I'm so sorry to mention the C-word when it's still October, but today's news about this year's Claridge's Christmas Tree just couldn't wait. For this year my friends, the Mayfair landmark will receive an injection of Italian glamour from the enigmatic duo of Dolce & Gabbana.
Long time guests and friends of the hotel, the designers will include iconic elements from a traditional Christmas tree reinterpreted with Sicilian elements drawing on their heritage, including hand-crafted Sicilian puppets known as "pupi‟, hand-painted Italian festive glass baubles and a bespoke multi- coloured "luminarie‟ framework created in Southern Italy.
Long heralded as one of London's festive landmarks, this year's Claridge's tree will be unveiled on November 26th. This is the fourth year that Claridge's has invited one of its favourite guests to create and decorate the Christmas tree in their own inimitable style, and the first time it has been celebrated with the traditions of an Italian Christmas by Dolce & Gabbana.
Commenting on the collaboration, Thomas Kochs, Claridge's General Manager, says: “We are delighted to welcome Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana to spread their special Christmas magic in our lobby this year. Both Claridge's and Dolce and Gabbana are synonymous with timeless glamour, innovative spirit and traditional family values that are so important at this time of year.”
Designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana comment: “When we think of London we always think of Claridge's and of its typically English atmosphere that fascinates us and makes us fall in love with the city every time as if it were the first. Our Christmas tree isn't only a celebration of Christmas as we celebrate it in Italy, but it‟s at the same time a tribute to the artisanal Italian tradition, the same that we love to export worldwide with everything we do.”
Love Laurel x
