‘Based in Canterlot’s Pearl Handle neighbourhood, the stylish La Miroir nightclub is a relatively new (only a year old) addition to Canterlot nightlife, but is already lasting longer on everyone’s lips than many of its predecessors. Whether this is due to its service or the air of intrigue that surrounds it is up for debate, but one thing’s for sure: everyone who leaves La Miroir has a story to tell, even if it’s not a credulous one.

Created by rising fashion designer Rarity Belle, La Miroir (“The Mirror”) was built out of the heavily repurposed and redesigned Belladonna Hotel, a formerly prestigious Canterlot landmark of the early 20th century whose fortunes fell so low over the decades that, prior to Rarity’s purchase, it was colloquially known simply as ‘Bedlam’.

Not without reason; the tales of corruption that surrounded the place are almost as famous as the comedic tragedies of past owners’ attempts to make something out of it, only to leave either sobbing, giggling inanely, or, in one memorable instance, ripping their own mane out of their head and screaming as they stuffed it into their mouth.

“I know, I know,” the current proprietor chuckled in a recent interview. “Everypony advised me not to. But what can I say, it was impossible to resist that fabulous façade!”

She’s not wrong; even before La Miroir’s addition of fresh stain glass windows with lights and panelling to invoke the image of a fashion show, the building’s one remaining claim to fame was its stylish Art Deco exterior. La Miroir’s logo looks right at home there, satisfactorily stylish by day and glowing almost seductively at night, when it naturally does most of its trade with the serpentine row of creatures hoping to gain entry. Has the Art Deco and inner timeless opulence found a venture worthy of it? All would give a resounding “Yes!”, though not for the same reason.

On the first floor La Miroir offers much the same as other clubs in the area, but with a timeless Jour de Vries of a nebulous later era that makes even a casual night out feel as if one were stepping merrily between eras. As befits a fashion designer, Rarity’s club keeps the architecture that works but finds inventive ways to wind modern styles in rather than reject them.

The music on offer may be custom ballroom and sultry jazz tracks, (developed in-house but soon to be available commercially) that encourage guests to enjoy the early evening and dance the night away. The opulent booths, hung with the many drapes for privacy but including the strategically placed mirrors that allow you to always keep an eye on the action, allow one to feel like they’re in the middle of the party or on a nice, quite personal raft.

“I’m so glad people notice and appreciate the effect!” says Rarity. She also accepts any compliments on the neighbouring ballroom, bar, restaurant and her personal pride and joy the indoor spa. If La Miroir seeks to merge the glory of previous decades to the modern, then Reflection spa is trying to pull you back across centuries to the glory of Roman bathhouses.

“Can’t live without it,” the proprietress sighs, hugging herself rapturously in front of us, “I mean it. If we had to lose the spa I would die. Look. Look at my hand. Trembling at the very thought!”

This mix of chic, timeless style, glamour and personable nature makes Rarity, who once graced Canterlot as ‘The Pony Everypony Should Know’, stand out from the often-recalcitrant competition. Which isn’t to say our gracious host might not have something of her own to hide. The first-floor amenities are already enough for a memorable evening, but the draw of La Miroir is easily the many staircases to the upper floors as much as the…distinctive dress of the staff. As are the stories of what they offer up there.

“Ah, my Darlings,” Rarity sighs wistfully. “Now there’s something I truly couldn’t live without.”

Rarity’s self-described Darlings are as controversial as anything that’s said to go on in La Miroir. While Canterlot prides itself on keeping an open mind, the club’s non-wait staff’s choice to walk around in black skin-tight latex catsuits, white leather gloves and boots accented with pink, and prominent, pink (there’s no other word for them) breastplates is what our younger readers would describe as “A Choice.”

Specifically, the choice to dress like infamous treasure hunter and anti-hero Rouge the Bat, who has sometimes been sighted entering the premises. By the front door, at least. Some say she enters the upper floors via open windows. What could she be doing up there? And is there any connection between thief and fashionista?

“No comment,” Rarity trills and her Darlings echo the sentiment. Almost exactly. How Rarity found so many like-minded creatures, which include her own famous friends, to open what is essentially a high-class escort service is one of the club’s many mysteries. But, with the sociable and seductive Darling’s walking about the place in their distinct outfits, offering a night of drinks, ballroom dancing and much, much more (if you can pay), none of their patrons are complaining.

