Meet Arman Naféei, Director of Ambiance, Chateau Marmont

The idea came to me in 2019. I had started narrowing down the concept whilst preparing for the opening of my club at the Chateau Marmont. I delve into what I was known for: my music and my network, something I could do by myself without a physical space or outside investment and involvement. I had a feeling I wanted to narrow things down and Covid was a sign from the universe to get it out.

Spending my evenings at the Chateau Marmont, I often found myself having fascinating conversations and thought, ‘why aren’t I recording these conversations?’ Patti Smith was my first interview.

When Lockdown happened I was incredibly grateful to have this positive, creative outlet. It was an incredible project that I could develop from the comfort of my living room.

Officially, I was the Music Director for all of André Balazs’s Hotel (Château, Chiltern Firehouse, The Mercer, Sunset Beach and The Standard Hotels) This type of hotel is relatively new – the concept of these boutique locations is maybe 30 or 40 years old. In New York City, there is no real estate. People live in small apartments so everything happens in public spaces. These hotels or restaurants work as little piazzas. They are real culture hubs.

For it to become magic you need the right ingredients; people,light, temperature and music. André [Balazs] always called me his cultural attaché , or, Ambiance Director – which I found a little bit cheesy (Naféei laughs). I preferred the French version of Directeur d’Ambiance. Way more Chic non? 

It’s incredibly intangible but it also means so much. Once the music passes from your subconscious to your conscious mind it’s too late. Music should be highlighting but not overbearing. I often use the metaphor of a shadow. It should never be on top of you but should follow you in a natural way.

So, what would your dream dinner party look like? 

I always have as a reference the scene in Marie Antoinette where they have dinner outside, on this long table underneath a made up tent, surrounded by wild grass. So for me the ideal mise en scene would be the Marie Antoinette field, without the costumes but with the natural linen and candles only surrounded by that uncut wild grass. The ultimate chicest dinner party. 

There is a similar vibe, at the Vitra Museum, Basel where the renowned Dutch landscape designer Piet Oudolf has crafted pathways through bushes and wild flowers. The path is cut in an irregular way. It’s incredibly elegant. 

What are your favourite kinds of venues? 

I like small, more authentic nookes you discover. A local bar that feels lived in. As I worked on opening the Chateau Marmont club I learned so much. I got to talk to so many designers and it helped me refine my taste even more. Design plays such a big role in setting the right tone and message.

We’ve talked about good taste, how would you define bad taste?

I’m in Ibiza right now, so don’t get me started (Naféei laughs). It’s hard to define, I think bad taste is a feeling. I think in today’s world you see so many watered down ‘‘copy and paste’ ideas from a Pinterest board or an Instagram influencer’s page. 

Try to avoid that. Instead take the time to understand and study what the original thought or history was behind the design you liked and try to work within your budget to find the original. Cheap knock-off’s. Never feels or looks right.

Best Hotels?

Chateau Marmont, Le Sirenuse, IL Pellicano, Posta Vecchia. And run down hotels from Napoli with shimmers of former glory days. There is nothing like the patina of faded luxury.

Best Restaurants in LA?

Musso & Franks for the old school Hollywood experience: Get a steak and a Martini. Taverna Tony’s in Malibu, an old Greek place with an insane house dip. Addictive. And the Pizza Tonno at Terroni’s.