LONDON – Daniel Lee will design this year’s Claridge’s Christmas tree and plans to add a sustainable twist in the shape of some 600 bows made with Burberry surplus fabric.
Lee’s tree, which is 16 feet high, will be unveiled in the hotel lobby on the morning of Nov. 25. In addition to the bows, a Victorian symbol of unity, the tree will also feature hanging bells and chess-piece decorations inspired by Burberry’s Equestrian Knight design.
The top of the tree will be adorned with a gold crown, while the base will feature oversized, floor-standing chess pieces, according to Claridge’s.
Lee, who is chief creative officer at Burberry, said that it was a “huge honor,” to design the tree and “an opportunity to celebrate tradition and togetherness, expressing the season through vibrant colors and rich textures.”
He added that Christmas is his favorite time of the year, and Claridge’s “has always felt like home. It’s a true symbol of elegance and British heritage, where I’ve enjoyed many special moments over the years.”
Burberry chief creative officer Daniel Lee will decorate the annual Claridge’s Christmas tree, which will be revealed on Nov. 25.
Claridge’s managing director, Thomas Kochs, said, “We can’t wait to see what surprises are in store for the tree, and look forward to seeing guests and visitors immerse themselves in the creative world of Burberry.”
He added that Christmas, “is always the most magical time of the year at Claridge’s, and this festive season we are honored and delighted to welcome longstanding friend Daniel Lee into our lobby.”
This is the fifteenth year Claridge’s has invited a top hotel guest and friend of the house to reinterpret the Christmas tree in their own style. It’s also the second time that Claridge’s has tapped a Burberry designer to envision the tree.
Christopher Bailey, Burberry’s former chief creative officer and CEO, put a high-shine spin on the Claridge’s tree in 2015. Winking to Burberry’s heritage as a rainwear maker, the tree was created from nearly 100 gold and silver umbrellas.
As guests walked by, 77,000 individual lights were triggered, sending twinkling beams into the lobby of the luxury London hotel.
Other brands and designers who have decked the famous tree include Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Louboutin, Kim Jones for Dior, Sandra Choi for Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Paul Smith.
