Harrods see your festive window and raise you a land of make believe. This Christmas Knightsbridge’s knock-it-out-of-the-park department store have taken window shopping in the capital to new extremes and so much so that it wouldn’t quite be fair if we didn’t let you know about it.
UK furniture designer Amy Somerville (above) has created a bespoke ornately hand-carved musical box made up of selected rosewood, satin wood and American black walnut wood complete with art deco mirror to house Lebanese fashion designer, Zuhair Murad’s, pirouetting ballerina. The dress has been hand-stitched and embellished using luxurious tulle, silk, feathers and Swarovski crystals.
Nothing short of 11 major international designers have combined creative wits to put together a composite of bespoke, vintage toy-inspired windows, because as the people at Harrods rightfully know, what’s the holiday season if it isn’t fun and games?
From Stella McCartney’s conjuring of a modern day snow queen, dolled up in a one off McCartney gown, to Matthew Williamson’s sprightly dapper Jack and the inclusion of Zuhair Murad’s spellbinding couture-esque creations, there really is all too much to see, and buy, in each of the windows that surround the Brompton Road store.
Stella McCartney’s one-of-a-kind glittering “snow queen” gown (above) – hand-sewn and embellished using antiqued stone; each one stitched on by hand in a grid pattern onto a luxurious silk base using metal thread
Encasing the kind of wonder capable of taking one to another world altogether, Harrods’ homely festive theatrics are all you need to make an entire day of it and find time for a spot of winter-warmer afternoon tea in-between. Santa’s famous Harrods’ grotto has gone through an entire re-haul for 2014, casting good ol’ St. Nic’s in an enchanted forest with wondrous mirrors, magical snowball frolics and a warren-like snow tunnel. Don’t mention it, your children will thank you later.
Above: Harrods moving vintage inspired carousel – decorated in Bottega Veneta’s luxury signature pieces
Discover Harrods’ first animated film, the essence of their Christmas charm in stop-motion
Alongside Santa’s new residence, Harrods’ have set out a bevy of limited edition exclusive products when the time comes to tend to some serious shopping. Whether your desired department may be beauty, fashion, home or toys, unique pieces inspired by this year’s festivities can be located around every last corner and if you happen to need a luxury Sherpa at any point, Harrods expert concierge service will be on hand to source the perfect gift for you at any time. Christmas only comes once a year so it’s important to make it counts and for this year Harrods, themselves describing their set-up as “an enchanting time for everyone”, is the only place to take in festive cheer and do it to the finest standard possible.
by Liam Feltham
The Christmas Grotto is open until Christmas Eve
Images courtesy of Harrods