Eliteness 2026 - EN

Eliteness 2026 | Sleep and live beautifully | Elite

ELITENESS SLEEP & LIVE BEAUTIFULLY

GETAWAY Five star sleep by the water

ELITE PERFORMANCE Tudor Pro Cycling

VITALITY The keys to a healthy brain

Find your Elite bed Scan to discover our beds, handcrafted in Switzerland

SWISS MANUFACTURING SINCE 1895 ELITEBEDS.CH

Far from being a mere functional pause, sleep reconnects us to our deep nature...

– Marie Pugliese Business Developer

S ome nights change everything. Carolyn Aronson, the American entrepreneur, knows just how that feels; at the Hôtel Bvlgari, waking up after their first ever night on an Elite bed, the world turned upside down for her and her husband, as if it was meant to be. Since 1895, our Maison has upheld this conviction by handcrafting beds from natural materials, designed to provide deep, restorative and lasting sleep. Expertise that has been passed down from generation to generation. Today, as we open our twentieth boutique and our mattresses support elite athletes, such as Caroline Ulrich and the Tudor Pro Cycling team, this promise is more alive than ever. It is during deep sleep that the body repairs its tissues, the brain eliminates its toxins, consolidates memory and gets ready for the next day. Dr Olivier de Ladoucette, a specialist in psychiatry and gerontology, and founding president of the French Alzheimer's Research Foundation (Fondation Recherche Alzheimer France), reminds us that getting a good night’s sleep is an act of resistance against decline.

The philosopher Sara Protasi adds a dimension that science cannot yet measure: the simplest night-time rituals – a neatly made bed, the fragrance of fresh linen, the softening of light – hold quiet pleasures we often experience without noticing. Far from being a mere functional pause, sleep reconnects us to our deep nature: instinctive, vulnerable and profoundly human. Her words remind me of my childhood and naturally take me back to my father, François Pugliese, whose unconditional commitment to Maison Elite over the past twenty years, marked by remarkable expertise and dedication, I would like to honour here.

ELITENESS 2026 | Editorial

Overview Eliteness 2026

NEWS

— 4

INTERVIEW

Carolyn Aronson the billionaire who conquered beauty

GETAWAY For a restorative break Elite and luxury hotels

— 12 — 18

INSIDE ELITE Invisible support while you sleep Elite Design Awards 2026

— 20 — 22

ELITE PERFORMANCE

Caroline Ulrich Inheriting a love for the mountains

ELITENESS 2026 | Overview

VITALITY

Dr Olivier de Ladoucette the keys to a healthy brain

5 celebrities who defied the test of time

FOCUS Essay on sleep by Sara Protasi

Tudor Pro Cycling victory is also builT at night

— 50

ELITENESS 2026 | Overview

A recent American study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders , led by researchers at Fudan University (Shanghai) on more than 62,000 adults, shows that people who garden complain significantly less about sleep disorders than those who do not exercise or who carry out other physical activities. The more time we spend gardening, the greater the benefits to sleep appear to be. Why does it have this effect? Gardening combines several factors that promote good- quality rest; this complete physical activity helps tire the body in a healthy way and offers natural exposure to daylight that regulates our body clock, as well as a moment to connect with nature that reduces stress and clears the mind. Touching earth, observing plant growth or simply breathing in fresh air helps provide a feeling of serenity conducive to falling asleep. So, whether you already have a garden or just a few pots on a balcony, planting some seeds or taking care of your plants could become much more than a hobby; this tiny daily ritual could help you cultivate better sleep, naturally. Gardening A natural solution for a better night’s sleep

F rom the age of 60, our sleep becomes lighter and more fragmented. For Corinne Baudoin, sleep specialist and host of the podcast La fabrique du sommeil, regularity is vital for “cleaning” the brain and avoiding the risks of cognitive decline or diabetes. She recommends a short siesta (maximum 30 minutes) between 1pm and 3pm, ideally out of bed and in the light so as not to disrupt our biological clock. More than an hour and the benefit is reversed; cardiovascular risk increases and difficulty waking up impairs alertness. A brief pause can restore energy at any age. Ageing well The secret of a truly restorative siesta

ELITENESS 2026 | News

A bad night’s sleep can seriously affect your health. To remedy this without medicine, the psychiatrist Patrick Lemoine and illustrator Muzo have joined forces to create a healthy comic strip. Combining neurosciences and incisive humour, the book offers natural solutions and real advice to help get back to restorative sleep. This accessible, light-hearted guide helps look after your body clock with a smile. The graphic novel Docteur, j'ai mal à mon sommeil ! (in French), illustrated by Muzo and written by the psychiatrist Patrick Lemoine, was published by Éditions Odile Jacob in March 2026. Sleep Comics can finally help you switch off

The power of dreams When your brain orchestrates your emotions

W hy do we dream? In his book (Ed. Favre, 2025, in French), Dr Lampros Perogamvros, a psychiatrist at Geneva’s HUG hospital and UNIGE, reveals that our dreams are true “cognitive” masterpieces in their own right. Where neuroscience, art and philosophy intersect, he compares dreaming to a piece of theatre in which our mind accepts things that are irrational to better process things that are real. Dr Perogamvros makes a distinction between “bad dreams” and “nightmares.” The former, although unpleasant, are useful; they regulate our emotions and bring about fear. Nightmares, on the other hand, occur when a terror threshold is crossed. This emotional outpouring interrupts sleep and loses its protective function, becoming a source of anxiety. This crucial discovery allows researchers to envisage new dream therapies to treat trauma. This fascinating journey between science and psychology promises to turn our dreams into allies in the fight against anxiety.

