Late Checkout: The Ritz-Carlton’s Groundbreaking Capsule Collection Redefines Hotel Fashion

Exploring the History, Impact, and Allure of Luxury Hotel Apparel Collections

Introducing The Ritz-Carlton's debut capsule collection in collaboration with Late Checkout. Bold designs and luxe fabrics blend contemporary streetwear with iconic elegance, redefining modern luxury. Available now, exclusively at The Ritz-Carlton.

In October 2024, The Ritz-Carlton debuts its highly anticipated collaboration with Madrid’s rising menswear label, Late Checkout, launching a nine-piece capsule collection that combines contemporary fashion with the iconic legacy of the hotel. The Ritz-Carlton’s latest collaboration, marks an exciting evolution in luxury hotel apparel collections, blending contemporary fashion with iconic heritage. 

This collection, featuring bold designs and luxe fabrics, brings an innovative twist to the world of hotel-branded apparel. Directed by actor Josh Hutcherson, the campaign aims to turn heads and set a new precedent in luxury fashion.

The History of Luxury Hotel Apparel Collections

While collaborations between luxury hotels and designers have grown more popular in recent years, the concept of hotel-branded apparel stretches back decades. The first to embrace this idea was the legendary Ritz Paris, which launched a collection of apparel and accessories in the early 20th century. The goal was to offer guests a piece of the hotel’s prestige, extending the Ritz lifestyle beyond their stay. This pioneering effort sparked a trend, and over the years, other luxury hotels followed suit, blending their iconic aesthetics with haute couture.

The Global Impact of Hotel Apparel Collections

On a global scale, luxury hotel apparel collections have become a significant revenue stream. Each year, these collections generate millions of dollars, with top-tier hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and Aman Resorts leading the market. Consumers are drawn to the idea of owning a piece of luxury that evokes the opulence and exclusivity of these iconic properties. In fact, hotel-branded merchandise—including apparel, robes, and accessories—is now an essential component of brand expansion for luxury hotels worldwide.

What Drives Consumers to Purchase Luxury Hotel Apparel?

Three key factors attract consumers to hotel-branded apparel collections:

  1. Exclusivity: The association with a prestigious hotel gives these items an air of luxury and scarcity, making them highly desirable.
  2. Emotional Connection: For many, purchasing hotel-branded apparel is a way to commemorate their stay, creating a lasting connection with their experience.
  3. Quality and Design: High-end materials and exceptional craftsmanship align with the premium standards of luxury hotels, making these pieces not only stylish but also of superior quality.

The Ritz-Carlton x Late Checkout Capsule Collection

This groundbreaking collaboration between The Ritz-Carlton and Late Checkout is designed to appeal to both established clientele and a younger, trend-savvy audience. Launched on October 1, 2024, the collection includes nine items, ranging from streetwear-inspired graphic tees to high-end outerwear, all marked with the Ritz-Carlton’s iconic lion and crest. The playful yet sophisticated designs are produced in Spain and encapsulate Late Checkout’s fresh take on luxury. This partnership aligns with The Ritz-Carlton’s strategy to tap into a more youthful market, showcasing their adaptability and forward-thinking approach.

Josh Hutcherson, known for his iconic roles in The Hunger Games series as Peeta Mellark, brings his cinematic flair to the fashion world by both directing and starring in The Ritz-Carlton’s Late Checkout capsule collection campaign. Hutcherson, an award-winning actor, has also appeared in films such as The Kids Are All Right and Journey to the Center of the Earth. His ability to captivate audiences on-screen transitions effortlessly into this campaign, where his vision blends high fashion with a narrative-driven, cinematic approach. Fans of his work can also look forward to his upcoming projects, including Across the River and Into the Trees, as Hutcherson continues to make his mark in both film and fashion.

A Brief History of The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton name has been synonymous with luxury since its inception. Founded by César Ritz in Paris in 1898, the brand set a new standard for elegance and hospitality. Today, The Ritz-Carlton properties around the world continue to attract high-profile guests, from royalty to Hollywood stars. Notable names such as George Clooney, Beyoncé, and Leonardo DiCaprio are known to frequent Ritz-Carlton hotels, enjoying world-class amenities like Michelin-starred dining, personal butlers, and bespoke experiences tailored to their every need.

As someone who has had the privilege of staying at the Ritz Paris, specifically in the Chopin Suite at Place Vendôme during my tenure as a Fashion Editor for Esquire magazine, I can personally attest to the unparalleled service and grandeur of this hotel. My stay while styling supermodel Elle MacPherson and male models remains one of my finest hotel experiences to date, and the Chopin Suite is truly a masterpiece of luxury.

The Late Checkout Capsule Collection: A Fresh Perspective

From my perspective, the Late Checkout capsule collection perfectly embodies the intersection of modern fashion and timeless luxury. Each piece, from the edgy graphic-heavy designs to the meticulously crafted outerwear, serves as a tribute to the past while looking toward the future. The cinematic campaign directed by Josh Hutcherson adds an extra layer of allure, making it not only a fashion statement but also a cultural one.

In my opinion, this collaboration exemplifies the direction in which luxury hotel apparel collections are headed—toward greater brand awareness, social media presence, and ultimately increased sales. Luxury hotels like The Ritz-Carlton are no longer just a place to stay; they are becoming lifestyle brands in their own right, with fashion collections that offer guests a tangible way to take a piece of that luxury home with them. And, as this trend continues to grow, I foresee these capsule collections becoming even more integral to the luxury hotel experience.


About the Author:

Joseph DeAcetis is a visionary force in the world of fashion, celebrated as one of the finest wardrobe stylists and art directors of his generation. His expertise and creativity have earned him accolades throughout the industry, placing him at the forefront of fashion’s evolution. Joseph’s work seamlessly weaves together style, culture, art, and fashion, with a special focus on the shifting landscape of menswear.

Throughout his distinguished career, Joseph has had the honor of styling and interviewing global icons, including Elon Musk, Justin Bieber, Richard Branson, Katy Perry, Tom Brady, and A$AP Rocky, among others. His expertise extends far beyond styling, as he has also made significant contributions as an award-winning journalist and author. Joseph’s work has appeared in esteemed publications such as EsquirePeople Magazine, ForbesRobb Report, and Playboy, where his deep insights and compelling storytelling have solidified his reputation as a leading voice in fashion journalism.

Joseph most recently served as Creative Fashion Director at Forbes Media, where his dual role as critic and reporter allowed him to explore the intersection of technology and fashion, always championing the transformative power of style. As the founder and president of POTRO, the premier Latinx menswear brand, Joseph is redefining modern menswear with a commitment to celebrating Latinx heritage and craftsmanship.

With an authoritative yet relatable voice, Joseph DeAcetis continues to inspire and influence the world of fashion, setting new standards for success and innovation. DeAcetis’ unique approach to style continues to influence pop culture and shape the industry’s evolving landscape.

Comments, questions, or feedback? visit me at stylelujo.com


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