This case may have been fashionable, but it was completely offbeat.
Thanks to wild instagram video and photos, an Airbnb host discovered that a temporary tenant’s photoshoot — with a high-profile model — caused costly damage to his $120,000 grand piano.
Fashion designer Mikhael Kale rented a chic apartment in Paris for 1,000 euros a night during the city’s Fashion Week in September.
Apartment owner Gina, who asked to be identified only by her first name, said Canadian-born Kale told her he needed the apartment to relax as he got ready for his post apocalypse fashion show. She told the Post that the designer promised there would be no social events at the house unless he agreed with her in advance.
“There will be absolutely no gatherings of any kind,” Kale assured her in a written statement, according to Gina.
He also agreed to her rule that the piano stay covered when not in use, Gina said.
But after Kale left, Gina alleged that her housekeeper noticed that the piano lid had been improperly refitted and the instrument’s black lacquer finish had been badly scratched.
Gina then looked at Kale and model/DJ Eva Shaw’s Instagram accounts – and was shocked at what she found.
A video shows Shaw pressing down the keys of Gina’s Steinway piano in Hamburg while wearing an outfit covered in rings that look like film reels. Meanwhile, two other models sprawl across the instrument dressed in jumpsuits, masks, knee pads, pointy high heels – and additional false legs.
“Gorgeous, magnificent, magnificent,” coos an unseen photographer.
Gina claimed that Kale’s bizarre blow resulted in thousands of dollars in damage to the piano.
“I assumed they would cherish and respect the instrument, not treat it like a cheap accessory,” she said. “They caused damage to the exterior of the piano everywhere.”
Kale did not respond to a call for comment.
The flap was first reported The Park Avenue Pianos Steinway Blogwho noted that Airbnb responded to Gina’s complaint about it.
The service said in a statement that “we have tripled damage protection from $1 million to $3 million [this year]protecting both homes and their contents.
“Airbnb will now pay to restore, replace, or reimburse hosts for valuables, including pianos, damaged by guests at their appraised value.”
Gina told the Post, “We are still awaiting exact estimates from professionals, but it could be in the tens of thousands of dollars. If you refinish any part of the piano, you must refinish it entirely to match the specialty high polish finish.
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