Mandarin Oriental Jumeira in Dubai Kicks Off the Holidays with a Schiaparelli Couture Christmas Tree, Bringing the Zodiac to Life with Fashion and Technology

Published on December 5, 2025

As the holiday season approaches, Dubai is once again proving its position at the intersection of luxury, fashion, and innovative cultural installations. The city is known for its extravagant festive displays and high-end fashion collaborations, and this year’s celebration is no exception. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai has opened the season with an awe-inspiring Christmas tree designed by Daniel Roseberry for the iconic Maison Schiaparelli, blending the world of haute couture with the magic of the holidays.

This year, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira is not just decorating a tree—it is unveiling a masterpiece that embodies the essence of both fashion history and artistic expression. Drawing inspiration from the cosmic influence that has always defined Schiaparelli’s design language, the Schiaparelli Couture Christmas Tree is a true fusion of craftsmanship, innovation, and artistic narrative.

With a rich history rooted in the Zodiac collection from 1938-39, this festive installation celebrates the legacy of Elsa Schiaparelli’s lifelong fascination with the cosmos. The tree itself is a contemporary homage to Schiaparelli’s iconic collections, with golden metal rods, a beating red heart, and intricate Swarovski crystals, creating a dramatic celestial design that transcends holiday tradition. This collaboration celebrates not only the spirit of Christmas but also Dubai’s growing importance as a global stage for high fashion and luxury experiences.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira’s Festive Display: A Celestial Tribute
The Christmas tree at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira in Dubai is more than just a holiday decoration; it’s a celebration of fashion, art, and a deep-rooted connection to Elsa Schiaparelli’s visionary aesthetic. The tree stands as a tribute to Schiaparelli’s Zodiac collection, which was first introduced in 1938-39. Daniel Roseberry, Schiaparelli’s current creative director, has skillfully translated this heritage into a contemporary masterpiece.

The bespoke tree is designed using 960 golden metal rods that radiate from a central axis, reflecting the solar rays of the Apollo of Versailles cape, an iconic emblem that was originally envisioned by Schiaparelli in the Zodiac collection. The rods appear in three distinctive finishes—full glitter, mirror-polished gold, and perforated reflective metal—each contributing to a modern, celestial aesthetic by diffusing light in ways that evoke the constellations and the solar system.

At the heart of this majestic tree is the most striking feature: a monumental red heart. Inspired by Daniel Roseberry’s Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2025-26 collection, the heart pulsates with a mechanical system that beats 60 times per minute, mimicking a human heartbeat. This 3D-printed sculptural element is set with 1,458 red Swarovski crystals, combining the traditional artistry of Schiaparelli with modern-day technology and innovation.

Features of the Schiaparelli Couture Christmas Tree

Here’s a breakdown of the tree’s most remarkable features that combine to make it an extraordinary part of Dubai’s festive offerings:

• Golden Metal Rods: The tree is designed with 960 golden metal rods, radiating outward to create an elegant representation of solar rays. The rods come in different finishes—glitter, polished gold, and perforated metal—adding depth and visual interest to the installation.
• Cosmic Influence: Drawing from Elsa Schiaparelli’s deep fascination with the cosmos and her Zodiac collection, the tree’s structure mirrors the celestial themes seen in Schiaparelli’s haute couture work.
• The Red Heart: At the core of the tree is a red heart, beating 60 times per minute, symbolizing life and vibrancy. The heart is made of Swarovski crystals and designed using 3D printing technology, offering a modern twist on traditional holiday ornaments.
• Swarovski Crystals: The heart is adorned with 1,458 red Swarovski crystals, creating a visually striking and symbolic center for the tree.
• Haute Couture Influence: The installation draws direct inspiration from the Schiaparelli haute couture collections, especially the Zodiac collection from 1938-39, blending historical elements with modern design.
• Craftsmanship Meets Technology: The tree combines traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering. The heart’s beating mechanism is calibrated to mimic the human heartbeat, integrating mechanical systems with luxury artistry.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira: A Hub for Luxury and Innovation

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira in Dubai is no stranger to luxury and innovation, and this year’s festive display is a testament to the hotel’s commitment to blending art, culture, and haute couture. Located on the pristine shores of Jumeira Beach, the hotel offers world-class accommodations, gourmet dining, and extraordinary service. Its holiday season celebrations consistently attract attention, drawing visitors from around the globe who seek the ultimate festive experience.

This year’s collaboration with Schiaparelli elevates the hotel’s festive atmosphere, transforming the property into a veritable art gallery for the holiday season. Guests can immerse themselves in the opulence of the season while appreciating the intricate details of the couture Christmas tree, a reflection of both traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge fashion design.

In addition to the tree, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira offers a variety of luxury services and experiences, including exclusive dining options, seasonal cocktails, and tailored spa treatments, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a sophisticated, festive getaway.

Dubai’s Role in the Global Fashion and Luxury Scene

Dubai continues to solidify its place as a global leader in luxury, attracting fashion houses and renowned designers to stage unique cultural events. With installations like the Schiaparelli Couture Christmas Tree, the city is redefining the way high fashion and holiday celebrations intersect. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira has become an integral part of this transformation, positioning itself as a cultural hub where fashion, art, and luxury experiences converge.

Dubai’s role in the global fashion and luxury scene is not only reflected in its grand shopping malls and high-end boutiques but also in the city’s growing emphasis on cultural installations that merge fashion with history, art, and tradition. The Schiaparelli Couture Christmas Tree is just one example of how Dubai is pushing the boundaries of luxury hospitality and cultural expression.

Dubai’s Holiday Season: A Global Destination for Luxury and Fashion

The unveiling of the Schiaparelli Couture Christmas Tree at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira marks the beginning of Dubai’s holiday season celebrations, showcasing the city’s commitment to high-end experiences and innovative cultural offerings. For those seeking the ultimate festive retreat, Dubai offers more than just traditional Christmas markets—it presents a world of luxury and artistic expression that transcends the ordinary.

Dubai’s holiday events cater to a wide range of tastes, from high-fashion events to luxurious family experiences. The Mandarin Oriental hotel’s collaboration with Schiaparelli is a perfect example of how the city is redefining the holidays, blending luxury, artistry, and history to offer travelers an unforgettable seasonal experience.

Conclusion: Dubai Shines Bright with a Fusion of Fashion and Festivity

The unveiling of the Schiaparelli Couture Christmas Tree at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira reaffirms Dubai’s reputation as a world-class destination for luxury and innovation. The fusion of haute couture and festive tradition brings a new level of sophistication to holiday celebrations, making it a must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable experience this season.

As the city continues to push boundaries with its cultural offerings, Dubai proves once again that it is not only a hub for shopping and tourism but also a global stage for art, fashion, and luxury. Visitors to Mandarin Oriental Jumeira this festive season will be treated to a visual feast that combines history, modernity, and artistry in one breathtaking installation.