ELITENESS 2026 | News

"Think Less, Sleep More" The new remedy for sleep obsession

T he new book by Stephanie Romiszewski, sleep physiologist and founder of the Sleepyhead clinics in the United Kingdom, is set to become a bedside essential in 2026. Her message is simple but radical: to get a better night’s sleep, you have to stop trying to “manage” your sleep at all costs. Counter-intuitive truths Far from the usual dogmas about healthy living, Think Less, Sleep More deconstructs several persistent myths with a sometimes surprising approach: • What time you wake up takes precedence over what time you go to sleep: Maintaining a consistent wake-up time is much more crucial than imposing a strict time to go to sleep. • The myth of eight hours: The author tackles the received idea according to which everyone is said to need the same amount of sleep.

• Sleep is not fragile: Contrary to popular belief, our sleep is resilient and adaptable. One “bad night” will not damage your health or ruin your next day. • Morning routine first and foremost: What you do as soon as you get out of bed is much more important for your next night than your bedtime routine. Why this book is a game-changer Above all, Romiszewski’s approach gives us "permission" to be imperfect. By explaining key concepts such as sleep drive and sleep debt , the author helps readers regain their confidence in their body’s natural abilities. To sum up, if you’re looking for a calm, expert and reassuring voice to reset your relationship with night-time, this book is the indispensable guide to making sleep your ally rather than your enemy. The book is currently available in English, but the publisher has already announced that it will be translated into 18 languages. To be continued.

ELITENESS 2026 | News

S pringtime at Elite was marked by the opening of its 20 th flagship boutique ideally located in the heart of Fribourg, Switzerland. Positioned on Boulevard de Pérolles, one of the city’s most elegant main thoroughfares, the new Elite Gallery is the latest arrival in a dynamic neighbourhood that is home to fashion brands, fine watchmakers and acclaimed cultural venues. Just a few minutes from the station, this carefully designed space reflects the Maison’s signature aesthetic as an understated haven of peace, dedicated entirely to the perfect night’s sleep. By choosing this central location, Elite underlines the importance it places on being close at hand. This city centre strategy allows the Maison to offer its customers the exclusive opportunity to immerse themselves in the brand’s universe, far from the hustle and bustle of out-of-town shopping centres. By resisting the shift away from city centres, Elite places service and accessibility at the heart of the customer experience. Elite Gallery opening Elite brings comfort to Fribourg

ELITENESS 2026 | News

ELITENESS 2026 | Interview

In bed with: Carolyn Aronson The billionaire who conquered beauty takes on the world of sleep N othing seemed to mark out Carolyn Aronson as someone destined to run a global empire. Placed in foster care at a young age, this self-made billionaire has built one of the big- gest ever successes in the haircare industry with her cult brand It’s a 10 Haircare . With her products now distributed in more than 125 countries bringing in a turnover of 500 million dollars, Carolyn Aronson regularly appears on prestigious lists such as Glossy 50 or Inc. Female Founders 500 . But behind the red carpet glamour and luxury superyachts, Carolyn Aronson remains a pragmatic entrepreneur, guided by a quest for performance and wellbeing. It was during a stay at the luxury Hôtel Bvlgari in Paris that she happened upon something that would change her life on a daily basis: an Elite bed. For her husband, who suffers from chronic back pain, it was a revelation; for her, it was the start of a new requirement. In this exclusive interview, the woman who caused a revolution in the cosmetics industry tells us about her lessons in resilience, opens the doors to her future dream ocean-front bedroom, and explains why, in her words, sleep is the most valuable currency in a life that is all about success.

ELITENESS 2026 | Interview

Y our first experience as an entrepreneur was a challenging one. What did you take away from this first chapter and how did you manage to make a name for yourself in the ultra-competitive haircare market? One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you can’t do everything on your own. For my first business, the manufacturing process was very fragmented. Finding suppliers capable of offering “turnkey” solutions simplified the process and reduced the risk of errors. In a saturated beauty industry, we made ourselves stand out with brighter and more unique packaging, and by creating products that were easy to understand, for both hairdressers and consumers. We brought something that was highly multifunctional to the market.

It's A 10 Haircare does ten things in a single bottle. Taking on the biggest global brands wasn’t easy; our advantage was going where they don’t go and staying extremely agile. As someone who works a lot, how do you manage your rest and what does your ideal bedroom look like? I think sleep is a vitally important resource for us, especially taking into account the fact that we work very long hours. Our bed is our sanctuary. It’s the time when we decompress, relax and try to find as much physical comfort as possible. The Elite bed really did change our lives. We are also in the process of building our dream bedroom and we will invite you to visit as soon as it is finished this autumn. It has glass walls on all sides and an incredible view of a Japanese garden

ELITENESS 2026 | Interview

overlooking sea canals. The bed is the centre point of the room, facing a 100-inch retractable projection screen for watching films at night. The bed will also be adjustable to ease my husband’s chronic back pain. For us, an Elite bed has been a game-changer. Tell us about your first encounter with Elite and what it has changed for you. We discovered Elite beds for the first time on a trip to France, at the Hôtel Bvlgari. After our first night there, my husband turned to me and said: “Carolyn, for the first time in years, I woke up without any pain in my back.” Right then, I knew I had to find a way to get that bed. Living with someone who suffers from chronic pain can be heartbreaking. When I saw him jump out of the bed that morning like he used to, I ran straight to reception to ask how to get the same mattress. They were kind enough to look into it and to send me Elite’s details. The customer service was ten out of ten; they assured me that they would find exactly the same mattress as the one in room 401. We travel around the world a lot with our friends and, from hotel to hotel, discussion about mattresses and sleep quality is a recurring theme, which sometimes means we end up comparing what we each have at home.

