Lady LUX

Lanvin is decking the halls of London hotel Claridge’s with a new Christmas tree designed by Alber Elbaz, reported WWD and Vogue UK. Intended to be “colorful and whimsical,” the tree will be adorned with marionettes dressed in the designer’s re-imagination of Claridge’s staff uniforms.

“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,” Elbaz said to Vogue UK. “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.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Elbaz this year to spread the Christmas magic in our iconic lobby,” Claridge's general manager Thomas Kochs declared to Vogue. “It is simply wonderful to see this talented designer decorate the tree in his whimsical style. The House of Lanvin and Claridge's are synonymous with longstanding tradition and timeless glamour, and we are sure to bring the Christmas magic alive this festive season.”

Elbaz is taking the reins from John Galliano, the designer who crafted a Dior tree for the famed hotel in 2009 and 2010.

The tree will be revealed at a gala in December, to be attended by Elbaz. Hotel visitors can check out the bedecked tree in the hotel lobby from Nov. 22 to Jan. 2.

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