Christmas trees have long been a symbol of festive tradition, but in the hands of artists and designers, they can also become a canvas for creativity and innovation. From the classic to the avant-garde, these eight unique trees- crafted by designers from around the world- offer a glimpse into how the holiday symbol has evolved over time. Whether made from unexpected materials, inspired by contemporary art, or designed with sustainability in mind, each tree reflects a distinct approach to the seasonal celebration, blurring the lines between decoration and design.
Kigumi & Komorebi (2024)
Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has revealed two Christmas trees crafted from materials that will later be repurposed into furniture at the Edition hotels in Toranomon and Ginza, Tokyo.
Each tree is constructed from timber components arranged to form the shape of a traditional Christmas tree. After the festive season, the trees will be dismantled and transformed into furniture by the Japanese wooden furniture manufacturer Karimoku.
The first tree, called Kigumi, was displayed in the lobby of the Tokyo Edition, Toranomon hotel, which was also designed by Kuma. It was constructed using linear timber pieces from six types of wood- oak, castor aralia, magnolia, Japanese walnut, Japanese maple, and North American walnut- and finished with silver and bronze metallic accents.
The second tree, named Komorebi, was installed in the lobby bar of the Tokyo Edition, Ginza, another hotel designed by Kuma.
It was constructed from rounded components made of oak, castor aralia, magnolia, Japanese walnut, and Japanese maple. These components were crafted from curved timber pieces that are typically discarded.
Simon Costin for Harewood House (2022)
Back In 2022, Harewood House invited 11 artists, designers, and makers to create "traditionally untraditional" pieces. Set designer Simon Costin explored ancient traditions and rituals that have shaped the iconography of Christmas as we know it today, crafting a Christmas tree from salvaged antlers.
The Singing Christmas Tree by Es Devlin (2018)
Set designer Es Devlin's 'singing' Christmas tree was created for the V&A in 2018. It generated audio-visual carols by blending thousands of public contributions with sound algorithms derived from 25 million words of 19th-century poetry.
Visitors to the museum were invited to add a word to the tree, which was then incorporated into a choir of both human and synthetic voices that accompanied the festive carols.
Claridges Christmas Tree by Louis Vuitton (2023)
2023 saw fashion brand Louis Vuitton unveil a Christmas tree made from stacked travel trunks at Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair, London.
Standing 5.2 meters tall, the tree was crafted from 15 chrome trunks arranged to form the shape of a tree, reflecting the hotel’s art deco aesthetic. Positioned in the black and white marbled lobby, the installation was framed by a pair of stacked Malles Vestiaire wardrobe trunks.
The tree was topped with a model of the Louis Vuitton family home in Asnières, and adorned with 21 different versions of Louis Vuitton’s Vivienne mascots, including one dressed as Father Christmas.
Tree of Glass by Lee Broom (2017)
Lighting designer Lee Broom's Tree of Glass installation was a incredulous blend of art, architecture, and design, created for The Shard in London in 2017. Standing 10 meters tall, it was constructed using 245 individually hand-blown glass pendant lights, developed in collaboration with the glassware brand Nude.
The installation drew inspiration from The Shard itself, with its angular form and sleek lines mirrored in the design of the tree. The result was a harmonious fusion of form and function—an iconic piece that perfectly complemented the dramatic views of the London skyline.
All Lit Up! by Anna Lomax (2024)
Designer Anna Lomax has unveiled All Lit Up!, a glowing, Christmas tree-inspired sculpture at the Victoria and Albert Museum's South Kensington Grand Entrance.
Inspired by the museum’s columns, Lomax has created a spiralling structure that captures the essence of a traditional Christmas tree. Developed with local studio Jailmake, the installation is designed to "evoke feelings of joy and a child-like wonder".
The Tree playfully reimagines the iconic V&A columns, using light to embody the Christmas spirit. Set between four imposing columns, the installation rests on a rounded metallic plinth, spiralling upwards with a decorative design lit by LED lights.
Tree of Liberty by Liberty (2019)
The central atrium of Liberty London was transformed by a striking floating tree installation. Though artificial, the tree was nearly life-sized and seemed as though it had been uprooted. With a whimsical Alice in Wonderland twist, the trunk was painted an unreal shade of blue, while reindeer moss and clusters of soft, pink, cloud-like leaves crowned the top.
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