December never fails to bring out the globetrotter within us whether it’s to sup copious amounts of hot chocolate at a European Christmas market or to crowd surf down London’s Oxford Street.
Though it’s not surprising that we dig for our passport the very moment Mariah Carey plays on the radio with stores outdoing each other every year when it comes to the art of festive decor.
WATCH BELOW: ‘Last Christmas’ Trailer Starring Emilia Clarke
Well-versed in giving shoppers what they desire (and wish to Instagram), Christmas window displays, trees and decorations are growing chicer by the season.
For 2019, Les Galeries Lafayette in Paris has decked its famous halls in traditional firs while London’s most famous hotel Claridge’s enlisted the help of Christian Louboutin to draw in the likes.
Whether you’re planning a festive getaway or just fancy a joyous scroll, these are the fashion world’s favourite Christmas displays of 2019.
Claridge’s in London
Nobody does the holiday season like the London style set with the annual race to put up the capital’s chicest tree starting earlier year-on-year.
But world-famous department store Claridge’s never fails to be crowned the most Instagram-worthy by asking an industry name to deck the fir each festive season.
Christian Louboutin was tasked with the job this time around, hot off the heels of Diane Von Furstenberg.
The shoe guru didn’t even flinch with fear at the task in hand and introduced the fashion set to The Loubi Express – a Louboutin-red train laden with glitter.
Inspired by the romance of travel, the hotel regular parked up the chic vehicle in the landmark’s lobby alongside a frosty tree decked in stiletto-shaped gingerbread biscuits and Louboutin lipsticks.
Inspired by the romance of travel, the hotel regular parked up the chic vehicle in the landmark’s lobby alongside a frosty tree decked in stiletto-shaped gingerbread biscuits and Louboutin lipsticks.
Les Galeries Lafayette
Elsewhere in Europe, shopping empire Les Galeries Lafayette proves Parisians know how a thing or two about the art of festive decor too.
This year, an impressive homage to the beehive stands in the department store’s iconic space. The shopping hub’s alcoves have been transformed into honeycombs while bees dance around the shops – busy preparing for the big day.
A must-see (must-Instagram) opportunity for all those paying a visit to the City of Light this festive season.
Dover Street Market
Over in London, Victoria Beckham’s Christmas tree is here to remind us all that she knows how to crack a smile.
Taking to Instagram to share a sneak peek at the Dover Street Market store’s festive tree, she wrote: “You know it is Christmas when Posh Spice gets on the tree at Victoria Beckham Dover St!”
Liberty London in London
The battle for the chicest decorations in the land continues, as Liberty London has grown a ‘Tree of Liberty’ this season which stands tall in the centre of the iconic building.
Based on a poem by Gabrielle Djanogly, the velvet-trunked display tells the story of an all-seeing owl which has a vision of a magic tree with roots entwined not in the earth but the air.
Its branches are decked in gifts, bejewelled fruits and exotic animals including colourful peacocks and chameleons.
Just off Oxford Street, the shopping haven draws thousands of tourists every year so make sure to get there early for the perfect Instagram snap.
Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche in Paris
Have you even been to Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche if you didn’t Instagram the delightfully minimal escalators?
Since late October, fir trees lovingly referred to as the ‘Kings of the Forest’ have been sitting pretty from the ceiling of the historic shopping mecca.
Top tip those of you planning to wade through last-minute shoppers to see the enchanting display: the trees can be found on the second floor.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan
Italy’s oldest and most famous shopping centre boasts one of the most Instagrammed ceilings of all so the newly-installed tree is only going to see even more iPhone-bearing millennials clashing into each other.
Sticking to its traditional crowd-pleasing flair, Swarovski illuminates the city once again for the sixth time.
If the ‘KiraKira’ inspired finish isn’t enough to make it to our feed, there are interactive stations at the base of the fir which enable visitors to wear virtual jewels.
Read: this is the perfect selfie opportunity.
Saks Fifth Avenue in New York
Not a department store to be outdone, Saks never fails to put on a good show.
This year, the Big Apple’s national treasure has unveiled a collaboration with Frozen 2 dedicating six window displays to the flick – a joy for Disney enthusiasts young and old.
Nordiska Kompaniet in Stockholm
Since opening its doors in 1915, the Swedish giant has been inviting shoppers into a festive wonderland come Christmas.
It’s a must-see pitstop for those planning a European mini break this holiday season and with the city’s first snowfall well underway, there’s no other option but to keep toasty in the shops, no?
Annabel’s in London
We’re back in the city that does Christmas remarkably well and this time, all eyes are on the fashion set’s go-to haunt Annabel’s.
Expect a whole bunch of people to be braving the capital’s chill in an attempt to get the perfect shot.
For those lucky to bag a table inside the notoriously cool private member’s club, there are roaring fires and bauble-strewn ceilings galore – the most coveted spot for Sunday brunch.
Sketch in London
Another Fashion Week pitstop, the street style set will never get over Sketch’s interiors and it’s hardly surprising.
There may not be any snow-laden trees in the world-famous boiled egg-shaped loos this season but each room of the Conduit Street fixture offers a whole new take on the festive season.
From the lecture room to the parlour, each corner of the 18th century townhouse is decked in sparkle, snow-covered branches and giant stars.
Well worth a visit – just make sure to book well in advance.
KaDeWe in Berlin
Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe) in Berlin is the second largest department store in Europe so expect Christmas done right.
Inspired by the different ways in which we celebrate the festive season, this year’s window displays feature everyone from traditional turkey-eaters and party attendees to beachgoers carrying surfboards.
Anyone else already booking a last-minute getaway?
Sofitel New York in New York
It was only fitting that fashion capital of the world New York be inspired by haute couture and the Big Apple’s Sofitel has created a Christmas tree sure to please shopping fanatics this season.
What could possibly be chicer than a fir crafted from Louis Vuitton luggage?
December never fails to bring out the globetrotter within us whether it’s to sup copious amounts of hot chocolate at a European Christmas market or to crowd surf down London’s Oxford Street.
Though it’s not surprising that we dig for our passport the very moment Mariah Carey plays on the radio with stores outdoing each other every year when it comes to the art of festive decor.
WATCH BELOW: ‘Last Christmas’ Trailer Starring Emilia Clarke
December never fails to bring out the globetrotter within us whether it’s to sup copious amounts of hot chocolate at a European Christmas market or to crowd surf down London’s Oxford Street.
Though it’s not surprising that we dig for our passport the very moment Mariah Carey plays on the radio with stores outdoing each other every year when it comes to the art of festive decor.
WATCH BELOW: ‘Last Christmas’ Trailer Starring Emilia Clarke
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