The Luxury Travel Bible - LUXURY HOTELS: Claridges' Trees

LUXURY HOTELS: A DECADE OF CLARIDGE'S TREES 
London Hotels give good  Christmas but few beat the innovation expressed in the designer creations which have showed up under Claridges’ Grand Staircase over the years. Here’s a decade of designer offerings. Which is your favourite?
2010 – John Galliano for Dior
Like a plant from Mars this was actually not extra-terrestrial but undersea inspired. Note the jelly fish and the coral.
 
 
 2011 – Alber Elbaz for Lanvin
This may look traditional but look closer at the (slightly creepy) dummies lounging around the base
 
 2012 –Kally Ellis for McQueen’s
Magnolia branches and lichen moss studded with crystal and emerald jewel eggs in white, gold and silver 
 
2013 – Dolce & Gabbana
Italian carousels gave inspiration to the elaborate tree, complete with 300 painted marionettes
 
 2014 – Dolce & Gabbana
A very traditional be-ribboned and baubled offering this time complete with bambi underneath –awwhh
 
 2015 – Christopher Bailey (then at Burberry)
Decorated in very British gold and silver brollies. Motion sensors mean the umbrellas moved and sparkled for guests
 
 2016 – Sir Jony Ive (chief designer at Apple) and Marc Newson
More a wood than a single tree bathed in midnight blue with shadowy figures dancing.
 
 2017 – Karl Lagerfeld

This tree was upside down balancing on its point –go quirky Karl (RIP). A mirrored star nestled in its roots.

 
 2018 – Diane von Furstenberg
More sculptural that conifer and peacock blue. Draped in real silver-leaf and hand blown glass hearts. 
 
 2019 – Christian Louboutin
Accessorised with a Loubi Express train as red as the famous soles on Louboutin’s shoes.
 
 2020 –  Kally Ellis for McQueen’s

Kally is back again. This Art Deco –inspired tree has an Iridescent and ethereal feel, dripping in 10,00 crystal and glass pendants. 

 

Luxury Link: www.claridges.co.uk

Hilary Doling 04/12/2020
 
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