I think that Elite is one of the best kept secrets. – Carolyn Aronson, Stylist, Founder & CEO of It’s a 10 Haircare

ELITENESS 2026 | Interview

Five-star sleep by the water For a restorative break L uxury hospitality is booming; all over the world, luxury hotels are being built or renovated. These stunning buildings boast state-of-the-art facilities suitable for today’s demanding clientèle: fine-dining restaurants, magnificent spas, exceptional locations and more. But where do beds come in? To guarantee a perfect night’s sleep during your next getaway, we have selected five exceptional hotels, each offering breathtaking waterside views and the comfort of Elite mattresses.

ELITENESS 2026 | Getaway

fourseasons.com.cy Limassol, Cyprus

Four Seasons Cyprus, Limassol

On the island where the sun always shines

Lapped by the Mediterranean, this Four Seasons flagship hotel has something to offer guests of all ages. Children can enjoy their own pool with a water slide, kids club and huge games room, while adults can stroll from indoor and outdoor pools to jacuzzis and bars in the shade of the palm trees. When it comes to restaurants, Sera by Ettore Botrini boasts the finest Italian food, the Seasons Oriental offers the best of Asia, unless you prefer Nikkei cuisine (Japanese-Peruvian fusion) or holiday dining with local dishes at the Tropical restaurant. The rooms and suites are extremely spacious, with sea views. Some boast a private jacuzzi... and Elite bedding, of course.

C yprus benefits from an exceptional climate, with more than 300 days of good weather per year. What’s more, the island is less than four hours’ flight from Europe’s main capitals. To sample the pleasures of one of its most beautiful fine sandy beaches while enjoying a rare type of luxury, the Four Seasons Cyprus is THE place to be.

ELITENESS 2026 | Getaway

S ince 1865, the Beau-Rivage Palace has been reflected in the sparkling waters of Lake Geneva. Set in vast grounds containing ancient trees, this authentic Belle-Époque estate is one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Europe. Decorated with photographs, rare documents and graphic art, its corridors tell the story of the royalty and celebrities who have grown accustomed to this luxurious setting with its unique charm; huge halls and salons with crystal chandeliers, Guerlain spa, tennis, swimming pools, golf practice, exceptional restaurants and sophisticated bars make this a captivating place to stay. But the rooms are the crème de la crème. Bearing the hallmark of Pierre-Yves Rochon, their elegant pastel colours and bespoke Elite beds echo the lake and mountain landscape seen through the windows. Beau-Rivage Palace, Ouchy-Lausanne On the shores of Western Europe’s largest lake

brp.ch Ouchy-Lausanne, SWITZERLAND

ELITENESS 2026 | Getaway

Hôtel Métropole, Geneva In the heart of the city, facing the Jet d’eau

T he Met Rooftop is an unmissable spot, especially during the summer, in Geneva. Perched on the roof of the Hôtel Métropole, it offers unique views of the lake, the famous Jet d'eau and the Alps. Views that the rooms on the lake front also enjoy, of course. These rooms and suites have just been completely renovated and are all equipped with Elite beds and mattresses. The renovation has also brought a contemporary and unique elegance to the various lounges in this urban luxury hotel that is perfectly in tune with the times. The historic building, with its graceful façade decorated with a regal marquise, has nonetheless been overlooking the Jardin Anglais since 1854. The restaurant attached to the Métropole is located a few hundred metres from the hotel in the exceptional backdrop of the Parc des Eaux- Vives. In a breathtakingly beautiful natural setting facing Lake Geneva, a graceful residence dating from 1750 is home to La Terrasse du Parc, a restaurant that is elegant yet rustic during the summer months.

metropole.ch GenEVA, SWITZERLAND

ELITENESS 2026 | Getaway

The Venice Venice Hotel Venice through fresh eyes

T he Ca’ da Mosto is a venerable Venetian-Byzantine palazzo right on the Grand Canal, a stone’s throw from the Rialto. It was once home to the Hotel Leon Bianco that welcomed Emperor Franz Joseph and the Crown Princes of Russia. But four years ago, a renovation swept through it like a magic wand, showcasing the historic structure of two neighbouring palaces while integrating cutting-edge design of an unprecedented elegance. Inside this “post-Venice” concept, guests move from artworks to ancestral colonnades in a unique setting where history and contemporary spirit create a harmonious dialogue. The luxury of the 45 unique rooms, bar and waterfront terrace were an immediate hit with epicurean travellers in search of authenticity. The Venice Venice Hotel is now the highest profile hotel in the city of the Doges. Its restaurant offers an introduction to the specialities of Venetian gastronomy against an enchanting backdrop.

venicevenice.com VENICE, ItalY

ELITENESS 2026 | Getaway

D omes, marquises and ornate ironwork, the Hôtel de Paris embodies the very essence of the historic Côte d’Azur luxury hotel. Overlooking Place du Casino with its palm trees on one side and facing the Mediterranean on the other, this prestigious establishment has been a global icon. Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo Historic luxury hotel on the Côte d’Azur since 1864

