There are Christmas trees, then there are Christmas trees …

For the ultimate in festive finery, put your best foot forward and head for Claridge’s, Mayfair to celebrate the start of the Christmas Season for no other than shoe maestro Christian Louboutin will be designing the property’s 10th anniversary Christmas tree, to be unveiled on the morning of Thursday 21st November 2019.

For the past decade, the Art Deco gem that is Claridge’s, that most venerable of London’s grand hotels, has marked the countdown for Christmas with an array of stunning designer trees starting with the alternative genius of John Galliano for Dior back in 2009 and 2010.  Colour and marionettes featured in Alber Elbaz for Lanvin’s tree designed in 2011, whilst in 2012, the talented florist Kally Ellis of McQueens created her idyllic back to nature vision. In 2013, puppets returned as Dolce and Gabbana created an Italian Sicilian heritage edition whilst in 2014, they returned to their traditional childhood memories for inspiration.

In 2015, 100 umbrellas covered Christopher Bailey for Burberry’s tree and in 2016, Sir Jony Ive & Marc Newson, in collaboration with noted British set designer Michael Howells, created Claridge’s first immersive festive installation throughout the lobby. Karl Lagerfeld’s 2017 inspired interpretation incorporated a series on inverted spruce trees around the hotel lobby and last year, Diane von Furstenberg gave us the delicate Tree of Love, inspired by her passion and strong belief in the power of love, symbolising life and nature.

What will we see from the iconic Christian I wonder?  I’ll expect the unexpected for as M Louboutin mentioned when his affiliation was announced: “Claridge’s is one of the most magical destinations with the tree being one of the city’s highlights at Christmas. I am glad to bring a little piece of Paris to such an iconic London landmark.”

It’s nearly time for a cheeky Christmas cocktail or two at Claridge’s, clearly.

 

Image credits – Thank you to Claridge’s.  Image one from top left, clockwise: 2016 – Sir Jony Ive & Marc Newson / 2015 Christopher Bailey for Burberry / 2017 – Karl Lagerfeld / 2009 – John Galliano for Dior / 2012 – Kally Ellis for McQueens / 2018 – Diane von Furstenberg.  Image two from left to right: 2014 – Dolce & Gabbana / 2013 – Dolce & Gabbana / 2011 – Alber Elbaz for Lanvin / 2010 – John Galliano for Dior. Featured image:  2012 – Kally Ellis for McQueens