Claridge's, in the heart of Mayfair, is known worldwide for being one of the best hotels in the world. It is no stranger to inviting celebrities into its midst: guests over the years include Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, Yul Brynner and Bing Crosby. The American actor Spencer Tracy claimed he'd 'rather go to Claridge's than to heaven when he dies.' Its annual Christmas display is a landmark event each year, when they unveil a statement Christmas tree designed by a noted designer.
Hot off the press is an announcement from Claridge's unveiling its 2023 Christmas tree, which has been designed in collaboration with an institution of equal acclaim: Louis Vuitton. The tree was revealed on Thursday 23rd November, 2023, and has been inspired by ‘The Art of Travel’: a shared interest of both brands.
‘The Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2023 by Louis Vuitton is a magnificent sculptural creation immersed within two large open, emblematic Malles Vestiaire or ‘Wardrobe Trunks’ towering on top of each other at the height of 5.2 metres’ Claridge's explains in a press release. ‘Each signature trunk is adorned with Claridge’s travel stickers of yesteryear and an oversized Louis Vuitton luggage tag. As an avid collector and traveller, Gaston-Louis Vuitton (Louis Vuitton’s grandson) amassed hotel stickers throughout his life and would often place them onto his luggage as mementos.’
The 'tree' is made of 15 vertically placed chrome repurposed trunks of varying heights that tower to create the silhouette of a traditional Christmas tree and reflect the Art Deco architecture. Taking centre stage at the peak of the tree is Asnières, the historic Louis Vuitton family home and atelier. Famously located on the riverbanks of Paris, Asnières is the heart of the Maison’s creation and home to the original the Louis Vuitton wardrobe trunk.
They are two companies which share a long, royal-heavy history. Claridge's and Louis Vuitton opened in the same year: 1854. The latter quickly became the chosen layetier (a bit like a wardrobe stylist-cum-packer) to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. Her travels often took her to London, and Claridge's was her hotel of choice – so much so, in fact, that it became known as her ‘winter residence’. Here, she was often visited by Queen Victoria.
It's not the first time Claridge's has collaborated with a big name for the design of its tree. Last year, it was Sandra Choi for Jimmy Choo who was invited to create a concept for the tree, and the resulting ‘Diamond’ tree saw a five-tiered transparent shape, reminiscent of its namesake gem, take centre stage. In 2021, it was Kim Jones – Artistic Director of Dior Menswear – who created a crystalline tree which illuminated the Hotel's hall.
Ties with leading names in fashion can be traced back to 2009 (the tradition was kicked off with a tree designed by John Galliano for Dior), and in 2011 the hotel invited the late creative director of Lanvin Paris, Alber Elbaz, to imagine the tree. His colourful, fantastical tree included marionettes and a silk figurine of himself.
Claridge’s General Manager Paul Jackson said “This morning we are excited to unveil the Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2023 by our legendary friends at Louis Vuitton. 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”.
The art-deco lobby of the hotel is now home to something quite spectacular, and importantly, deeply festive.