Inside, the equestrian statue of Louis XIV immediately announces a regal standard of luxury. Countless members of royalty and celebrities have stayed here. The lounges are sumptuous, the Louis XV restaurant by Alain Ducasse boasts three Michelin stars and the recent renovation has given the whole hotel a new glow. The indoor pool and wellbeing space are the pride of the Société des Bains de Mer, the hotel’s owner. As are the elegant rooms in muted tones, equipped, of course, with Elite beds and mattresses.

montecarlosbm.com Monte-Carlo, Monaco

ELITENESS 2026 | Getaway

Elite and luxury hotels

A century of synergy W hat we remember when we wake up is neither the marble of the hall nor the gilded ceiling, but the quality of our night’s sleep. With one of the most remarkable concentrations of luxury hotels in the world, Swiss hospitality has made service quality and comfort its genuine competitive advantages that go far beyond the mere splendour of the spaces. Similarly, is it not insignificant that Switzerland is home to the hotel schools that have trained global hospitality’s elite. Elite traces its history back to this cradle of excellence. For more than 130 years, the Maison has been embodying this tradition and its expertise is now highly sought-after by prestigious establishments, from St-Moritz to Paris, via Gstaad, Monaco and Venice. It all begins in Aubonne, where artisanal know-how meets the demands of leading major hoteliers. By privileging natural materials and entirely handcrafted products, Elite has attracted major hotel chains, forging an unbreakable bond between Swiss Made craftsmanship and world- class hospitality.

ELITENESS 2026 | Getaway

T he Hospitality Collection, a feat of artisanal engineering, has been designed to meet the highest standards of the hospitality sector, to offer, with impeccable consistency, restorative sleep to all body types, leaving a subtle but indelible imprint on an unforgettable stay. This is the Elite signature: handcrafted technical performance. Each creation is custom made to fit as harmoniously into a historic suite as a contemporary chalet.

Since we introduced Elite mattresses, our guests frequently ask who our supplier is.

Where can I sleep on an Elite bed?

– Andrea Scherz General Manager

Gstaad Palace, and Chairman of Leading Hotels of the World

Elitebeds.ch

ELITENESS 2026 | Getaway

Invisible support while you sleep

Pocket spring mattresses

Imagine thousands of tiny shock absorbers, each in its own cotton pocket. Dynamic and gradual support that hugs every curve of your body in real time. Your shoulders sink where they should; your hips are supported; your spine is aligned. Your muscles relax. If you are sleeping next to someone, you both stay in your comfort zone. Deep, restorative sleep can finally take hold. At Elite, every parameter – steel quality, coil number, spring density – is designed for long-lasting comfort. TÜV tests confirm it: after ten years, an Elite mattress retains up to 98% of its original elasticity. All this is complemented by a natural fibre filling. Because every body is unique, Elite has developed several suspension technologies, each designed for a precise body type and particular sensitivity. Differentiated comfort zones respond to pressure accordingly. The result? A mattress that adapts to the sleeper and not the other way around.

ELITENESS 2026 | Inside Elite

Box spring

A good mattress is not enough on its own. The bed base also contributes actively to the bed’s overall comfort, a fact that is underestimated, until the day you experience it for yourself. At Elite, the bed base is designed to be the mattress’s partner; it supports its movements, absorbs stresses and allows it to retain its qualities for considerably longer. Made from Swiss solid wood according to a traditional assembly technique and fitted with a unique spring suspension, it combines sturdiness and the precision of artisans. Upholstered in fabric or leather, custom-made, on feet or set into a frame, the Elite box spring becomes part of your bedroom as if it was meant to be, an object designed down to the smallest detail, to last and to make everything else last. Nothing is left to chance. Even the things you can’t see.

ELITENESS 2026 | Inside Elite

In praise of boldness Elite Design Awards 2026

F or its ninth edition, the Elite Design Awards competition chose to honour youth and boldness under the inspiring “Cosmopolitan Cocoon” theme. From a hundred entries from all over the world, four visions submitted by women caught the eye of the jury chaired by interior architect Iria Degen. We meet the finalists Victoire Equine and Emma Landauer (1 st prize), Mélyna Baffert (2 nd prize) and Alicja Stańczyk (3 rd prize), whose 3D prototypes were brought to life at Elite’s Aubonne workshop before their official consecration on 22 April 2026 , at Milan Design Week.

Plume – 1 st prize Victoire Equine & Emma Landauer

The key idea is that “everything weighing you down can be left outside the bed”. – Victoire Equine et Emma Landauer Winners of the First Prize Elite Design Awards 2026

F or the Elite Design Awards 2026, Emma Landauer and Victoire Equine re-imagined Plume, a bed designed to be a sanctuary. Between generous volumes, calming materials and a conscious simplicity, their project revisits the idea of luxury while privileging emotions and the sensation of being enveloped. We meet the two young designers who turned sleep into a sensitive and intimate experience to take home 1 st prize. In a few words, what is your project really about? Through this competition, we started by putting ourselves in the shoes of the consumer to find out where we would feel the best, the most relaxed, after a long day at work. Our beds make us feel enveloped and reassured. Like familiar artworks that comfort some viewers without necessarily touching others, a bed embodies an intimate sanctuary, unique to each individual. What is a source of calm for one person may not conjure up anything for someone else; comfort remains a personal experience. For us, this project represents lightness, something ethereal, a place where you feel liberated. The weight of the everyday is lifted. The key idea is that “everything weighing you down can be left outside the bed”.

