Pop-up installation at Hotel Prince de Galles in Paris features vintage-inspired apothecary counter and advent calendar

A pop-up installation in the lobby of Hotel Prince de Galles in Paris has become a festive hotspot on Avenue George V, evoking the whimsical style of film director Wes Anderson.

The vintage-inspired apothecary counter is complete with rows of dark wooden drawers and a uniformed attendant standing at attention. Each drawer is carefully labeled and numbered, adding to the pop-up's enchanting atmosphere.

Artist Laila Gohar has collaborated with The Luxury Collection on this project, incorporating it into her ongoing work with the hotel group. The Prince de Galles is one of several properties within the collection that Gohar has worked with.

As part of the holiday festivities, Gohar curated an advent calendar featuring 24 windows, each offering a glimpse into a different hotel in the collection, including locations in Madrid, Kyoto, and Dubai.

The exterior of Laila Gohar's holiday advent calendar is a whimsical illustration by artist Joana Avillez, depicting a fantastical hotel scene reminiscent of a storybook.

Each window inside the calendar reveals an imagined scenario, with some injecting humor and others evoking a sense of mystery, much like searching for Waldo in a crowded picture. Gohar likens these vignettes to the style of children's book author Richard Scarry, known for his detailed illustrations of cityscapes.

Inside each window lies a chocolate treat from Casa Bosques, a design venture founded by Rafael Prieto, one of Gohar's friends and collaborators. These chocolates are infused with flavors that evoke the destinations featured in the advent calendar, adding an extra layer of sensory experience to the holiday tradition.

Gohar's own background is marked by creative experimentation, having first gained recognition for her art pieces crafted from food materials before establishing her design studio, Gohar World.

Advent calendars have become a staple in many cultures, evoking a sense of nostalgia and excitement among both children and adults alike.

The anticipation of opening a new door or window each day can be quite thrilling, but it also requires a certain level of restraint, which can be challenging for kids to master.

Gohar World's latest collection features exquisite pearl serving utensils that make for thoughtful gifts with a timeless quality.

These heirloom-worthy pieces spark conversations about the value and significance of creating items that can be passed down through generations.

Hosting gatherings can be a significant undertaking, especially during holidays when expectations are high. To ensure a stress-free experience for both hosts and guests, it's essential to set realistic goals and priorities. This involves being mindful of one's own comfort level in the kitchen, avoiding ambitious cooking projects that may cause anxiety.

When hosting, Laila Gohar emphasizes the importance of relaxation and having a good time oneself before expecting others to do so. A well-managed gathering is built on a foundation of ease and enjoyment for all involved. This means being intentional about selecting recipes and activities that align with one's skills and interests.

In her column "How to Spend It for The Financial Times, Laila explores the concept of made-up holidays as an excuse to bring people together. By celebrating random everyday moments or events, she aims to alleviate pressure associated with traditional holiday gatherings. This approach encourages spontaneity and creativity in hosting.

Laila's own experiences as a host have taught her that sometimes it's better to simplify and focus on what brings joy rather than striving for perfection. For instance, she once hosted a party centered around the beauty of dahlias discovered at the market, showcasing how everyday moments can become meaningful occasions.

In Dakar, Senegal, Laila Gohar was immersed in a vibrant culture where people effortlessly express themselves through their style and fashion sense. The city's residents exude a unique swag that is both captivating and inspiring to observe. This flair for self-expression is a defining characteristic of the Senegalese people, making them stand out as individuals with a distinct aesthetic.

Gohar, who has Egyptian roots, felt an inherent connection to the Dakar Biennale, which is Africa's most significant art biennial. She was participating in the event and had the opportunity to showcase her own creative project alongside other talented artists. The experience was particularly meaningful for Gohar, given her cultural heritage.

For this particular project, Gohar collaborated with a friend, Rym Beydoun, who is behind the clothing brand Super Yaya. Together, they created a stunning tapestry carpet that transformed a room within the biennial into an intimate meditation space. This unique installation was designed to provide visitors with a serene oasis amidst the bustling art exhibition.

The tapestry carpet, which Gohar refers to as a quilt," is a testament to her creative vision and ability to bring people together through art. By merging fashion and design, she created something truly special that not only reflects the beauty of everyday life but also inspires others to celebrate their own unique moments and experiences.

The artist's latest project combines fashion and design to create a unique piece that reflects the beauty of everyday life. This composition consists of 25 small prayer carpets sewn together to form a large installation. The idea behind this work is to provide a sense of refuge, a tranquil space amidst the chaos.

The artist's inspiration comes from unexpected places. She believes that beauty and inspiration can be found in even the most mundane situations. For instance, she might notice the style of an old man's hair on a train or appreciate the accidental beauty of a random encounter. This way of observing the world allows her to discover new sources of creativity.

Through her work, the artist encourages people to celebrate their own unique experiences and moments. By merging fashion and design, she has created something special that inspires others to find beauty in everyday life.