men wore carnations in their buttonholes and women learned that swooning could be fun when not trussed up in corsets.

Battaglini (with a silent ''g'') is the creator of the Peninsula's new staff uniforms and don't be fooled for a moment by this matronly Australian, who could give Dame Edna a run for her money when it comes to those endearments so beloved Down Under.

Everyone, from blushing bellboys to senior staff, may be ''sweetheart'' or ''pet'' to Barb, but this lady knows her business. She proved it in 1989 when she did the honours for the Grand Hyatt. And she has triumphed again at the Peninsula.

No commission has meant more to the Queenslander, who is fast becoming one of the world's leading designers of hotel garb.

''When Peter Borer [the Peninsula's general manager] asked me to come to a meeting, my heart was in my mouth,'' she said. ''I've had my eye on the Pen for years. It's the one I always wanted to do.'' With her passion for the past and impressive track record - ''I've just done lovely things like dropped-crutch pants for the Hyatt Istanbul, such fun'' - Battaglini was the designer for Mr Borer, who had long dreamed of restoring the hotel, which first opened its doors in December 1928, to its original glory.

He has not been disappointed. Taking her cue from Chanel, Battaglini has recreated all the elegance of the period in uniforms which verge on haute couture.

In keeping with the Peninsula's colour scheme, all is cream and black with touches of gold. Also echoing the hotel's old-world ambience are the luxurious fabrics, including silk jacquards and fine wool mixes, and the attention to detail.

Like Chanel, Battaglini preaches comfort. ''All the women's dresses have dropped waists,'' said the designer, who also dipped into the Europe of the 30s for classics such as swishy pleated skirts and long collarless jackets, and into China for items such as ornate vests with a subtle Mongolian flavour.

Dapper is the mood for the men, who have been given an impeccably groomed look for front-of-house and cream brocade jackets over black pants for restaurants.

For evenings, it's glamour plus: all black with hints of old gold for the waitresses and hostesses, whose outfits have been co-ordinated down to the pantyhose.

And the Peninsula's Cinderellas? ''You don't have to look unfeminine just because you're cleaning rooms,'' Battaglini said, firmly. ''The housemaids will now be in dresses worn under aprons with the dearest little satin bows on them.'' There will be an even bigger jolt for guests who happen to stray behind the scenes.

''My brief was design outfits for every member of staff including those back-of-house,'' she said.

''I think it's an excellent idea for people like the hotel's secretaries. No need to worry anymore about what to wear to work.'' So far, there hasn't been a squeak of rebellion, but then the Peninsula is footing the bill for dry-cleaning. Besides, the fit should be perfect.

''You can bet it will be, darling,'' said Battaglini, with asperity. ''Everything has been made to measure.''