Mariah Carey is defrosting, Michael Bublé is warming up and Claridge’s annual Christmas tree has been unveiled: festive season is upon us. For the 2024 iteration of its yuletide decorations, the historic London hotel has partnered with British designer Sir Paul Smith to bring a colorful flair to Claridge’s iconic lobby.
Unlike the more avant-garde trees of previous years (Louis Vuitton installed a giant trunk in 2023 and in 2022 Sandra Choi for Jimmy Choo imagined a light-up mirrored tree), for the 2024 Claridge’s Christmas tree, Paul Smith has gone down a traditional route. Wedged in next to the hotel’s much-photographed staircase, the 20-ft real tree is adorned with baubles, ribbons and over 100 birdhouses, all in Paul Smith’s signature colorful palette.
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To bring the vision to life, Smith collaborated with British artist Nik Ramage to create the mechanical birdhouses, each with a playful twist – some have miniature skiing figurines gliding down the roof, others feature the Paul Smith signature, and some have their own little model bird taking up residence. Meanwhile, a series of wooden animal figures surround the base of the tree and gentle birdsong is projected around the space.
“My wife Pauline and I have been staying and dining at Claridge’s for many years,” commented Smith. “We have spent so many special moments like Christmas and New Year at the hotel with our grandchildren and so it is often a family affair.
“It’s a great honor to be asked to create this year’s Christmas tree and it’s something I hope people will enjoy and find fascinating and fun. When designing this year’s tree, I automatically thought of a birdhouse, friendly and optimistic, a symbol of home which reflects the welcoming spirit of Claridge’s.”
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Smith’s artistic influence extends beyond the tree, too: the designer has transformed Claridge’s lobby into an extension of his own living room, right down to the geometric striped rug on the floor and the Maharam by Paul Smith fabric pieces surrounding the fireplace.
Guests can also indulge in ‘Paul’s Pick n Mix’ trolley, which features a selection of Smith’s favorite sweet treats and will be wheeled into the lobby daily in the run-up to Christmas.
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