ELITENESS 2026 | Inside Elite

Discover the EDA 2026 prize winners

ELITENESS 2026 | Inside Elite

Your design exudes a disarming, almost improvised simplicity. Do you think controlled imperfection is the new expression of luxury? I don’t know if controlled imperfection is the new form of luxury, but it is undoubtedly a very current expression of it. At one time, luxury was defined by visible and demonstrative perfection. Today, we’re more sensitive to things that seem living. A slight irregularity, tension in a line or a perceptible gesture can give heart and soul to an object. As far as we are concerned, imperfection is a conscious freedom. It reveals the creator’s individuality and brings an emotion that pure perfection is no longer always able to provoke on its own. Plume feels as if it is somehow paying tribute to the iconic poufs of the 1960s. How did you bring this Pop Art, relaxed feel up to the standards and expertise of a Maison like Elite? Yes, fashion is eternal repetition. During the 1960s to 1980s, design experienced a freedom of form, a generosity. The difference lies in the control. Each curve, each proportion has been reworked to achieve a more precise, more demanding balance. The volumes are flexible in appearance but constructed with precision. The choice of the materials, quality finishes and attention to detail elevate this relaxed feel to an artisanal standard consistent with the demands of a Maison like Elite.

Two oversized cushions and a wooden box; it is a daring approach. What was the hardest element to pare down to make sure the bed remained a strong piece in its own right and not merely an assembly of parts? Actually, the most demanding aspect was working on the details. We wanted a bed with an assertive, almost imposing presence, while respecting the elegance and balance Maison Elite is renowned for. The inserted mattress, which creates a step towards tranquillity, is part of this feeling of being enveloped. The feet, placed just a few centimetres off the ground, visually lighten the whole. It is precisely these subtle choices that ensure the bed remains sleek, despite its generous volumes. With this project, we wanted to lay claim to a more assertive design. The bed has an almost architectural presence; it structures the space and does not try to be discreet. It is a way of showing that an object can go beyond its mere function to offer a stronger vision of comfort and living. What was the traditional design rule you most enjoyed breaking here? In this project, the traditional design rule we most enjoyed breaking was that of symmetry. Usually, in a bedroom, the headboard is centred, proportionate to the bed and considered a discrete accompanying element. Here, the double headboard instead becomes an assertive element that redefines the balance of the space. By opting for a double

ELITENESS 2026 | Inside Elite

headboard, we intentionally wanted to break with the idea of a single dominant axis. In place of a classic and reassuring composition, we chose to create a dialogue between two volumes, two materials and two heights. This deliberate asymmetry brings a rhythm and visual tension that creates energy in the room. The headboard is no longer content with supporting the bed; it structures the space and becomes an aesthetic manifesto in its own right. This rule allowed us to step away from the conventional approach to offer a more expressive bedroom. Designers often sacrifice their sleep for their results. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you describe your sleep? Emma: 10/10. It may be because I can fall asleep on a clothesline that, with this project, I wanted to offer other people the luxury of a cocoon where they feel as at ease as me, someone who can fall asleep anywhere. Victoire: 7/10. I am a very light sleeper. The slightest noise of a door slamming wakes me up. It’s perhaps this sensitivity that pushed us to design such a calming space, because I know better than anyone how precious sleep is. What triggered your desire to design the world around us? Emma: Ever since I was little, I’ve always been attracted to drawing and art. I started by drawing nature, then buildings, until I began using my imagination. Since then I have been passionate about any elements that are out of the ordinary and can be twisted in a new way. Because of this I got into architecture, a field in which you have to stand out and be daring. I’m also fascinated by the various architectural styles that evolve over time. Victoire: For me, the starting point was my father. When he renovated an apartment when I was younger, it made me want to be an interior architect. So, I decided to study for a vocational baccalaureate. Then, because I wanted to continue and get my interior architecture degree, I was accepted into the third year at the EFET CREA interior architecture school in Paris, where I met Emma. Your project is about to move from 3D into the hands of Elite’s artisans. Which detail are you most looking forward to coming to life? We are, of course, looking forward to seeing the bed as a whole. But what intrigues us most is the effect of the large pillows linked to the wooden structure behind that serve as a headboard, and seeing how the artisans interpret the density, fall and textures.

We also can’t wait to see how the bed base overhang turns out. Moving from the digital rendering to the real thing, especially with 100% artisanal expertise, will be amazing. With Elite's expertise and the quality of the materials used, the result will be wonderful. How much was your joint entry a strength and how do you see yourselves collaborating in the future? Working as a pair has been a strength since the start of the project; we have two ways of thinking that could be described as opposite. Emma tends to start by creating a centrepiece, a striking element that will define the space, then adapting the rest of the environment around it; Victoire starts by observing the space before going on to build things into it. It is precisely this gap that has enriched our work. We now understand our respective strengths: Emma is more focused on the concept and structure, while Victoire concentrates on the quality of the materials and the technical aspects. This complementarity offers us a solid base to develop even more daring projects. For the future, we see our collaboration as something that will evolve beyond the education setting. Beyond the recognition brought by this award, what is the next step for each of you? Emma: Thanks to this prize, I hope to be able to meet with the competition juries and learn about their experiences. And, as a small anecdote, the award has given me the self- confidence to enrol in architecture school for next year. Victoire: I would like to use this visibility to meet with editors and professionals in the sector. This award gives us the legitimacy needed to put forward daring projects. We want to prove that the new generation of Parisian designers knows how to combine success and rigour in interior architecture.

