Unveiling Festive Visions: A Glimpse into Designers' Holiday Worlds
Fausto Puglisi: A Fusion of Cultures and Hopes for the Holidays
Fausto Puglisi shares his anticipation for a Sicilian Christmas with his young nephews, planning to create a magical tree there. In Milan, his grandmother's home provides a cherished space for holiday gatherings, where projects, dreams, and favorite movies are shared. Recently returned from Hong Kong, Puglisi has incorporated auspicious charms from temples into his decorations, mixing them with traditional ornaments from Murano and New York. He views Christmas as a symbol of hope and cross-cultural dialogue, delighting in the interplay between diverse icons on his tree. He extends warm holiday wishes to all.
Brandon Maxwell: Cherished Traditions and Joyful Reflections
Brandon Maxwell reflects on a busy year, finding solace and joy in the annual ritual of decorating his Christmas tree. For him, this process is a moment to reconnect and express gratitude for the season. He aims to recreate the comforting atmosphere of his childhood holidays, embracing rich textures and a touch of theatricality. The tree, adorned with tartan ribbons, red ornaments, and twinkling lights, evokes fond memories of family gatherings and the serene magic of slowing down during this special time.
Stella Ishii (6397): Simplicity, Sustainability, and Smiles
Stella Ishii's approach to holiday decor is refreshingly pragmatic and joyful. She found a Christmas tree solution that is both amusing and environmentally conscious, highlighting its reusability and the absence of post-holiday mess. Her chosen decor brings smiles and laughter to everyone, especially children, emphasizing the simple, unburdened happiness that the festive season should embody.
Tanner Fletcher: Curated Collections and Homely Elegance
Tanner Fletcher reveals their unique method of decorating their Christmas tree, which involves an eclectic mix of household items and cherished antiques. They regularly incorporate silver trays, candlesticks, and a variety of vintage and antique ornaments that they have accumulated over time. To complete the look, a delicate touch of lace is always added, creating a sophisticated and deeply personal festive display.
Kate Barton: A Sculptural Winter Wonderland
Kate Barton envisioned her Christmas tree as a pristine, snow-laden spectacle, reflecting a clean and sharp aesthetic. The decor perfectly complements her brand's chrome leather hand-sculpted ornaments, which appear almost frozen in their artistic forms. A playful touch is added with "Goldfish giggles" placed beneath the tree, blending high fashion artistry with whimsical holiday charm.
Ulla Johnson: A Quest for Natural Beauty and Enduring Legacy
Ulla Johnson recounts her family's annual journey upstate to select a Christmas tree, preferring a tall, slender, and slightly untamed specimen. Once home, the tree is adorned with brilliant lights, garlands of antique glass and straw, and a collection of magical ornaments and baubles gathered from around the world and inherited from her mother, an equally passionate collector. For Johnson, the tree is a powerful symbol of life and hope for brighter days, embodying her deep love for Christmas.
Tanya Taylor: A Chronicle of Family Memories
Tanya Taylor shares her family's steadfast tradition of acquiring their Christmas tree from the same Vermont family in the West Village. Each year, her mother gifts a new ornament from Bergdorf's, adding to an eclectic collection that includes crystal donuts, hotdogs, fluffy ice skates, and miniature NYC yellow cabs. Taylor believes a Christmas tree should evolve over time, with its diverse ornaments weaving together a rich tapestry of family history and cherished moments.
Rebecca Hessel Cohen (LoveShackFancy): A Romantic Parisian Dreamscape
Rebecca Hessel Cohen expresses her belief that celebration is her fundamental language, and the holidays are a profound embodiment of togetherness, not merely decoration. This year, she aimed to create a "vintage pink Parisian jewel box," a romantic winter fantasy that feels warm, nostalgic, lavish, and radiant. The space is filled with tiny treasures collected over time, including bows, ornaments, garden roses, blush peonies, and pepper berries, crafting an intimate and magical ambiance. Her favorite element is the twinkling tree, completely covered in vintage bows made from antique French silks, satins, and taffetas in soft pinks, interwoven with pearl garlands and hand-beaded gold ribbons. Even the gifts beneath are wrapped in coordinated pink and gold. The banister is draped with garlands of spruce, cedar, pine, and eucalyptus, mirroring the mantels adorned with a crystal-and-gold menorah and LoveShackFancy stockings.
Anna Sui: A Legacy of Handcrafted Ornaments
Anna Sui’s Christmas tree is a testament to time and personal history, adorned exclusively with ornaments she has gathered over many years. A significant portion of her collection consists of handcrafted pieces from the 1960s, reflecting a deep appreciation for artisanal quality and nostalgic charm. Each ornament tells a story, contributing to a unique and deeply personal holiday display.
Duckie Brown: A Rustic and Sentimental Display
Duckie Brown recounts the heartwarming tradition of cutting down their Christmas tree in Rhinebeck, New York, with the help of a "hunky handsome Irish lumberjack friend." They begin by adorning the tree with large oval lights, alternating between colorful and white lights each year. The tree is then bedecked with cherished old decorations passed down from their grandmother and mother, with a new ornament added annually. The final result is a beautifully dressed tree, perfectly prepared for Christmas celebrations, embodying familial love and continuity.