The bartender or server at the Hilton Columbus Downtown will soon be a little more fashionable.
In partnership with the Columbus Fashion Alliance, Hilton staff uniforms for front desk, restaurant and bar staff uniforms will get a makeover designed by a local fashion firm.
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Columbus Fashion Alliance production leader Kevin Black assembled an independent team of local fashion designers to design uniforms for employees at the Hilton Columbus Downtown, set to open a new tower this fall, the second phase of the North High Street hotel.
Inspired by the hotel’s art collection and ongoing commitment to collaborating with local makers, Hilton approached the Columbus Fashion Alliance last fall for a cohesive update.
According to the hotel’s general manager, Christian Coffin, the hotel spent $2 million on the 250 piece art collection. The collection created a connection between the hotel and the local art community.
“It’s a great set. And it not only makes the hotel look amazing and adds a lot of soul to the property, but also, if you like, it creates an instant connection with the environment,” Coffin said. “So we’ve been trying to build on that ever since.”
The uniform takes inspiration from the “new Hilton look” through descriptions, room mockups and interactions with guests and staff.
“We talked to a graphic interior designer in New York, some of the restaurant chefs they’re bringing in, they’re trying to give the hotel a new feel,” Black said.
Tracy Powell, Columbus designer and owner of Isa House, Designed the uniforms worn by the front desk staff, while CFA’s in-house team designed the uniforms for staff at Hilton’s new street-level restaurant and rooftop bar, FYR and Stories.
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Columbus menswear company Pursuit offers menswear for the front desk, which is paired with shirts designed by Powell. Students from the Columbus College of Art and Design designed neck scarves and pocket squares to coordinate with the uniforms.
CFA receives support from clothing and textile manufacturer Columbus Apparel Studio for some of its wholesale uniform production.
“It’s really a community partnership,” Black said. “We’ve tried to look at all aspects of the community to make sure we have all the strong community players just to make the hotel shine and shine.”
The CFA partnership continues the hotel’s efforts to partner with local producers, including food and beverage companies.
“This hotel is just about telling the story of Columbus, and certainly the art of fashion is a big part of that story,” Coffin said.
tmoorman@dispatch.com
@TaijuanNichole