This award gives us the legitimacy needed to put forward daring projects. – Victoire Equine

ELITENESS 2026 | Inside Elite

Embrace – 2 nd prize Mélyna Baffert

Comfort as the absolute priority

me to want to ‘design the world around us,’ not to transform it radically, but to make it more sensitive, more welcoming.” The project is now coming off the 3D modelling screens to be handcrafted by Maison Elite’s artisans. A key moment when the fabric and curves will find their ultimate truth. “In all honesty, what I’m most looking forward to is the contact. Touching the bed, feeling the softness of the volumes and the velvet, the real density of the forms. In 3D, everything is visual, but a project like Embrace is profoundly tactile. You have to understand it with your hands as much as with your eyes.” Through this creation, the designer hopes to offer an object capable of standing the test of time: “I would love for the first emotion to be stability. A feeling of being anchored that is almost instinctive.”

Far from wanting to go against the codes because she enjoys being provocative, the designer has tried to make comfort visible from the very first glance. Inspired by the idea of the cocoon, the project adopts a sculptural aesthetic while remaining functional. For Mélyna Baffert, design must not compromise on wellbeing, turning an everyday object into a personal sanctuary in its own right: “Feeling deeply comfortable and safe is close to a form of authentic luxury.” A dialogue between design and craftsmanship Inspired by how we live in our bedrooms – places where we read, talk or dream – she designed Embrace as an enveloping structure. “I have been attracted to design and artistic practices since I was young. This naturally led

Embrace, The bed as a sensory sanctuary F orget the classic vision of a bed made up of a mattress and a bed base with four legs. For Mélyna Baffert, a Master’s in interior architecture student in Lyon and finalist in the Elite Design Awards, her Embrace bed is first and foremost an intimate space where you come to “let go”. With its wide protective bumpers and velvet, this project offers an approach to rest that focuses on a feeling of safety, an approach Mélyna describes as “sensory luxury.”

ELITENESS 2026 | Inside Elite

Considering rest as a complete spatial experience and not just a function. – Mélyna Baffert

ELITENESS 2026 | Inside Elite

Dune – 3 rd prize Alicja Stańczyk Dune, a plea for desert silence W ith Dune, the young Polish designer from Nowa Huta in Krakow has created much more than a mere piece of furniture to rest on. This bed, conceived as an “antithesis to fast-paced urban life”, offers a sensory approach to furniture in which emotion takes precedence over style. Inspired by the landscapes of Poland’s Błędowska desert, the object aims to be a protective cocoon, an invitation to profoundly reconnect with your inner self, like the image of silence in the desert at dawn. Between the organic lines, childhood memories and the sensory feel of the fabric, Alicja Stańczyk tried to design a breath rather than an object. Feel the luxury For its creator, Dune breaks with the often rigid and intimidating traditional codes of design. Here, geometry gives way to fluid and organic lines. The centrepiece is a monumental headboard, like a giant cushion, which serves as a manifesto for a “human and playful” type of luxury.

The choice of beige micro-velvet and the inclusion of artisanal finishes, such as the hand-gathered folded base, guarantees that each bed is unique. Between minimalism and theatricality Dune successfully balances two worlds; it offers the minimalist a purity of form and the maximalist a textural and theatrical presence. The designer sees winning 3 rd prize in the Elite Design Awards as a validation of her intuition. She is already planning to bring her sculptural language, shaped by memories of the theatre workshops of her childhood, to larger installations in which light and sound sculpt the atmosphere. Dune is only the first step on a quest for lasting serenity.

Beauty doesn’t have to be perfectly rectilinear; it can be soft, asymmetric and organic while still being luxurious. – Alicja Stańczyk

ELITENESS 2026 | Inside Elite

ELITENESS 2026 | Elite Performance

N ée en 2002 et originaire de La Tour-de-Peilz (canton de Vaud / Suisse), Caroline Ulrich s’est rapidement imposée comme l’un des plus grands espoirs du ski-alpinisme mondial. Révélée au grand public lors des Jeux Olympiques de la Jeunesse (JOJ) 2020 à Lausanne, elle y décroche deux médailles d’or (individuel et sprint). Depuis sa transition vers les catégories U23 et Élite, son palmarès s’est étoffé de multiples titres de championne du monde et de victoires en Coupe du monde, tant en sprint qu’en Vertical Race. Elle a manqué de peu l’accès à la grande finale lors des Jeux Olympiques de Milan- Cortina 2026, confirmant sa place parmi l’élite mondiale de la discipline. The young Swiss athlete displays her resilience in the mountains. When faced with personal challenges, she deploys an understated but unwavering courage, turning every summit into a living tribute. Caroline Ulrich Inheriting a love for the mountains B oth on the World Cup slopes and when she is studying biology, Caroline Ulrich moves forward with a rare clarity. For the Swiss ski mountaineer, high performance demands absolute precision, right through to her recovery. By choosing the excellence of an Elite bed, she makes sure her sleep can keep pace with her ambitions. This trusted partnership allows the champion to recharge her batteries in complete calm, ready to take on her next sporting challenge.

