Dolce & Gabbana to design Claridge’s Christmas tree

London hotel Claridge’s has announced that this year its annual

Christmas tree will be designed by Dolce & Gabbana designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

The tree, which will depict iconic elements from a traditional Christmas tree reinterpreted with Sicilian elements, draws on the Italian heritage of the designers, and will include handcrafted Sicilian puppets known as ‘pupi’, hand-painted Italian festive glass baubles and a bespoke multi-coloured ‘luminarie’ framework created in Southern Italy.

"We are delighted to welcome Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana to spread their special Christmas magic in our lobby this year," said Thomas Kochs, Claridge's general manager. "Both Claridge's and Dolce & Gabbana are synonymous with timeless glamour, innovative spirit and traditional family values that are so important at this time of year."

Design duo Dolce & Gabbana added: “When we think of London we always think of Claridge’s and of its typically English atmosphere that fascinates us and makes us fall in love with the city every time as if it were the first.

“Our Christmas tree isn’t only a celebration of Christmas as we celebrate it in Italy, but it’s at the same time a tribute to the artisanal Italian tradition, the same that we love to export worldwide with everything we do.”

This is the fourth year that the luxury hotel has invited a guest designer to create and decorate the Christmas tree, Dolce & Gabbana follow in the footsteps of Lanvin's Alber Elbaz and John Galliano.

The Christmas tree will be unveiled in Claridge’s on November 26.