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Diane von Furstenberg's Christmas Tree for Claridge's comprised of hand painted glass spheres

United Kingdom Architecture News - Dec 13, 2018 - 06:01   14240 views

Diane von Furstenberg's Christmas Tree for Claridge's comprised of hand painted glass spheres

Mayfair hotel Claridge’s has unveiled its Christmas Tree 2018 designed by fashion icon and long-time friend of the hotel Diane von Furstenberg. 

Called "The Tree of Love", the sculptural is inspired by Diane’s passion and strong belief in the power of love, symbolising life and nature, and drawing particularly from the creative influences of the astrological world. 

Reaching 6-meter high, the sculptural tree is coloured with a blue iridescent lustre and shimmer, and is decorated with over 8,000 hand painted silver-leafed leaves, glass spheres and 150 hand-blown glass hearts. 

Diane von Furstenberg's Christmas Tree for Claridge's comprised of hand painted glass spheres

It plays host to six different silver-leafed abstract designed animals - an owl represents knowledge and wisdom, a dove symbolises peace, a horse conveys strength and endurance. 

Highlighting the importance of nature within "The Tree of Love", a sculptural deer representing gentleness sits at the base, a peacock representing beauty, and nestled gently sleeping, is a silver-leafed mouse to symbolise curiosity.

Diane von Furstenberg's Christmas Tree for Claridge's comprised of hand painted glass spheres

"The idea of the tree is that all is derived from the universe and the tree winds its way upwards towards the heavens from its roots. Diane has also included important, symbolic words that have long been her mantra including Peace, Harmony, Knowledge, Truth, Freedom, Enlightenment and Wisdom," said Claridge’s.

In order to make this a fully immersive experience, our lobby has been reimagined under her creative vision with a magical midnight blue skylight covered in dazzling stars and astrological star signs from the constellation.

Diane von Furstenberg's Christmas Tree for Claridge's comprised of hand painted glass spheres

"Claridge’s is my favourite hotel in the world and my home in London. I was so excited to be invited to create its legendary annual Christmas Tree. My tree is ‘The Tree of Love’, celebrating all aspects of love and life," said Diane von Furstenberg.

For this festive project, Diane has worked closely with long-time friends and collaborators; artistic set designer Stefan Beckman, artist and illustrator Konstantin Kakanias, and astrologer Shelley von Strunckel.

"We are honoured and delighted that our friend Diane has agreed to take up the challenge of designing our annual Claridge’s Christmas Tree. Her vision of ‘The Tree of Love’ could not be more appropriate this Christmas and we believe London will be charmed by the magic Diane has created at Claridge’s," said Paul Jackson, Claridge’s General Manager.

Diane von Furstenberg's Christmas Tree for Claridge's comprised of hand painted glass spheres

Claridge’s Christmas Tree has long symbolised the start of the festive season in the capital, drawing visitors and Londoners alike to admire its magnificent design. This is the ninth year that Claridge’s has invited a distinguished guest to reinterpret the tree in their own distinctive style.

In 2017, Jony Ive And Marc Newson designed Claridge’s Christmas Tree. In 2016, British fashion designer Christopher Bailey, CEO of Burberry, designed Claridge’s Christmas Tree. 

All images courtesy of Claridge’s

> via Claridge’s