ELITENESS 2026 | Elite Performance

W hat does a typical day look like for you? A typical day starts with a high-protein breakfast followed by morning training, a good lunch, a short siesta, some admin and then an appointment with the physiotherapists. I always try to motivate myself to do some stretching in the evening to help my body recover. Since last January, I have been taking a break from my studies to devote myself fully to preparing for the Olympic season. This decision has allowed me to avoid overloading myself and get used to the mountain to improve the quality of my training. Are your studies a source of extra stress or a necessary “bubble”? Both. For me, maintaining the link with my studies is fundamental to developing my cognitive ability as well as my physical ability, but also to preparing for my future. Of course, the specific requirements of studying biology and ski mountaineering at an elite level make them hard to reconcile. However, it wasn’t an option for me to choose an education in a field I didn’t like simply to make this dual career easier to manage. Do you think this dual career is a strength? Yes, because elite sport never lasts your whole life. Learning new things about the world around you also allows you to escape from the context of elite sport that can sometimes be claustrophobic. Do you prefer the unspoilt effort of the trail or the adrenaline of the descent? Ski mountaineering allows you to hang on to this solitary, unspoilt feeling as well as the freedom of being able to go wherever you want. The main difference is the polarisation between the effort of the climb and that of the descent, which brings with it the euphoria of gliding and puts less strain on the joints. In this sense, I would perhaps choose a beautiful day of powder ski mountaineering. You seem to be most resilient in the mountains. Is that where you feel most like “yourself”? Yes, I like the idea of taking my body to a place I have seen from a distance beforehand and the feeling of freedom that creates. What is your message to young people who are afraid of the mountains? There are plenty of ways to enjoy the mountains, each with their own level of risk. I understood that I didn’t need to go to exposed places to find the feeling I was looking for. How did you get into ski mountaineering? It was thanks to my family; my parents have always been into ski touring and, naturally, taught us how to do it. After that, my brother wanted to have a go at competing and I followed him into it. Has ski mountaineering been a way of keeping alive a link to your father and brother who died in the mountains in 2016 and 2021 respectively? I lost my dad and then my brother after I had started out in ski mountaineering and maybe, after that, those events did help me continue along this unusual path. It pushes me to be even more attentive and conscientious when it comes to making decisions in the mountains. But it is also important to be careful not to turn caution into fear.

In elite sport, the level is so high that every element is important and can decide the outcome of a race. – Caroline Ulrich Swiss ski mountaineer and Elite ambassador

ELITENESS 2026 | Elite Performance

What did you feel when it came to starting at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina? Joy and pride. At the start, with the stands full of cheering spectators, I realised that it was a great moment, and I was happy to be there. And if you had to pick just one emotion from these Olympics? My emotion when my teammates won the silver medal in the mixed relay. It wasn’t my success, but I felt it as if it was. It’s amazing to see what the power of a team can create. Did this success take on the dimension of a tribute? They [her father and brother] are with me at every moment. Of course, my career is one way for me to pay tribute to them because they both had this ability to live intensely. What message do you have for athletes who have to rebuild their passion after a difficult event? To take it day by day, doing what makes them happy and being kind to themselves. Most importantly to not give up on what they love when times are tough.

What was the biggest adaptation you had to make to compete with the world’s elite? Paying attention to the smallest detail; in elite sport, the level is so high that every element is important and can decide the outcome of a race. How did your Elite bedding make a difference? Sleep has never been something that came easily to me. Since I have had this Elite bed, I have felt that my body can really relax and I have much less back pain. I am always delighted to finally go home. I also try to partner with brands that share my values, as well as those who are from the same part of the world as me. During the Olympics, stress and adrenaline can disrupt sleep. Did you have a specific routine linked to your Elite comfort to guarantee optimal rest between events? Honestly, I slept very badly the first night because I didn’t take my own mattress with me. After that, I tried to improve my sleep with relaxation exercises and natural supplements. Taking my own pillow with me helped a lot, however.

ELITENESS 2026 | Elite Performance

What impact do you hope it will have on the visibility of ski mountaineering? I hope it will encourage people to discover this sport in its entirety. I’m convinced that this connection with nature, the effort and being out in the real world can help future generations escape from society that has become somewhat standardised and get back to what is important. If you had a magic wand, what is your dearest wish? To see the people I’ve lost again, even for just a few moments.

... I try to partner with brands that share my values. – Caroline Ulrich Swiss ski mountaineer and Elite ambassador

The rise of a ski mountaineering prodigy B orn in 2002 and originally from La Tour-de-Peilz (canton of Vaud / Switzerland), Caroline Ulrich quickly made a name for herself as one of the greatest hopes in world ski mountaineering. Seen by the general public for the first time at the 2020 Youth Olympics in Lausanne, she won two gold medals (individual and sprint). Since transitioning to the U23 and Elite categories, her list of achievements has included multiple World Championship titles and World Cup wins, in both sprint and vertical race competitions. She narrowly missed out on reaching the final at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, confirming her place among the discipline’s world elite.

