Partnering with The Londoner Hotel to Design their Festive Tree
Being a Londoner has nothing to do with where you were born. It’s an attitude, a way of looking at the world. In my twenties, I travelled south and made London my home, having no idea how that decision would shape my entire life. In my eyes, London was full of opportunity, just waiting for those brave enough to reach out and grab it. I fell in love with the city and all its wonderful contradictions, and my fascination has proven endless.
“In our atelier, even the smallest off-cuts of fabric find a new life, repurposed into embellishments for other pieces. I wanted to explore the same mindful and conscious approach within the design of the Londoner’s Christmas tree, so every bow on the tree is made from offcuts or deadstock of our bridalwear fabric.”
I’m obsessed with interesting architecture and provocative art and this, mixed with a penchant for incredible food and delicious drinks means I’m always on the lookout for great places to satisfy all of those demands. I was introduced to The Londoner by a dear friend and instantly found a new home from home where I can enjoy all of the above! I’m very excited to partner with this beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of London and design their Christmas tree this year.
My brand has such distinctive DNA. Bows and ribbons are key features in my collections already so when it came to giving our themes and iconography a festive spin, it felt like a natural fit. After all, a delightful present wrapped in a giant bow to open on Christmas morning is a recipe for delight! We played with proportion - another key element of my designs - making them oversized and graphic.
Sustainability is such an important initiative for the Londoner and we design with a conscience at Halfpenny London. In our atelier, even the smallest off-cuts of fabric find a new life, repurposed into embellishments for other pieces. I wanted to explore the same mindful and conscious approach within the design of the Londoner's Christmas tree, so every bow on the tree is made from offcuts or deadstock of our bridalwear fabric. We love making something beautiful out of what would otherwise have been waste, and and the bows were the perfect opportunity to bring a distinctly festive bridal element to the Londoner Christmas decor.
“My brand has such distinctive DNA. Bows and ribbons are key features in my collections already so when it came to giving our themes and iconography a festive spin, it felt like a natural fit.”
As an alternative to baubles, we experimented with the traditional Christmas gift of gold coins in a playful nod to our name, reimagining these as chic monochrome disks. Traditionally, coins are keepsakes, charms, full of value and possibility. Ours are rendered in paper with hand-drawn elements giving them an artful edge, and are the perfect accent to those delicious bows.
From the moment I stepped inside the Londoner, I was instantly enthralled by the curated eclecticness of the space; intimate yet staggering in scale. Everywhere I looked, there was something to be discovered in the beautiful art and bold architecture. Inspiration is everywhere, and I’m thrilled to design the Christmas tree which takes centre stage in The Londoner’s foyer and can’t wait to bring a distinctly Halfpenny twist to this year’s festivities.
Love,
Kate x
