Two bastions of British style are joining forces for a Christmas collaboration: Claridge’s has announced this year’s Christmas tree will be designed by Burberry chief creative officer Daniel Lee. It will be unveiled in the Mayfair hotel’s lobby on November 25.
Over the past 15 years, the Claridge’s Christmas tree design collaborations have become highly anticipated seasonal signatures. Each year the tree is reimagined by a celebrated designer, with past collaborators including Karl Lagerfeld, shoe designer Christian Louboutin and Kim Jones, the former Louis Vuitton menswear director and Fendi artistic director. Last year’s designer was Paul Smith.
Lee’s 16-foot tree will be adorned with around 600 bows, each hand-made from surplus Burberry fabrics plucked from the archive. The bows – a Victorian symbol of unity – will be joined by bells and chess-piece ornaments inspired by Burberry’s equestrian knight design, which was the winning design from a public competition in 1901. A gold crown will top the tree, while oversized chess pieces will circle its base.
“Claridge’s has always felt like home from the moment you walk through its doors,” Lee said in a statement. “It’s a true symbol of British heritage where I’ve enjoyed many special moments over the years. Being invited to design the tree is a huge honour – an opportunity to celebrate tradition and togetherness through vibrant colour and rich texture.”
The Claridge’s Christmas Tree by Daniel Lee for Burberry will be on display in the hotel lobby from November 25.
