Hasta La Ideas

For the past couple of years, Claridge’s has tapped John Galliano to design sparkly, extravagant, and progressively less Christmas-y trees for its splendid Art Deco lobby. (Last year it was ixnay on the Tannenbaum and in with the giant swoosh of pink coral.) While Galliano and Dior continue to regroup in their respective corners, the London hotel is looking to Alber Elbaz for help with holiday decor. The beloved Lanvin creative director brought his distinctive blend of color, whimsy, and cuckoo glamour to a more traditional holiday tableau (that’s his sketch at right), which will be unveiled today at Claridge’s. “The concept of the Christmas tree decoration is to create an installation that carries the spirit of Lanvin, an infusion of tradition and modernity at the same time,” says Elbaz, whose creation will be bedecked with marionettes dressed in Lanvin-designed Claridge’s hotel uniforms. “The tree is to emanate and bring heartwarming joy to all who work and stay as guests at Claridge’s hotel. It’s my way to wish them a very merry Christmas.”

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