The Christmas season has officially hit the capital with festive light displays, shop window dressings and the top hotels’ gargantuan trees being unveiled left, right and centre. No Christmas tree unveiling sets off the festive season quite like Claridge’s. For the past nine years the five star hotel has asked one of their favourite designers to set the theme and reimagine the Christmas tree that sits pride of place in their lobby over the Holidays. Fashion icon and long-time friend of the hotel, Diane von Furstenberg, has taken up the mantle of designing the 2018 Claridge’s Christmas tree. We take a closer look…
‘We are honoured and delighted that our friend Diane has agreed to take up the challenge of designing our annual Claridge’s Christmas Tree. Her vision of a ‘Tree of Love’ could not be more appropriate this Christmas and we believe London will be charmed by the magic Diane has created at Claridge’s’. Paul Jackson, Claridge’s General Manager
Image courtesy of Claridge’s
This year’s tree is entitled ‘The Tree of Love’ and has been inspired by Diane’s belief in the power of love, a subject the world is very much in need of as the chaotic year of 2018 draws to a close. Symbolising life and nature, the tree draws from the creative influences of the ancient traditions of the mysterious astrological world.
Not your classic festive fir, the 2018 Claridge’s Chistmas tree is a unique sculptural creation with a blue iridescent lustre shimmering with over 8,000 silver leafed leaves, glass spheres and 150 mouth-blown glass hearts. The sparkling tree is also home to six silver leaf animals abstract designs, each with their own profound meaning.
Image courtesy of Claridge’s
The owl represents knowledge and wisdom, the dove, peace and the horse, endurance and strength. The largest animal is the deer which highlights the importance of nature within ‘The Tree of Love’ and stands for gentleness. The peacock represents natural beauty and last but not least, the tiny sleeping mouse symbolises curiosity.
As if it has been derived from the universe itself the tree winds its way up to the heavens from its roots where its met with a celestial backdrop and zodiac signs. The tree has also been inscribed with Diane’s mantras of peace, harmony, knowledge, truth, freedom, enlightenment and wisdom. The rest of the famous lobby has also been reimagined by the designer, with a soft blue skylight covered with stars and astrological symbols spanning the entire ceiling an walls. There are also arches throughout the lobby with silver leaves intertwined with magical fairy lights and mouth-blown Murano glass baubles.
Image courtesy of Claridge’s
A sight to behold, it’s a must see during any festive trip to London and the acclaimed designer has said this on the new installation:
‘Claridge’s is my favourite hotel in the world and my home in London. I was so excited to be invited to create its’ legendary annual Christmas Tree. My tree is ‘The Tree of Love’, celebrating all aspects of love and life. Its roots come from the earth, its branches extend to the sky. The flowers become fruits, the colour of the leaves reveal the seasons. Home to birds, shade for children, and shelter for lovers. It is the symbol of strength, enlightenment and life…every tree is the Tree of Love. I wish everyone happy holidays.’
Learn more about the 2018 Claridge’s Christmas tree and explore the hotel’s festive offerings on their website.
Leave A Reply