The latest lifestyle, fashion and travel trends
Christmas has officially arrived in London.
From the streets of Soho to the hotels of Mayfair, the festive season is in full swing already – and the capital’s establishments are turning to designer trees once again for 2019.
The Claridge’s tree (one of the most hotly anticipated year-on-year) arrived in style alongside an appearance from the tree’s designer, Christian Louboutin, himself, while others have taken a more conceptual approach to their yuletide decor (see Sketch below for details).
We’ve rounded up our top trees in London for this year – might we suggest you start taking notes for your own.
1. The London Edition
Created by one of London’s best-loved artists and designers Luke Edward Hall, the London EDITION’s tree for 2019 is six-metre-tall showstopper. The tree was created by florist designer Mark Colle and then draped in baubles, tinsel, bows and lights – as well as Hall’s own signature illustrations. The tree is topped off with a weighty golden galleon, which to Hall represents the ‘notion of drifting off into a dream, or being taken to a magical land.’ The tree, which landed on November 19, will be in the hotel’s lobby until the New Year.
2. Aqua Shard
Scottish fashion designer Holly Fulton has teamed up with Aqua Shard this year to create an art-deco inspired ‘tree’, a towering installation with views across the city of London. Drawing inspiration from the decade of 1920s glamour, as well as more traditional Christmas motifs, Fulton’s ’20s ladies are sitting atop wrapped presents and sipping from Veuve Clicquot Champagne glasses. Very chic.
3. Claridge’s
Every year, the fashion crowds gather to witness the unveiling of Claridge’s newest creation, and this year was no exception. Attendees were invited to board Christian Louboutin’s ‘Loubi Express’, featuring a dining carriage complete with four tables, its very own Cocktail Conductor offering champagne, cocktails and classic Claridge’s canapés complete with a nostalgic Christmas soundtrack. The tree itself was adorned with lights, baubles and shoe-shaped gingerbreads, with a golden crown sitting on top.
4. Sketch
Not exactly one tree, but a whole host of Christmassy splendour; Sketch is living up to its decadent reputation with the restaurant-wide installation, ‘Christmas here, there and everywhere’. Pictured is the Glade’s masterpiece, created by creative director of Figa & Co, Kim Beedie. Elsewhere in Sketch is a magnificent tree in the centre of the library and lecture room, and a Christmas kaliedoscope in the parlour.
5. Annabel’s
Taking over 30 hours to install and covered with over 10,00 lights, the tree at Annabel’s lights up Berkeley Square. And the festivities don’t stop there for the iconic London institution; they’re hosting a festive afternoon tea taking place throughout November and December.
