Of late, the city has seen a number of Christmas light switch on’s, festive restaurant transformations, and Christmas tree lightings as we get into the full swing of Christmas. So too are the lovely folks at Mayfair hotel Claridge’s, who unveiled their Christmas tree for 2023 just yesterday morning, in conjunction with none other than Louis Vuitton. Like every year, the tree is a spectacular sight and will bowl over Instagrammers and high-paying clientele that shuffle through the doors.
Usually, Claridge’s gives creative control to the world’s most influential fashion designers, who are invited to let their imaginations run riot. This year, they’ve done just that putting the world-famous name in fashion at the helm, with Louis Vuitton getting the keys to the tree.
A magnificent sculptural creation now stands in Claridge’s black and white marbled lobby enclosed between two larger-than-life open wardrobe trunks towering on top of each other at the height of 5.2 metres. Each trunk is adorned with Claridge’s travel stickers of yesteryear harking back to Gaston-Louis Vuitton’s (Louis Vuitton’s grandson) habit of embellishing hotel stickers he had amassed in his travels onto his luggage as mementoes.
Whilst the tree itself is not exactly a traditional take of a Christmas tree, composed of 15 vertically placed chrome repurposed trunks of varying heights to resemble the silhouette of a tree with Art Deco architecture, it does radiate festive charm like no other Christmas tree in London. Set in a snowy landscape between the trunks, the silver tree is scattered with 21 Louis Vuitton Vivienne mascots, including Father Christmas himself to create a festive wintry scene.
It’s not even the first time the names of Louis Vuitton and Claridge’s have crossed paths, either. Way back in the 1850s, Louis Vuitton was appointed as the personal layetier to Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, who made Claridge’s her winter residence and even welcomed visits from Queen Victoria. Who packed the Empresses’ bags for her visits to Claridge’s? Why, that would be Monsieur Louis Vuitton, of course.
This is the eleventh year that Claridge’s have invited one of their longstanding friends to design the tree, and it’s produced a rich history of stunning, Insta-worthy Christmas trees. Witness last year’s breathtaking creation, a glittering red and gold tree complete with champagne carriage, from the creative mind of Christian Louboutin.
Want an excuse to check out some Claridge’s trees from years gone by?
Of course you do! Here’s a look at some of the standout creations that have graced the iconic marble lobby.
Last year’s effort was a shimmering success, thanks to the work of Sandra Choi.
Last year’s effort was a shimmering success, thanks to the work of Sandra Choi.
2020’s art deco supreme, designed by Kally Ellis, was a treat for the eyes.
And who can forget the 2017 offering, a 16ft upside-down tree created by the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld?
I really could go on and on, but alas we’re out of time. You can see all of Claridge’s Christmas trees, dating back to the first in 2009, by having a gander here. In the meantime, pop down to Mayfair to see this incredible creation!
Also published on Medium.
