Gilles and Claire Malafosse, the founders of Loulou Groupe, are delighted to announce the launch of Les Amis—a new international community designed to bring together the extended Loulou family around the world.
This new chapter comes as they celebrate one decade since first launching the iconic Loulou brand in Paris. As part of this milestone, Loulou Groupe will open its first British property: 16 Charles Street, an elegant Mayfair townhouse that will serve as the London pied-à-terre for members. Behind the Parisian group are siblings Gilles Malafosse, Founder of Loulou Groupe and one of France’s most recognised restaurateurs, and his sister Claire Malafosse, the group’s Artistic Director.
The name Loulou pays tribute to the inimitable Loulou de la Falaise—the ever-fabulous muse of Yves Saint Laurent, known for her wit, warmth, and irrepressible sense of style. Since its founding in 2016, the Loulou Groupe has earned global recognition for crafting singular destinations where understated elegance meets convivial charm.
These include Loulou Paris, set within the Musée des Arts Décoratifs opposite the Louvre; Loulou Courchevel, which opened last winter; Loulou Ramatuelle on the iconic Pampelonne beach; Loulou Pirate in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin; and most recently, the Loulou boat, which began sailing the Mediterranean Sea in May 2025. Guests will also be able to enjoy new destinations, with Loulou Marbella and Loulou Porto Heli on the horizon.
Les Amis will formalise the spirit that has long defined each Loulou destination where guests are welcomed as old friends, and friends are treated like family. At its heart, it’s about the simple joy of being together—playful, relaxed, and full of warmth. Members will enjoy privileged access to all Loulou Groupe properties, along with invitations to unique gatherings around the world, curated with the charm, generosity, and sense of connection that have become hallmarks of the Loulou universe.
16 Charles Street, a magnificent 25,000-square-foot Grade II* listed townhouse in the heart of Mayfair, will open in Autumn 2026 as the London pied-à-terre for members of Les Amis. Once owned by celebrated society hostess Dame Margaret Greville, and now carefully reimagined with a vision faithful to the architecture and heritage of the building, 16 Charles Street will see culture, conviviality and gastronomy come together to create the ultimate social and dining club.
Members will be welcomed into what feels like their own private home in London — the residence of an aesthete collector who has gathered rare objects, memories, and inspirations from a life richly lived across the globe. Inspired by the spirited travels of Loulou de la Falaise and Margaret Greville, 16 Charles Street has been imagined as a place where guests are received like old friends, invited to explore five floors of salons, bar spaces, and restaurants. Each room serves as a setting for spontaneous encounters and thoughtful conversations, whether social or professional. The French brasserie on the ground floor will remain open to the public, offering a first glimpse into the world above.
The culinary offering has been imagined by Executive Chef Benoît Dargère, the creative force behind the signature flavours of every Loulou Groupe address. At the London townhouse, his vision unfolds across a vibrant and elegant repertoire, reflecting the tastes of a worldly host.
To bring the townhouse to life, Gilles and Claire Malafosse have gathered their longtime circle of creative friends—Festen Architecture, Corinne Sachot, and Hadrien Breitenbach — each of whom has contributed to the spirit of Loulou over the years. Together, they’ve infused the space with the same ingredients that define the Loulou Groupe’s success in France: effortless elegance, a playful touch of fantaisie, and a sense of luxury that’s never ostentatious. From Paris to London, the tone remains unmistakably Loulou—cool, generous, and full of character.
The aha Forum, in Partnership with Thomas Franks: Movement forms Community
