Claridge's unveils this year's iconic Christmas tree designed by Burberry's Christopher Bailey
The British luxe label's creative director and CEO joins the likes of Dolce and Gabbana and John Galliano to design the iconic festive decoration at the Mayfair hotel
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Your support makes all the difference.Claridge’s has revealed that Burberry's Christopher Bailey is the first British designer to design its iconic Christmas tree.
The iconic decoration is a festive landmark at the Mayfair hotel, famous for its opulent Christmas trees, traditionally designed by some the fashion industry’s biggest names, including Dolce & Gabbana, who designed the tree for the last two years, first one embracing religion and second one decorated with painted hand blown glass baubles. John Galliano, as creative director of Dior at the time, designed the 2009 and 2010 ocean and frozen-themed trees, and Lanvin’s Albert Elbaz was the creative mind behind the 2011 version.
Burberry’s creative director and CEO joins the star-studded list as the first homegrown talent to be picked to create the festive decoration showcased in the classic Art Deco lobby. This seems to have been a natural next step, as the British brand, which is the country's most internationally known luxe label, has a long-standing relationship with the London hotel - even its suite guests reportedly get complimentary trench coats for the duration of their stay.
Bailey’s creation is set to display 100 gold and silver umbrellas in a variety of sizes (see the illustration above), making the most of the bad weather London is much known for, and well, making reference to the brand’s iconic raincoats, too - in fact Burberry was founded in 1856 as a trench coat maker. Also, the brand’s first Christmas campaign, which launched last year featuring Romeo Beckham joined by a cast of models and dancers, dedicates a scene to its trademark umbrellas.
The festive tree will also feature fairy lights with motion sensors so they'll twinkle as guests walk past, reinforcing the “innovative and modern contrast” of the creation.
The Claridge’s Christmas Tree has long been a festive landmark at the London’s iconic hotel and this is the sixth year that the hotel calls in a special guest to decorate the emblematic and stylish decoration.
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