Kim Jones Designs Claridge's Christmas Tree 'The Celestial Snow Globe'

It's official! This year's Christmas preparations are finally underway. Or at least for the legendary luxury Mayfair hotel, Claridge's, they are, as this week bore witness to the hotel's annual Christmas tree installation specially designed by artistic director of Dior Men's, Kim Jones.

'It has been a great honour for me to have designed the Christmas tree for Claridge's this year. I'm excited to kick off the holiday season in such an iconic British institution and to bring the festive spirit of Dior to London with my upcoming menswear show', the artistic director said in a statement.

Named The Celestial Snow Globe, this year's Christmas tree does exactly what it says on the tin, by evoking the idea of one glittering, magnificent snow globe. The white glowing structure is easy on the eye, and the installation stands tall against all other Claridge's creations that have come before, illuminated with magical sparkles and reflecting snowflakes that travel across its dazzling surface. Christmas baubles float in orbit around the tree, reflecting iconic symbols of the house. Miniature perfume bottles reflect the shape of Monsieur Dior's dog, Bobby, while the inclusion of stars represents the founder's celestial good-luck charm.

Holographic projections are mixed with toile, recalling the emblematic toile of the Dior haute couture ateliers as traditional pleating techniques are also highlighted within the structure of the festive tree, a tribute by Kim Jones to the excellence of the Dior ateliers' petites mains. Due to the tree's illuminating presence, these projections radiate from the base upwards and beyond, resting around the space and up the staircase, creating a star-lit atmosphere in the grand hallway for all to see.

Christmas has always been a special time of year for all at Claridge's, with the hotel's co-owner stating that 'Christmas has always been a truly special time of the year. We are delighted, for the first time in many years, to welcome a homegrown designer to create our illustrious tree.' From one British icon to another, this year's tree is nothing short of spectacular, showing off the magical charm of Dior and Claridges.