Claridge’s confirms the designer for the 2024 Christmas tree
The festive season is approaching, and many of us have particular markers that signal it is time to start preparing for Christmas. Perhaps it’s when your reach for your winter coat from the back of the wardrobe, or maybe it’s the moment you snuggle up under a blanket in the evening, lighting a candle and indulging in a new TV series.
For many, however, it’s when the Christmas trees start popping up all across London – with the display at Claridge’s arguably the jewel in the crown of the capital’s decorations. For the past 14 years, the legendary Mayfair hotel has collaborated with some of fashion’s biggest designers to ensure the tree is both stylish and captivating.
Previous collaborators have included Jimmy Choo and Karl Lagerfeld, while last year, Louis Vuitton put on a twinkling display, with the French maison having a travel-themed twist on their decorations.
This year, Claridge’s have confirmed that the much-loved British fashion designer, and long-time friend of the hotel, Sir Paul Smith, will be designing their tree.
Paul Smith
Smith is aiming to theme the 19ft tree around birdhouses, each with a playful Paul Smith twist, with roofs decorated in playing cards, postage stamps and dice.
The 78-year-old designer has worked on the project alongside the British architect Nik Ramage, who will make a series of mechanical birdhouses, and the design studio Studiomama, who will create a series of their whimsical ‘Off Cut Creatures’ to sit around the base of the tree.
“My wife Pauline and I have been staying and dining at Claridge’s for many years,” said Smith. “We have spent so many special moments like Christmas and New Year at the hotel with our grandchildren and so it is often a family affair.
“It’s a great honour to be asked to create this year’s Christmas tree and it’s something I hope people will enjoy and find fascinating and fun. When designing this year’s tree, I automatically thought of a bird house, friendly and optimistic, a symbol of home which reflects the welcoming spirit of Claridge’s.”
Paul Smith has a birdhouse-theme for his Christmas tree
Paul Jackson, Claridge’s general manager, added: “We have had the honour of welcoming Sir Paul and his family to the hotel for many years and we can’t wait to see his unique and inimitable take on the annual challenge of creating something magical for our lobby this festive season.
“Christmas is the most magical time of year for us all here at Claridge’s and we look forward to seeing guests and visitors immerse themselves in the creative and colourful world of Sir Paul Smith.”
The Claridge’s Christmas tree will be on display in the hotel lobby from the morning of Wednesday 20 November.
