Harrods links with Valentino for spectacular pink Christmas

Harrods always goes for one of London’s more spectacular makeovers for the Christmas period and it’s been working hard on its 2023 offer, the retailer partnering with Valentino and others to unveil on Monday a “luxury wonderland” for the festive period.

The Knightsbridge destination store worked with Dior last year and this time Valentino is the big luxury fashion focal point. 

Their collaboration includes a nine-metre-tall Christmas tree, “which will glimmer in Valentino Pink, adorning the Hans Crescent entrance”, plus a pop-up truck serving “Valentino hot beverages and festive goodies, and a captivating installation in-store showcasing the must-have seasonal collection and accessories”.

Valentino has also taken over some of the Hans Crescent windows with festive displays that reflect the brand and “capture the enchantment of Christmas at Harrods for all to enjoy”.

Particularly significant, this partnership will also extend to Harrods’ presence in China, “with unforgettable winter experiences” at The Harrods Tea Rooms and The Harrods Piano Bar at Cha House, in Shanghai. 

Valentino said it “has long been a partner of Harrods, contributing to its role as a centerpiece of London fashion and culture”. In September, it unveiled a temporary space within the department store on the first floor, and will open in mid-December an even larger (500 sq m+) women’s ready-to-wear temporary boutique. 

“Inspired by architectural movements of the past and rooted in the Maison’s Roman history, the space echoes the values of both Harrods and Valentino, offering elegant, unexpected luxury,” we’re told. 

And in addition to the main space, starting from December, a small boutique “dedicated to bijoux will welcome customers and immerse them in a Pink PP room full of perfectly giftable items. Another milestone in an already synergistic relationship, the space will bring Valentino even closer to the city of London”.

Harrods isn’t only about Valentino this season, of course. Among other openings, in the early stages of the shopping season, there’s a pop-up by Schiaparelli until 28 November, located by Door 6 on Hans Crescent, “offering an unparalleled exploration of the designer’s world, showcasing everything the brand has to offer from leather goods to jewellery with the brand’s distinctive codes and unique designs”.

And beauty is a big deal too, led by the return of the Harrods Beauty Advent Calendar. Curated by its beauty buying team, the calendar features items from Acqua di Parma, Augustinus Bader, EviDenS de Beauté, Bobbi Brown and more.

The retailer has also unveiled food and drink initiatives for the season to add to the overall festive experience. 

Harrods’ Creative Visual Director Alexander Wells-Greco highlighted the importance of the windows in particular during the Christmas season, saying: “This year, our Christmas windows, from Valentino to Dior Beauty and many more, harmoniously embrace the theme of extraordinary gifts and the act of giving during the holiday season.

“Our vision was to craft a dynamic concept, utilising digital cubes and luminous animations to enrich the Christmas story. Collaborating closely with our brand partners, we have orchestrated a campaign through our windows that pays homage to the art of festive gifting, inviting customers to come into store to find the perfect gift for loved ones, families and friends.”