Constructed using custom travel trunks, Claridge’s hotel in London has unveiled its latest designer Christmas tree, this time created by Louis Vuitton. Jenny Southan reports
The Claridge’s “Christmas Tree 2023 by Louis Vuitton” brings together two illustrious names who have long celebrated the art of travel and crossed paths throughout their respective histories after both being founded in 1854.
An innovative twist on a conventional pine tree, the Claridge’s Christmas installation is composed of 15 vertically placed chrome trunks of varying heights that together create the silhouette of a traditional Christmas tree.
The Louis Vuitton installation has been described by the hotel as a “magnificent sculptural creation” positioned inside two large open Malles Vestiaire (“Wardrobe Trunks”) placed on top of each other. Together they stand at 5.2 metres tall.
At the top of the tree is Asnières, the historic Louis Vuitton family home and atelier. Admirers will also spot 21 Louis Vuitton Vivienne mascots, including Father Christmas himself.
It was Louis Vuitton who would have packed the Empress’s trunks himself for her stays at Claridge’s. The Maison’s first London store opened in 1885 around the corner from Claridge’s. Ever since, its legendary trunk – the quintessence of Louis Vuitton’s unique savoir-faire – has crossed the Mayfair hotel’s threshold in its thousands.
Claridge’s general manager Paul Jackson says: “Christmas is the most magical time for us here at the hotel and we look forward to welcoming guests and seeing visitors immerse themselves in Louis Vuitton’s world”.