UPDATE:
[Courtesy Image]
Claridges has unveiled this year's tree designed by Dolce & Gabbana and as exected it is bellissimo! The 8-metre high tree is covered in 300 hand-painted glass baubles, covered in many different flags. There are deer, rabbits and squirrels nestling in the base of the tree, ribbons made by the Dolce tailors in Milan representing different countries. Of course this is the work of Dolce & Gabbana so there is reference to Sicily, with a royal throne and coat owned by a Norman King to symbolise the Norman’s conquest of Southern Italy in Sicily 1061.
[Courtesy Image]
*The theme? The tree is inspired by Domenico and Steffano's childhood memories. The designers said: “Christmas is the happiest time of the year for children and we want to celebrate it with a tree that brings together all the different cultures from around the world. We thought of an enchanted forest where the real meets the unreal, just as it does the night before Christmas. It is a very special tradition because it helps spread our love for Italian craftsmanship around the world. It is our second year creating the tree at Claridge's, a symbol of London that holds a special place in our hearts”.
There is a special launch party of the tree at Claridges this evening, and we'll be there armed with our phones ready to sneak you into the party via Instagram.
16 October 2014
It's starting to look a lot like Christmas... [Getty]
We might still only be able to think as far ahead at Hallowe'en at the moment, but the news that Dolce & Gabbana will be designing Claridge's Christmas tree for the second year running has made us come over all festive.
The design duo and swish London hotel partnered up last year for a stonking, Sicilian themed (obvs) tree which sat proudly in the Claridge's lobby for one and all to admire. So, we were pretty jazzed to hear that they'll be teaming up again - this year, with a more global theme.
Lanvin's tree and Dolce and Gabbana's 2013 design
Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce told Vogue, "Christmas is the happiest time of the year for children and we want to celebrate it with a tree that brings together all the different cultures from around the world". We love the idea of a multicultural tree - makes sense in a place that house travellers from all over the globe.
They said their inspiration came from "We thought of an enchanted forest where the real meets the unreal, just as it does the night before Christmas. It is a very special tradition because it helps spread our love for Italian craftsmanship around the world."
Left: John Galliano's 'Frozen Tropical' tree, Right: his 'Under The Sea' tree
Of course, the Italian team had to show some patriotic love to their motherland. Dolce & Gabbana aren't the only ones to give Christmas at Claridge's a festive makeover - designers like John Galliano and Albar Elvaz of Lanvin have all put their spin on the tree.
John's designs included a 'Frozen Tropical' tree (us neither) as well as a Little Mermaid-esque 'Under The Sea' themed number, whereas Dolce & Gabbana and Lanvin stuck to slightly more conventional themes. Be sure to head down to the hotel after November 19th when the tree is unveiled...