As we celebrate the festive season, here are some of the most dazzling designer holiday trees at iconic hotels around the world imagined in collaboration with top fashion houses, jewelry designers and artists – from London to D.C.
Sandra Choi for Jimmy Choo ‘The Diamond’ Christmas Tree at Claridge’s (pictured)
Claridge’s, London’s legendary Mayfair hotel, announces that this year its much-anticipated annual Christmas tree has been designed by Sandra Choi for Jimmy Choo. A long-time friend of the hotel, Creative Director Sandra recently unveiled her creation in the hotel’s iconic lobby, marking the twelfth year Claridge’s has invited one of its distinguished guests to reinterpret the tree in their own distinctive style. Named ‘The Diamond’, this magnificent sculptural creation is crafted from reflective mirrors and accented with light which pulses and undulates. The diamond has long been a special icon in the world of Jimmy Choo with Sandra often dreaming of what it would be like to step inside one – therefore the tree has been created for guests to actually enter and stand inside to take in a magical and shining, diamond-refracted space. The tree is finished with a giant, glittering bow topper - a nod to one of the key design themes of the brands winter collection.
Alexis Bittar ‘Menagerie A Tree’ at Riggs Washington D.C.
This festive season, Riggs Washington D.C., the high-design hotel based in Penn Quarter, announces its 2022 holiday tree in collaboration with celebrated jewelry designer Alexis Bittar. Known for his exquisite Lucite jewelry and reinvented statement pieces, Alexis has added a festive flair to his aesthetic to create a “Menagerie A Tree”, a feather and tinsel reverie in the hotel’s lobby. Drawing inspiration from the feminine touches found throughout the hotel’s four First Lady suites as well as the metallics of his own work, Alexis’ “Menagerie A Tree” features a palette of soft feminine pastel colors juxtaposed with high shine silver tinsel and antiqued brush gold detailing. The tree takes advantage of the historic Riggs National Bank building’s double-height ceilings, as it soars 18 feet high. The lustrous tinsel dripping from the branches will gently sway in the air and twinkle, catching the light as guests move through the lobby. Adding additional dimension, oversized pastel feathers are pierced into the tree giving the illusion that it is about to take flight. For additional sparkle, the tree is trimmed with custom pearl garlands that hang like icicles and soft fairy lights for a majestic glow. Those who linger a little longer discover an eclectic collection of papier mâché and feathered, mirrored and iridescent birds nestle within. Miniature hanging glass bottles feature quotes and inspirational messages from iconic women inside.
Suzy Murphy’s Christmas Tree at The Connaught
The Connaught Christmas Tree 2022 has officially been unveiled and designed by influential East London-born artist and sculptor Suzy Murphy. The magnificent British sourced Nordmann Fir tree stands 30 ft tall on Carlos Place and is decked out with 34 ‘soft white’ neon dogs starting with the smallest at the base of the tree, and gradually getting larger as they reach the pinnacle. Suzy’s influence and creative direction for the tree stems from ‘Toby was a Girl’, a series of sketches inspired by her childhood pet. Whimsical and poetic, with a sense of nostalgia Suzy’s interpretation of ‘Toby was a Girl’ tells the story of her dog throughout her childhood. This is translated into a beautifully artistic display on The Connaught Tree, with the neon dogs ‘running’ around the tree, culminating in ‘Toby’ residing at the top, for all to see. At the base of the tree, the story continues as ‘Toby’ is surrounded by neon titles of sculptural works that were made for a series called “A Girls Progress”. Here, Suzy Murphy has used her creative and philosophical mantra ‘solitude, truth, passion and peace’ to describe the various stages one must pass through in order to arrive at “Peace”. The Connaught tree this year, represents the timeless message of Christmas, one of hope, and peace, wishing everyone a truly magical Christmas.
Lewis Miller at The Dewberry
The Dewberry has partnered with Lewis Miller, beloved floral and event designer, for the Charleston hotel’s 2022 holiday décor, reimagining the mid-century modern gem this festive season. The design for the hotel’s tree and interiors draws inspiration from exotic treasures told through unexpected combination of jewel tones, casting the hotel in an incandescent and mercurial holiday glow. Exotic gemstone colors inspired by Majolica ceramics weave together a palette of unexpected combinations of vibrant turquoise, amethyst and ruby. Curiosities found and collected are hidden throughout allowing guests to discover exotic treasures, butterflies, coral and more nestled among greenery. Flora is at the heart of the concept, and the hotel’s lobby and the Living Room are filled with flowering plants, botanicals and silk flowers. The tree will be on display starting November 30th for guests and locals alike to enjoy!
Sofitel New York Unveils 10-ft Macaron Holiday Tree
Midtown Manhattan’s Sofitel New York has just unveiled its latest stunning lobby display for the holiday season. Surrounded by glittering lights and festive holiday décor, the impressive 10-foot Christmas tree is made entirely of delicious macarons, dazzling all who visit the hotel. It is a New York City holiday must-see! Designed and curated by Angelina Paris, a popular Bryant Park bakery and Parisian staple, the tree is made from individual macarons of varying colors and flavors and will be on display through the end of the year. Additionally, Angelina Paris has launched a weekend pop-up cart in the hotel’s lobby, offering hotel guests and visitors their famous hot chocolate and tasty treats from 5 to 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays.
