See Christian Louboutin’s Seriously Chic Christmas Tree For Claridge’s | Vogue
"Every holiday season, Claridge's hotel in London decks its halls with something spectacular: a Christmas tree decorated by a creative maestro. Past names? Oh, just Diane von Furstenberg, Jony Ives, and Karl Lagerfeld. 2019 is the tenth anniversary of Claridge’s collaborations, so they wanted to choose someone to trim their tree who felt like part of the hotel’s family: none other than frequent guest, Christian Louboutin. Inspired the nostalgia of rail travel—as well as his own journeys from Paris to London—he dreamed up The Loubi Express, a glittering Louboutin-red train stationed in a winter wonderland that is the hotel’s lobby. Carrying brown paper packages tied up with red ribbons, the car sits alongside a tree of splendor. Hung on its snow-covered branches are strings of fairy lights, gold and scarlet baubles, gingerbread-stiletto biscuits, and even some Louboutin lipsticks. Instead of a star or angel on top, Louboutin placed a gold-leafed crown. “Trains recall a certain sense of romance for me,” Louboutin tells Vogue. “They allow you to dream, to contemplate the landscape flying past. And, for me, it gives me a little respite from the hectic pace of life.” “I am glad to bring a little piece of Paris to such an iconic London landmark,” he adds. The Loubi Express, by the way, isn’t just a piece of decor; inside is an intimate dining car, which serves up fair such as prawn tempura, truffle gougères, and the hotel’s signature Lobster Wellington. There are champagne cocktails aplenty, as well as a Pineapple Punch (to highlight Louboutin’s favorite fruit.) The display opened today with a festive celebration. But for those who can’t make it over to London, fret not: the Loubi Express’s signature cocktail can be found below. Just like Santa’s hat, or the sole of a Louboutin, it’s bright red." - Elise Taylor