Discretion, which La Miroir prides itself on, prevents us from going deeper into what their services entail but a rundown of its “Romantic Experience” can be found on the club website. Yet even this might not be the strangest thing to happen behind that Art Deco exterior, and at least it’s legal. Rumours of drug dealing, gambling, smuggling and even attempted assassination (accusations vary between whether this is performed by the staff or aimed at them) abound. Rarity’s response to said rumours?

“Everywhere has problems, darling. At least ours aren’t boring.”

Why La Miroir for a name? Her smirk turns into something more genuine.

“Because I want to hold one up to everyone and help show them what they, what the world around them, even, could be like.”

With a stylish venue, professional service, fine dining, sophisticated in-house music and the comforting pleasures of her Reflections spa, she certainly offers customers a compelling argument for living in her world. And perhaps more in those elusive upper floors.

Perhaps readers shall be tempted by this review (and the full interview with Rarity on pages 15-19) to spring for La Miroir’s Silver or Gold (and beyond) membership package and find out. They’ll be welcomed in any amenable circumstances, and the fashionista’s thoughts as to a dress code?

“Oh darling,” she chuckles, “believe me, if you can afford our fees you can turn up in a burlap sack for all I care!” She stops laughing to flash us a warning look from her blue eyes, as shiny as her latex. “That’s a joke. Don’t actually do that. Ever.”

Her Darlings, as ever, echo the sentiment. As their website says: “Do come down, Darling. We’d love to have you~!”

CONCLUSION: A FOUR STARS EXPERIENCE
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros: Exciting, stylish atmosphere. Expensive but extensive member benefits. Charming, sophisticated staff. Discreet. Good food and drink. World class spa.
Cons: Occasional disruptive noises or power outages. Occasional security confrontations. Difficult parking.’

–Under the Sun, Summer tourist section, framed under glass on Rarity’s office wall.

HOME HIRING CALENDAR DINING MEMBERSHIP ROMANTIC EXPERINCE

Why, hello there! We’re the Darlings! You may have heard of us. We certainly hope to make your acquaintance~!

We here at La Miroir make it a point of pride to offer as many kinds of experience as our guests may need, from an enjoyable night out to something more intimate.

Don’t be shy! You can book us for a wonderful encounter, built to suit your taste, though this site, or even approach us during business hours in the club itself. As long as you can pay and are courteous, we’ll be delighted to show you exactly why we call this an experience~!

We offer everything from romantic getaways with as many of us as you’d like to more personal, intimate encounters in our club’s beautifully decorated private rooms. If you ask really nicely, perhaps we’ll even change our legendary outfits for one of your choosing~!

Your satisfaction is our business, and our business is your pleasure. We hope to hear from you soon. As we always say “Do come down, Darling. We’d love to have you~!”

💋 💋 💋

~Your Darlings

OUR GIRLS GALLERY RATES AVAILABILITY DATING OVERNIGHT STAYS

–From the “Romantic Experience” tab on La Miror’s website.

HOME HIRING CALENDAR DINING MEMBERSHIP ROMANTIC EXPERINCE
Simply click to apply, darling! ~Rarity

Silver - $400/year, includes free access to spa, 5% off all food/drinks and 10% off services from Darlings

Gold - $600/year, includes all Silver perks (unless upgraded), room service from Darling of your choice (unless unavailable), access to “secret menu” at hotel restaurant, 1 free night on hotel floors every month, 10% off all food/drinks and 15% off services from Darlings

Platinum - $850/year, includes all Silver and Gold perks (unless upgraded), access to casino, basement vault viewing (updated often), free date with Darling of your choice at hotel restaurant, 3 free nights on hotel floors every month, 15% off all food/drinks and 20% off services from Darlings

Diamond - $1000/year, includes all Silver, Gold and Platinum perks (unless upgraded), access to Diamond Lounge, 1 free week on hotel floors every two months, 1 free Romantic Experience with Darling of your choice every month, 25% off all food/drinks and 10% off services from Darlings

–From the “Membership” tab on La Miror’s website

Author's Note

FA PDF version here.