What did Christian Louboutin create for this year’s Claridge’s Christmas tree project?
Since it was introduced 10 years ago, the Christmas tree at London’s historic Claridge’s hotel has become a symbolic sign of the festive season. With designer John Galliano leading its debut, the project has since gone on to partner with worldwide renowned design creatives, with names including Alber Elbaz, Diane von Furstenberg and Karl Lagerfeld. This year, the interpretation of the tree sprang from the imagination of celebrated shoe designer Christian Louboutin. Capped with a glittering gold leaf crown, the five-metre tree is complemented by the Louboutin red Loubi Express (closing New Year’s Eve), stationed in the snowy lobby and mimicking the train trip from Paris to London.
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The tree is adorned with traditional sparkling fairy lights, red and gold baubles, pine cones, a dusting of snow and gingerbread biscuits shaped like – what else? – shoes. “The idea of travel has always been a key source of inspiration in my work and I wanted to capture the excitement and romance of it. There’s something nostalgic about travelling by train; it reminds me of grand adventures and journeys home,” says the shoemaker.
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Following John Galliano, Diane von Furstenberg and Karl Lagerfeld, Christian Louboutin created a wintry extravaganza for Claridge’s Christmas tree