ELITENESS 2026 | Elite Performance

The Elite of Swiss cycling

Victory is also built at night

L aunched in 2022 by the double Olympic champion Fabian Cancellara, the Swiss professional cycling team Tudor Pro Cycling is growing at a lightning-fast pace. Despite only being founded four years ago, the team boasts 40 victories and already has its heart set on a spot in the UCI World Rankings’ top 15. After the 2025 Tour de France, it is now invited to all WorldTour 2026 races; a key stage for the ambitious team that has firmly set its sights on joining the world’s top division in 2029. And because victory is also built at night, for the second consecutive year, it is on Elite mattresses specially designed to meet their needs that the Tudor Pro Cycling team’s champion riders recharge their batteries. Since recovery is one of the keys to success, they could not be happier.

ELITENESS 2026 | Elite Performance

I t was amazing! We’ve learned a lot about our strengths and areas for improvement,” says Raphael Meyer, the ambitious team’s CEO. In his eyes, the 2025 Tour de France marked a historic step. Fabian Cancellara,

He is particularly insistent on this last point: “Training is only one aspect of the equation. Similarly, performance doesn’t stop when the finish line is crossed. Everything

“Training challenges the body, while sleep allows it to recover and get stronger.” He noticed this clearly during the 2025 Tour de France: “There were moments when I felt strong, but also days when things didn’t quite go as planned. That’s part of cycling. But what I take away from it is that I need consistency and that has a lot to do with recovery. That’s why small habits make a big difference.” It’s also something he’s keen to pass on to the youngest members of the team: “I try to share what I’ve learned over the years. Not only when racing, but also when it comes to managing my body, mind and recovery. These are things you can only really understand with experience.” The champion has established a recovery ritual that he sticks to: “It’s very simple: recovery drink, shower, massage, a good dinner and then trying to create the best conditions for sleep: a calm environment and from now on, a very good mattress.” Because, he is adamant, the quality of the mattress is part of it. He goes one step further: “[Sleep] quality is more important than the number of hours. Deep and uninterrupted sleep is what really helps recovery.” This consistency challenge becomes easier to understand when you remember that sleep is one of the Tour de France’s biggest tests, explains Matteo Tosatto, Tudor Pro Cycling’s sports director. A former professional rider, the Italian competed in 43 Grand Tours. “Even if the riders spend enough time in bed, the quality isn’t always optimal when you’re changing hotel every night.” Hence the importance of ensuring consistent comfort. Julian Alaphilippe confirms: “Above all, I appreciate the fact that the quality of the mattress isn’t dependent on the place where we’re staying.” Michael Storer makes the same observation: “As an Australian, I’m pretty used to travelling and jetlag. So I know that routine is important and having a good sleep environment makes a huge difference.” When it comes to Elite mattresses, he adds: “I felt a tangible benefit, especially during stage races. Over three weeks, the difference really builds up.” By finding the same degree of comfort at every stage, the riders feel reassured, allowing them to focus on the race without worrying about anything else. The effects were felt immediately: “We noticed improvements in terms of recovery and consistency,” says Raphael Meyer.

else happens during recovery.” Let’s not forget, a Grand Tour is built over three weeks: “If you recover even just 1% more every night, by the end, your performance level is completely different. And conversely, after a bad night, your reactions are slower. At the highest level, that’s all it takes to lose, which makes sleep a very powerful tool.” Double world champion Julian Alaphilippe, hired for the 2025 to 2027 seasons alongside Marc Hirschi, wouldn’t dream of contradicting him:

the team’s founder and co-owner, agrees: “It was a major step for us.” The team had the chance to demonstrate its qualities and potential, but also saw that there were still some rungs on the ladder left to climb: “It's part of an overall process,” confirms Fabian Cancellara. “If you want to compete at the highest level, you have to accept the constant pressure. It’s up to us to control everything we can control: preparation, environment, recovery.”

ELITENESS 2026 | Elite Performance

“They are small gains individually, but together, they have a significant effect on performance.” In his eyes, the true value of this partnership lies in performance and wellbeing: “If the riders recover better, that’s the best return we could have.” This is why, for two years, the riders have been sleeping on the same mattress at every stage. Made in the workshop in Aubonne, it has been specially designed to meet the needs of Team Tudor’s cyclists. Raphael Meyer stresses: “For us, Swissness means quality, reliability and precision.” However, for a partnership to be established, it had to make sense in terms of performance: “I saw the level of expertise and attention to detail at Elite Beds,” Fabian Cancellara remembers. “It reminded me a lot of elite cycling: the marginal gains, precision and consistency.” As a result, things fell into place very naturally: “Swiss quality and precision correspond perfectly to our identity,” confirms Sam Vinck, CCO (Chief Commercial Officer). The team is defined around three fundamental values: Swiss, Human and Performance. This DNA is summed up by their motto “Born to Dare,” which is reflected in every decision, including their choice of partners. He clarifies: “This partnership’s main objective is first and foremost to tangibly improve the riders’ recovery.” He is also keen to emphasise the scope of this approach: “This type of initiative shows that we are ready to invest in every detail. It’s one part of constructing a high-performance culture, and the riders are very sensitive to it.” And the vision is resolutely long term: “We see this as a lasting collaboration. There is potential to develop it further, especially with our new service course.” Raphael Meyer concludes: “Our ambition is to establish ourselves as a top-tier team, to become a WorldTour team in 2029 and to fight for wins at the biggest races.”To help them get there, the partnership with Elite is an added bonus: “We are both Swiss; we share the same vision of quality. We want to build something serious with Tudor Pro Cycling and partners like Elite help us raise our standards.”

... At the highest level, sleep is a very powerful tool.

ELITENESS 2026 | Elite Performance

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