Claridge's turns Christmas on its head with upside-down tree

The centrepiece of a series of inverted spruce Christmas trees around the lobby of the five-red-AA-star, 197-bedroom hotel is a 15ft tree by German fashion designer Karl Lagerfield, with silver gilded roots topped with a multi-faceted mirrored star.

Akin to a silver stalactite, the tree is hung with silver lametta decorations, silver butter leather feathers and snowflakes handmade by craftsmen in German, with tree candles providing the lighting.

Hand-sewn white Icelandic sheepskin rugs under the tree intend to represent a recent snowfall, while the white linen cloths covering the tables under the trees are symbolic of a Christmas ritual that Lagerfeld’s mother would perform every year.

Lagerfeld, creative director of Chanel and Fendi, said “Christmas trees are the strongest ‘souvenir’ of my happy childhood.”

Claridge’s general manager Paul Jackson added that the hotel was “honoured and delighted” that Lagerfeld had agreed design this year’s Christmas tree. “We believe this magical take on his childhood memories captures the spirit of the season perfectly and adds a sense of fun and glamour to our lobby.”

Previous diners of the Claridge’s Christmas tree have included Sir Jony Ive of Apple, Christopher Bailey of Burberry and Alber Elbaz of Lanvin

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