THE HERMITAGE HOTEL, NASHVILLE, AND DRAPER JAMES ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

NASHVILLE, TENN. (October 5, 2021) – The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville’s celebrated gathering place for more than 111 years, today announced its partnership with Draper James, an American lifestyle brand founded by Reese Witherspoon and inspired by her Southern roots. This collaboration marries two brands beloved by the Nashville community by introducing a new staff wardrobe custom-designed by Draper James exclusively for The Hermitage Hotel. The partnership will be celebrated with a new Afternoon Tea service named “Spillin’ Tea with Draper James.”

“Guests who visit The Hermitage Hotel are met with elevated, approachable luxury deeply rooted in Southern hospitality,” said Molly Hardie, owner of The Hermitage Hotel. “Our partnership with Draper James is a natural extension of this spirit. It was a pleasure to work side-by-side with this quintessentially Southern, female-founded brand to create a wardrobe for our hotel team and a signature print that seamlessly adds a modern, fresh edge to the hotel’s timeless elegance.”

Featuring a new print named “The Hermitage Ditsy Floral,” the new Draper James staff wardrobe was inspired by The Hermitage Hotel’s Southern splendor and color palette, with yellow accents emblematic of the Women's Suffrage Movement and the hotel’s special role in the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Female staff members will be outfitted in a special edition of Draper James’ beloved Loretta dress in “The Hermitage Ditsy Floral” print, along with tops inspired by the gathered details and neckline of the Loretta dress. For this partnership, Draper James paired the brand’s signature blazer with a custom pencil skirt and trousers that were designed specifically for the hotel.

Guests of The Hermitage Hotel will be greeted by bellmen dressed in Draper James suits tailored in a seasonless twill in the brand’s signature Draper James Navy with Ditsy Floral accents such as ties and pocket squares. Crafted from luxurious, personally selected silk twill, the men’s accessories and women’s scarves feature The Hermitage Hotel’s monogram and will be available for purchase at the hotel. The Hermitage Loretta Dress will be available for purchase at The Hermitage Hotel, at the Draper James flagship store in Nashville, and online at draperjames.com.

“We are honored to partner with The Hermitage Hotel and play a part in the latest chapter of this iconic Nashville hotel’s story,” said Kathryn Sukey, Head of Design at Draper James. “We worked closely with the team at The Hermitage Hotel on a color palette that speaks to the evolution of the hotel’s interiors and on a staff wardrobe that represent the perfect mix of new Nashville and heritage Nashville. I know when any employee wears them, they will embody the confidence we always set out to inspire."

To celebrate the launch of their partnership, The Hermitage Hotel and Draper James are introducing a new, limited-time Afternoon Tea: “Spillin’ Tea with Draper James.” This toast to gracious living will feature a menu of classic Southern delights inspired by recipes from Witherspoon’s cookbook, Whiskey in a Teacup. Guests can expect delicious tea sandwiches, tarts, scones and desserts, and even Whiskey in a Teacup, a nod to the hotel’s infamous Prohibition-era “secret.” Steeped in Southern charm, the tablescapes will incorporate custom linens from the Draper James tabletop collection in “The Hermitage Ditsy Floral” print. Guests of the tea service will also receive a special Draper James gift. “Spillin’ Tea with Draper James” will be offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00pm – 4:00pm beginning Friday, October 22. Reservations can be made online via Open Table Experiences or at TheHermitageHotel.com/afternoon-tea.

“We look forward to welcoming guests and locals alike to this special edition of our Afternoon Tea service and showing our Southern Hospitality to all who visit,” said Dee Patel, Managing Director of The Hermitage Hotel. “We were delighted to work with Draper James to tailor the perfect wardrobe that reflects the soul of the hotel and will allow our team to look great and feel great when they take care of our guests with The Hermitage Hotel’s warm and gracious hospitality.”

Known as Nashville’s original million-dollar property, The Hermitage Hotel is currently undergoing a top-to-bottom design refresh seamlessly blending the past with the present. The elevated design perspective is illustrated by the renovated restaurant and bar, refreshed guest rooms, lobby and common spaces. Named a National Historic Landmark in 2020, the hotel is committed to honoring its heritage and meticulously preserving its cherished architecture while introducing a fresh, new color palette, updated furnishings and more. To learn more about The Hermitage Hotel, please visit TheHermitageHotel.com or follow the hotel on Instagram and Facebook.

About The Hermitage Hotel 

Set in the heart of Downtown Nashville, The Hermitage Hotel is the city’s original million-dollar property, home to a rich history deeply rooted in the spirit of the region. Named a National Historic Landmark in 2020, The Hermitage Hotel stands as a timeless icon of refined Southern hospitality offering unparalleled service, luxurious comfort, and modern amenities. The hotel features 122 oversized guest rooms and suites and distinctive Beaux Arts architecture, including an original stained-glass ceiling that serves as a striking centerpiece for the hotel lobby. The grand ballroom, adorned with Circassian walnut paneling, continues to host memorable gatherings since the hotel’s grand opening in 1910. Debuting in late 2021, The Hermitage Hotel is home to destination restaurant, Drusie & Darr, and café, The Pink Hermit, marking internationally acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s first presence in the South. In addition, the hotel offers an iconic Afternoon Tea service and two spa treatment rooms. The Hermitage Hotel is committed to the preservation of local heritage and is proud to partner with The Land Trust for Tennessee, raising over $1M to support the conservation of over 85,000 acres since 2008. For reservations and additional information, please call 615-244-3121 or visit TheHermitageHotel.com.

About Draper James

Draper James is a classic, American lifestyle brand founded by Reese Witherspoon, inspired by her Southern roots. Reese named the brand after her grandparents who taught her everything she knows about gracious Southern living. Launched in May 2015, the collection consists of ready-to-wear, accessories and home accents — offering classic grace and charm, no matter where you live. The collection is available at the flagship store in Nashville, as well as the brick-and-mortar locations in Lexington, Kentucky; Atlanta, Georgia — and at draperjames.com.

Media Contacts:

The Hermitage Hotel

Anna Hubbard | Camille Phillips

hermitagehotel@murphyobrien.com

310-740-1459 | 949-742-138

Draper James

draperjames@azionepr.com