Window shopping #18
Stylish hotel takeovers from Jacquemus and Missoni, slow travel prep for Menorca, and where to stay in Saint-Tropez
This is Window Shopping, a weekly mini-letter from Window Seat—your stylish scroll through what’s new, noteworthy, and next in the world of travel. Each issue blends timely headlines, personal favorites, and design-forward hotels to keep your wanderlust well-fed.
This summer, fashion isn’t just collaborating with hotels, it’s curating the entire stay. I’ve written ad nauseam about hotels teaming up with fashion brands on merch, but this summer’s activations go way beyond souvenir tees. Jacquemus is taking over Monte-Carlo Beach this summer, redesigning the pier & pool cafe into something out of a stylized holiday film. In Taormina, Dolce & Gabbana returns to San Domenico Palace, re-wrapping the terrace and infinity pool in its Blu Mediterraneo motif. Meanwhile, Missoni debuts its first “Resort Club” at OKU Ibiza, transforming the 50-meter pool into a fully branded scene. Unlike merch collabs, these fashion–hotel takeovers transform the entire environment, turning pools, cafés, and terraces into limited-edition experiences that guests can live inside. The experiences feel immersive and cinematic, not transactional. It’s the difference between buying the look and getting to star in the campaign yourself—and personally, I’m choosing the latter.
My packing list starts from the ground up. I’m heading to Menorca next week for a much-needed slow travel kind of trip, and I’ve been deep in packing prep. Shoes always have to earn their place in my suitcase, especially on a European vacation where space is limited and every pair has to go the distance. That’s why I was especially excited when Rothy’s sent me their almond slingbacks, which are elevated but easy, practical but still polished. I’ll be wearing them on all my trips this summer, from dinner in Lisbon, to shopping the flower markets in Amsterdam, to wandering the old town streets of Ciutadella.
Hôtel des Lices—Saint-Tropez, France
There’s something refreshing about a hotel that doesn’t need to prove anything, and Hôtel des Lices gets that. A Saint-Tropez classic since the ’70s, it recently underwent a revamp that kept its Provençal soul while adding just the right amount of polish. Striped umbrellas, terracotta tile, and a courtyard pool framed by ivy are all elegant without feeling too staged. The location puts you right in the heart of town (just around the corner from Dior des Lices and the morning market), but once you’re through the gates, it’s total calm. For those who value walkability, atmosphere, and discretion over scene, it’s a gem.
Coming next week: What I’m packing for Menorca. I’ll be sharing my full packing list as a series of styled outfits, with each one built around a different moment or occasion from the trip. Consider this a sneak peek at what I’m wearing and what I have planned.
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Tori Simokov is a Travel Writer and Graphic Designer/Strategist based in New York. To get in touch, email tori@v1projects.com. Want more? Check out Instagram, TikTok, or shop her curated favorites.