Embracing the holiday spirit with creativity, on December 1st, a John Galliano for Dior Christmas tree will be revealed at London’s luxurious Claridge’s hotel. Far from traditional, this tree has no ornaments, flashing lights, or candy canes. Galliano has created a tropical pan-Asian style Christmas tree in sparkling white with turquoise, silver and blue leaves and orchids with a sleeping leopard on one of the branches. “I want combine the festive with the innovative, the spirit of Dior with the beauty of Claridge’s and create something spectacular that will inspire,” the designer told WWD.
This is the first time in the hotel’s 112-year history that Claridge’s has collaborated with a fashion designer on its Christmas tree. “We are very excited to be working on this groundbreaking project with the legendary John Galliano. Both Claridge’s and Dior are synonymous with the combination of impeccable heritage, inherent glamour and contemporary thinking so we are looking forward to see his creative vision for our tree,” Claridge’s general manager Philippe Leboeuf told Vogue.com.
It is not the first time that a fashion designer has partnered with a luxury hotel for an innovative Christmas tree design. In 2005 four-star Hotel Birger Jarl in Stockholm invited for the second time ten of Sweden’s leading fashion designers to use their imagination and personal touch on individual Christmas trees. The InterContinental Le Grand Hotel in Paris this year will host its annual Designer Christmas trees within the hotel’s winter garden. Each sapin (French for “fir-tree” or “Christmas Tree”) is an original from students of Paris’ fashion colleges. Paris’ fashion world also design their own trees at the annual Les Sapins de Noel des Créateurs. The results are displayed to the public at the Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication and then auctioned for charity. This year’s A-lists include designers Jean-Paul Gaultier, Gucci, Hérmes and Paul Smith.
An unexpected creative gest, these designer Christmas trees bring together the fashionable and luxurious with the festive and celebratory spirit of the holidays.
John Galliano for Dior Christmas tree from December 1, 2009 through January 6, 2010 at Claridge’s Hotel in London.