All Aboard: Christian Louboutin Unveiled His Christmas Tree (and Train!) at Claridge’s 

This holiday season, look for red footprints in the snow. Last night in London, designer and raconteur Christian Louboutin arrived in Mayfair to celebrate his curated tree at Claridge’s. In its 10th year of the designer takeovers at the prestigious Art Deco hotel, this year Louboutin’s 5-meter-high tree was resplendent with shoe-shaped gingerbread ornaments and set in a snowy forest clearing. A gargantuan party crown was perched on its tip. “This hotel is my second home,” said Louboutin joyfully.

With a decade of festive cheer at Claridge’s, a fantastical tree was guaranteed, but a wonderful surprise awaited as the “Loubi Express” (a glittering red train) chugged into the checkerboard foyer. Laden with gifts! “There is something nostalgic about traveling by train—it reminds me of grand adventures and journeys home,” said Louboutin as the Champagne conductor topped up the glasses. The train carriage’s red livery nods to the designer’s signature soles and conceals an intimate four-table dining cart for the festive period—complete with decadent canapés (lobster Wellington, Truffle gougères, Venison tartare) and a feel-good soundtrack of old-school Christmas hits. Erin O’Connor paid homage to Bianca Jagger in a stunning white suit (by Kate Halfpenny), only to cross paths with the immaculately coiffed lady herself onboard who was having a stylish powwow alongside Claridge’s artist-in-residence, David Downton.

Other guests rocking around the glamorous tree and reception, included Lady Kitty Spencer, Edward Enninful, Courtney Love, and Charlotte Tilbury. High on holiday spirit and heels, as the clock struck 9:00, Louboutin invited guests to the French salon and drawing room, where designer Bella Freud played cohost. Her dapper son Jimmy Fox joined, as did Jemima Goldsmith and designer Michael Halpern.

We may have been in London, but Paris is at the heart of this brand. And Louboutin’s friend, French singer Corine, appeared for a flamboyant performance at the after-party, wearing Louboutin of course! Revelers pivoted on their Pigalles—his iconic pump—on the light-up dance floor.