Before Rodeo Drive, there was the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, a magnet for luminaries of film and entertainment since it opened in the roaring twenties. Now the grand dame of luxury hospitality is getting a makeover and that includes a new offering for guests, The Dreamer.
On Episode 3 of Rodeo Drive: The Podcast host Pari Ehsan gets a taste of the experience, when she takes up residence in a newly-remodeled 11th floor suite and meets the longtime celebrity photographer Art Streiber.
“Treat celebrities like real people, and treat real people like celebrities,” says Streiber, who will turn his camera on hotel guests who purchase The Dreamer, which gives them the ultimate Hollywood access: to be the subject of their own private celebrity photo shoot, a chance to shop with stylist Nicole Pollard Bayme, have their hair coiffed by Léa Journo and meet and eat with top chef Wolfgang Puck.
Ehsan and Streiber discuss the enduring appeal of composed, still photography. “The portrait I take of you today is not about today. It is documentary, for 20, 30 years from now,” says Streiber. They also reflect on the art of staging sitters against the architectural backdrop of the hotel, styled after old Europe and now being given a refresh.
Field Correspondent Jason E.C. Wright talks with the hotel’s current Regional Vice President and General Manager Peter Humig, who is overseeing the renovation, designed by London-based David Collins Studio, with a new palette of soft grays and hints of Art Deco. Humig tells Wright they wanted to hold onto Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel’s glamor, history and excellent service, without being too opulent. “Modern luxury is not how it used to be in the 80s and 90s. Now it's the subtle elegance,” says Humig.
Season Three of Rodeo Drive – The Podcast is presented by the Rodeo Drive Committee with the support of the City of Beverly Hills, The Hayman Family, Two Rodeo Drive, Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, the Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau, and MCM.
Listen to Rodeo Drive – The Podcast and subscribe, rate and review wherever you get your podcasts.
Watch moments from the series here and on YouTube.
Check back in regularly for what’s next in the series.
Season Three Credits:
Executive Producer: Lyn Winter
Host: Pari Ehsan
Field Correspondent: Jason E.C. Wright
Scriptwriter and Editorial Advisor: Frances Anderton
Editor and Videographer: Hans Fjellestad
Theme music by Brian Banks
Production Assistant: Grace Fuh
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Popular Podcasts
Fudd Around And Find Out
UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.