Christopher Kane On How To Give Your Christmas Tree Personality

If there’s one London Fashion Week designer who is ready and raring for Christmas, it’s Christopher Kane. The Scotsman has transformed the façade and terrace of his Mount Street neighbour Scott’s with a graphic installation of transparent tubes coloured with chintzy Yuletide hues and his signature neons. And the tree! Sprouting from a nest of blue lights and with an angular luminous construction in place of a fairy, the fir provides a fabulous centrepiece for the London institution.

“I couldn’t say no when they approached me,” Kane tells Vogue. “We didn’t shy away from shine and sparkle; we embraced it.” His favourite part of decking Scott’s halls? The “neons in the light-up icicles that hover above your head as you dine on the terrace. The full effect really comes alive when it gets dark.”

So, what does Christmas look like in the Kane household? “I have my niece Bonnie on decorations,” he enthuses. “Colourful, loud and mixed with traditional tartans and metallics.” This year, the Kanes will kick off the holiday season with a trip to the ice-skating rink at Somerset House, followed by Fortnum & Mason for a bauble pitstop and on to Claridges for the seasonal iteration of its signature afternoon tea. The day itself will be spent at Gleneagles. “I’m excited to go back as I haven’t had a traditional Scottish Christmas in years – fingers crossed we don’t get snowed in,” he adds.

With regards to dispensing tree decoration advice, Kane’s tips are simple. Number one: don’t hold back. “I love full-on trees, loaded with personality.” Number two: make it personal. “Christmas is about remembering the past, so little details like old decorations or those created with children make you appreciate the present.” And number three: make a day of it. “Have a Christmas playlist prepared.”

Kane’s all-time favourite tune is “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love – best enjoyed with his personal Scott’s whiskey cocktail, More Joy, or a glass of champagne. “Pink Ruinart is my fave,” he shares. Glad tidings indeed.