Luxury in its most basic sense is, as Sherlock Holmes would say, “Elementary, my dear Watson. Elementary.” Ironically enough, the newest spokesperson for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is Lucy Liu, who stars as Joan Watson in Elementary, CBS’s award-winning reboot of the mythic characters by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
The five-star Mandarin Oriental New York was chosen by the actress as her favorite hotel in the luxury hotelier’s chain, so that’s where she will be featured in MO’s new He’s a Fan/She’s a Fan campaign which focuses on celebrities who clearly appreciate the finer things in life. Shot by portrait photographer Mary McCartney, each celebrity is featured in a location of their choice which, for them, best represents “a feeling of well-being.”
Fearless Liu opted to be photographed in a strapless white satin gown while hanging from a Mandarin Oriental New York high-rise fire escape with the Chrysler Building spire practically at eye-level in the background. Why? Born in New York in a Mandarin-speaking home, the daredevil Charlie’s Angels star is naturally fond of the brand’s NYC hometown location, its proximity to Central Park, and its pit-stop convenience during Elementary location shots. She also loves the “delicious and comforting” Chinese breakfast.
How much do other celebrities love Mandarin Oriental hotels? “One of the great experiences of staying at Mandarin Oriental is the quality of staff,” says Dame Helen Mirren. Seconding that motion is Morgan Freeman who applauds its service by “people who know exactly what they’re doing.” Designer Vivienne Tam finds inspiration in the hotels’ “design and color, peace and calm,” and Liam Neeson sums up what makes the hotel group special in just four words: “Pretty much the best.”
Utilizing photo and video shoots, Mandarin Oriental’s He’s a Fan/She’s a Fan campaign elegantly connects Mandarin Oriental’s well-recognized symbol, the fan, with international celebrities who consider themselves regulars at the brand’s hotels. The 27 official spokespersons include mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, shoe designer Christian Louboutin, architect IM Pei, author Frederick Forsyth, ballerina Darcey Bussell, singer Bryan Ferry, pianist Hélène Grimaud and actors Sophie Marceau, Kevin Spacey, and Michelle Yeoh.
As thanks for their support, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group makes a donation to each celebrity’s charity of choice. Liu chose UNICEF, which she has supported for a decade, and IGNITE, an arts program for children East Delhi, India..
