Long-time friend of the hotel, Louis Vuitton unveiled their creation in the hotel lobby on the morning of Thursday 23rd November, 2023. The Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2023 by Louis Vuitton brought together two illustrious names, both of whom have long celebrated the Art of Travel, which inspired the tree’s design.
Claridge’s and Louis Vuitton have crossed paths throughout their respective histories, both having been founded in 1854. The 1850’s saw Monsieur Louis Vuitton himself appointed as the personal layetier to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III. The Empress – at the same time – made Claridge’s her winter residence, famously receiving visits from Queen Victoria which led to the hotel being known as the annex to Buckingham Palace. It was Louis Vuitton who would have packed the Empress’s trunks himself for her stays at Claridge’s. The Maison’s first London store opened in 1885 around the corner from Claridge’s. Ever since, its legendary trunk – the quintessence of Louis Vuitton’s unique savoir-faire - has crossed the Mayfair hotel’s threshold in its thousands.
Claridge’s General Manager Paul Jackson said “What an honour it is to welcome such a legendary house as Louis Vuitton to design our Claridge’s Christmas Tree this year. Christmas is the most magical time of year for us here at the hotel and we look forward to seeing guests and visitors immerse themselves in Louis Vuitton’s world.”
The Claridge’s Christmas Tree has long been a seasonal London landmark and symbolises the start of the festive season in the capital. This is the thirteenth year Claridge’s has invited a distinguished fashion house and friend to reinterpret the tree in its own distinctive style.