Fit for Champions

Interlocking rings representing some of L.A.'s recent sports triumphs are a centerpiece in the redesigned Champions Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. Live. Photo by Grey Crawford.

Los Angeles and sports championships are no strangers to one another. The Lakers have 11 to their credit over the last 40-plus years. The Dodgers have won five. Last year the Kings added to the city’s trophy case by winning their first Stanley Cup. It’s fitting then that members of the Kings were on hand dedicate a new Swarovski crystal sculpture—part of the redesigned Champions Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. Live.

The sculpture, a centerpiece of the space’s new look, embodies the winning ways of the city’s athletes: Its interlocking rings represent the championships won by the Lakers and the Kings since the opening of Staples Center in 1999. The specially-commissioned piece was designed by Czech artisan Katarina Kudejova Fulinova and is a collaboration between the lounge’s interior design firm, Bowery Design Group, and Lasvit, the Czech company renowned for its way with crystal and glass lighting. With its design and craft pedigree, the hanging sculpture is, not surprisingly, a dynamic presence bursting with energy—a perfect analogy for the games played nearby.

Lasvit was the ideal choice to create the sculpture, given the company’s own creative ferment. As the firm’s Leon Jakimic puts it, “This environment of dynamic creativity has drawn world class talent to Lasvit and enables us to partner with world’s leading architects, designers and property entrepreneurs. These creative collaborations enable our partners to realize their creative vision for the world’s finest architectural environments—be it through iconic classic designs or breathtaking contemporary creations in glass and crystal.”

The lounge's public spaces feature a custom glass billiard table. Photo by Grey Crawford.

While the stunning sculpture is a highlight, the space boasts a host of amenities and stunning design touches for the residents to love. There’s a breakfast and coffee bar and a wine tasting and storage vault. Luxe details include an onyx-topped table lit from within, a custom billiard table by Nottage Design (featured here last week) and a trophy case filled with memorabilia from L.A. Live’s winning teams. Chances are, the trophy case will have more added to it someday soon. And, who knows, Lasvit just might be called on to add another ring or two.