Burberry's Bailey To Create Claridge's Christmas Tree

Claridge´s has revealed that Burberry's chief creative and chief executive officer, Christopher Bailey, will be responsible for the design of its famous Christmas tree this year. Bailey follows in the footsteps of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, who decorated the tree for two years, previous to which John Galliano and Lanvin's Alber Elbaz were selected for the honour.

"Christmas is one of my favourite times of year so I was delighted to be asked to design the Claridge's Christmas Tree - the iconic hotel celebrating a joyful time," said Bailey this morning, as it was revealed that the tree will explore the relationship between light and dark and comprise more than 100 umbrellas, each of which will be finished in gold and silver metallic fabric. "We wanted the tree to reflect the playfulness of the season with a little bit of the English weather thrown in. We also love the idea that the tree comes to life as guests pass by, bringing a wonderful touch of festive magic to their stay."

Burberry has a long-standing relationship with the famous Mayfair residence. The hotel's suites famously come complete with Burberry trench coats for guests to wrap up in and head out to see the lights of London. This festive season the fashion house has further upped the ante by providing Burberry-clad bell boys to help guests with their Christmas shopping lists.

"Christmas has always been a truly special time of year at Claridge's and we are delighted to welcome Christopher Bailey to add the enchanting Christmas magic and creativity of Burberry to our lobby," said the hotel's general manager Thomas Kochs. 

"We are particularly proud to be flying the British flag this year with London being at the heart of both Claridge's and Burberry, and it is this shared sense of heritage and the key part we both play in London life that makes Christopher's collaboration with us so special. The Claridge's Christmas Tree has long symbolised the start of the festive season in the capital and we hope our annual tradition will continue to be a part of our guests' memories as they become part of ours."