At the center of London’s Mayfair, Claridge’s Hotel is an art deco jewel that embodies grand English style and timeless glamour. For more than a century, the establishment has preserved its unique heritage, while staying current in design and comfort. Their annual unveiling of their Christmas Tree has also become a tradition and this year, it’s an upside down tree by living fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld.
Lagerfeld’s Upside Down Christmas Tree for Claridge’s
Lagerfeld’s partnership marks the eighth year that Claridge’s has invited a creative visionary to put their own stamp on the landmark’s festive decoration and last year we showed you an archive of not only all the trees, but the artist’s sketches for each tree as well:
Karl Lagerfeld’s Upside Down Christmas Tree for Claridge’s.
His vision of the Claridge’s Christmas Tree was unveiled in the lobby on the morning of November 22. The inverted, 16-foot-high tree’s has silver gilded roots at the top, topped with a mirrored Moravian star and hung with traditional lametta and snowflake decorations makes up the centerpiece of the iconic hotel’s festivities.
Of the collaboration, the German-born designer said that “Christmas trees are the strongest ‘souvenir’ of my happy childhood.”
The festive installation is inspired by Lagerfeld’s own childhood memories of Christmas, with a series of inverted spruce Christmas Trees placed around the hotel lobby.
The multi-faceted mirrored star reflects rays of magical light across the art deco lobby.
Reminiscent of a silver stalactite, the tree is hung with traditional silver lametta decorations, silver butter leather feathers and snowflakes handmade by craftsmen in Germany with tree candles giving a warm, inviting glow. Under the tree sit hand sewn white Icelandic sheepskin rugs to reflect a recent snowfall.
The pure white linen cloths that cover the tables under the various trees are symbolic of a Christmas ritual that Lagerfeld’s mother would perform every year.
Claridge’s General Manager Paul Jackson said, “We are honoured and delighted that Karl Lagerfeld agreed to design our annual Claridge’s Christmas Tree. We believe this magical take on his childhood memories captures the spirit of the season perfectly and adds a sense of fun and glamour to our lobby.”
The Claridge’s Christmas Tree has long symbolized the start of the festive season in the capital, drawing visitors and Londoners alike to admire its magnificent design. This is the eighth year that Claridge’s has invited a creative visionary to reinterpret the tree in their own distinctive style.
To get a thorough look at all the Claridge Christmas Trees before this one, go here.
images courtesy of Claridge’s, Secret London and Vogue UK
