It’s a late November Thursday bookmarked in diaries city-wide — the great reveal of Claridge’s Christmas tree.
Since 2009, when then Dior creative director John Galliano put a twisting tree replete with a stalking blue leopard on the checkerboard marble floors of the London institution, it has become tradition for the hotel to enlist the help of fashion brand to create a head-turning festive moment. Years since have seen memorable trees by the likes of Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, 2011, Karl Lagerfeld in 2017 and Diane von Furstenberg in 2018.
This year, Louis Vuitton got the golden ticket, and after an all nighter spent setting up, this morning (November 23) their art deco, double stacked suitcase tree has been revealed. LV-monogrammed Malles Vestiaire (‘wardrobe trunks’) are piled 5.2 metres high and open up to reveal a sky-scraper-esque, mirrored structure made of 15 chrome repurposed trunks. 21 colourful Vuitton flower-headed mascots populate the structure, including one red Santa Claus mascot (£2,100, louisvuitton.com) nestled in a monogram jewellery box.
Finishing touches include a snow-effect Vuitton Keepall bags, vintage travel style Claridge’s stickers and the Louis Vuitton family home, Asnières, takes pride of place the top of the tree.
“This morning we are excited to unveil the Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2023 by our legendary friends at Louis Vuitton,” said Claridge’s General Manager Paul Jackson said. “Christmas is the most magical time for us here at the hotel and we look forward to welcoming guests and seeing visitors immerse themselves in Louis Vuitton’s world”.
This evening, the hotel's annual tree-opening bash will officially christen it, in an event that properly launches London society's festive season.
Here is every tree that has come before:
Jimmy Choo, 2022
Kim Jones for Dior, 2021
Kally Ellis for McQueen’s, 2020
Christian Louboutin, 2019
Diane von Furstenberg, 2018
Karl Lagerfeld, 2017
Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson, 2016
Christopher Bailey for Burberry, 2015
Dolce and Gabbana, 2014
Dolce and Gabbana, 2013
Kally Ellis for McQueen’s, 2012
Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, 2011
John Galliano for Dior, 2010
John Galliano for Dior, 2009
