- Hotels around the world collaborate with luxury brands for their Christmas decorations.
- Some trees, like the one at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira in Dubai, have been designed by jewelers.
- Other hotels have tapped artists like Conrad Shawcross and fashion brands like Jenny Packham.
It has been a tough quarter for luxury labels like LVMH and Kering as key consumer markets like China pull back amid a globally unsteady economic environment.
But there's still plenty of reason for cheer ahead of the festive season.
The once fashion-exclusive brands are diversifying their offerings, from cafés and pop-ups to partnerships with historic hotels around the holiday season.
As the luxury travel sector bounces back from its COVID-19 era downfall — think the rise in high-end train travel — it's yet another space where brands can make their mark.
While festive collaborations aren't anything new, a struggling luxury fashion market makes it even more important for brands to capitalize on the moment. And the benefits of these collaborations aren't one-sided — Christmas tree lighting ceremonies at venues like Claridge's in London have evolved into beloved festive traditions, drawing crowds each year.
For many guests checking into hotels this holiday season, a well-decorated, designer tree display not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also serves as the ultimate status symbol that helps hotels stand out.
From colorful oversized bows to leather-crafted ribbon ornaments, here are 12 designer Christmas trees that are just as extravagant as the luxury brands behind them.
Christopher John Rogers for Riggs Hotel in Washington, DC
Boutique hotel Riggs Washington, DC, has collaborated with fashion designer Christopher John Rogers and British paint and paper maker Farrow & Ball to create a dazzling 18-foot holiday tree.
Inspired by Rogers' childhood memories of food and family, the Carte Blanche collection, which debuted last September, includes 12 custom paint colors and three wallpaper prints, with names like "Cardamom," "Lobster," "Raw Tomatillo," and "Hog Plum."
These have served as inspiration for the holiday tree's colorful decor.
Sir Paul Smith for Claridge's in London
From sweet treats and scents to the star of the season, the Christmas tree, British fashion designer Sir Paul Smith has worked closely with Mayfair-based Claridge's to transform its lobby.
"When designing this year's tree, I automatically thought of a birdhouse, friendly and optimistic, a symbol of home which reflects the welcoming spirit of Claridge's," Sir Paul Smith told Harper's Bazaar in October, ahead of the tree's reveal.
Jenny Packham for Pulitzer Hotel in Amsterdam
British fashion designer Jenny Packham has brought her signature sparkling embellishments and silhouettes to Pulitzer Amsterdam's holiday decorations this year.
For the set design, Packham was inspired by renowned Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, whose ability to showcase the "quiet moments of beauty" stayed with her, she told WWD.
Ladurée for The St. Regis Hotel in New York City
From garlands and velvet bows to a 12-foot tree, The St. Regis Hotel in New York has undergone a complete festive transformation, thanks to its collaboration with French patisserie Ladurée.
In addition to the decor, the Parisian brand is also offering a festive afternoon tea experience at the hotel's newly launched tea salon, La Maisonette.
Garrard for Mandarin Oriental Jumeira in Dubai
London-based jewelry brand Garrard — appointed crown jeweler by Queen Victoria in 1843 — is bringing some of its holiday sparkle to Mandarin Oriental Jumeira this holiday season.
"Every year, our Christmas tree represents the ultimate celebration of sophistication and creative expression," said Werner Anzinger, the general manager of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira.
Of this year's tree, he said, "This new masterpiece crafted together with Garrard evokes the timeless luxury and glamour of both brands as we bring seasonal sparkle and joy to Dubai."
The tree is adorned with blue baubles and golden leaves, paying tribute to both brands.
This year's Christmas tree is themed around sapphires, the same gemstone used by the jeweler for a pendant for the hotel's fifth anniversary earlier this year.
The tree's golden branches are decorated with the Mandarin fan — the hotel's signature motif — large midnight-blue baubles, and an illuminated ribbon.
La Ligne for The Dewberry in Charleston, South Carolina
From Meghan Markle to Karlie Kloss, several celebrities have been spotted rocking a La Ligne outfit. This year, the brand has dressed The Dewberry's lobby for Christmas.
Interior stylist Tom Dunn, who has previously worked with the fashion label, helped design the tree.
Ghurka for Primland Resort in Virginia
Connecticut-based luxury leather-goods brand Ghurka is known for its luggage and leather accessories, but this year, it will also be known for its cozy, country holiday aesthetic at the Primland resort, a private mountain estate in Virginia.
The tree in the resort's Great Hall is decorated with tiny bows made of leather.
Beginning with festive bright-red bows, Ghurka reworked its signature chestnut leather for the holiday decor.
The tree also features natural brass rivets and red ribbons with Christmas lights.
Guests staying at the hotel can also request a personalized tree en suite throughout the festive season.
Conrad Shawcross for The Connaught Hotel in London
The historic Connaught Hotel in Mayfair has stuck to simplicity with a hint of sparkle for its holiday makeover this year.
Helping with the designs is British sculptor Conrad Shawcross, best known for blending mathematical concepts and geometrical patterns within his designs.
Baccarat for Mandarin Oriental in Singapore
It is a season of double celebrations for crystal brand Baccarat, which is marking its 260th anniversary this year by collaborating with hotels worldwide for festive experiences.
One of the hotels is the Mandarin Oriental in Singapore, where Baccarat also hosted a cocktail world tour earlier this year.
A new take on the traditional tree, the hotel's centerpiece is made from crystals.
Although the tree is slightly unconventional — with no leaves or branches — the hotel's centerpiece is certainly one of a kind, given that it's made from 24- and 40-light Le Roi Soleil chandeliers.
The crystal chandeliers feature intricate branches, tassels, and octagons stacked into a tree shape with the brand's logo on top.
Brioni for Hotel De La Ville in Rome
One of Rome's most Instagram-worthy getaways, Hotel de la Ville, collaborated with luxury Italian label Brioni for its holiday decor.
The result is a cozy, quiet-luxury aesthetic with elegant details throughout the lobby and, of course, a Christmas tree.
Hotel guests can also experience "tailoring en suite," where they can shop customized outfits crafted by Brioni's master tailors.
The tree features silk baubles made from fabrics used by the brand in its previous collections.
The Italian label has reimagined silk pieces from its previous collections to create custom ornaments for what it calls a sustainable Christmas tree.
The tree, designed in shades of blue, gold, and cream and arranged by florists, incorporates natural elements and is brightened with golden hues.
MCM for The Charles Hotel in Munich
The Charles Hotel in Munich is celebrating the holidays by creating an enchanting Christmas world titled "From Munich to Mars" in collaboration with MCM — think gingerbread-style ornaments, glittering displays, and a giant Christmas tree adorned with gold and bronze baubles.
If all of that isn't exciting enough, the hotel will also feature an MCM-branded advent calendar, in which guests can win one of 24 luxury gifts every day.
The tree is adorned with MCM-branded rocket and mini Christmas tree ornaments.
To uphold this year's theme, the hotel has turned to a holiday favorite: gingerbread. Taking inspiration from the traditional biscuit, MCM has used its colors to create rocket and Christmas tree-shaped ornaments.
They've also built out a snowy landscape with gifts wrapped in brown boxes and a miniature, snow-capped gingerbread house to complement the theme.
Dolce & Gabbana for Hotel de Russie in Rome, Italy
Another Roman contender, Hotel de Russie, unveiled a high-fashion tree for the festive season, crafted in collaboration with luxury label Dolce & Gabbana.
The tree, which is located in the hotel's courtyard, was inspired by the brand's intricate work seen in its collections over the years.
