This holiday season, Harvey Nichols’ flagship store in Knightsbridge and regional locations across the UK are transforming their Christmas windows into a mesmerizing fusion of festive elegance and Tim Burton’s darkly whimsical world. Inspired by the The World of Tim Burton exhibition at the Design Museum, the 2024 holiday displays are a tribute to Burton’s eccentric aesthetic, blending eerie, fantastical elements with the luxury and charm Harvey Nichols is known for.
A Journey Through Burton’s World
Unveiled on November 1st, the Knightsbridge store windows feature five sculptures from Tim Burton’s private collection, including pieces from The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories. These sculptures—crafted directly from Burton’s iconic illustrations—have been displayed in exhibitions worldwide and bring a surreal touch to the holiday season. They create a playful yet haunting environment, inviting visitors into a unique fantasy world.
The rest of the windows continue this theme, depicting twisted trees, surreal lighting, and shadowy landscapes that immerse viewers in a fantastical forest. Janet Wardley, Head of Visual Display at Harvey Nichols, explains, “Silhouettes of trees frame both the interior and exterior, creating a captivating fantasy forest. Inside, specially commissioned crystal and metal trees are adorned with Harvey Nichols’ most coveted gifts, while mannequins with branch-like headpieces showcase this season’s finest partywear.”
Dramatic red lighting bathes the windows, enhancing the ethereal setting and transforming the shopping destination into a captivating wonderland. Regional stores are replicating the aesthetic to bring a touch of Burton’s brilliance to Harvey Nichols locations across the country.
Festive Experiences Inspired by Tim Burton
In addition to the magical window displays, Harvey Nichols offers a variety of Burton-inspired experiences to delight customers throughout the season:
- Burtonesque Christmas Afternoon Tea: Available at Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge, Bristol, and the OXO Tower Restaurant, this afternoon tea features sweet and savory treats with a twist, inspired by Burton’s unique creativity.
- Exclusive Seasonal Cocktails: Patrón Tequila has crafted a selection of Burton-inspired cocktails, including the Banana Boat, Curious Blue, Pink Peculiar, Daffodils, and Blueberry Dream. These imaginative drinks are available at all Harvey Nichols locations and the OXO Tower Restaurant.
- Robot Boy Holiday Film: A CGI animation featuring Robot Boy, one of Tim Burton’s iconic characters, has been released to celebrate Christmas at Harvey Nichols. The film, displayed on screens throughout Harvey Nichols locations and online, depicts Robot Boy celebrating the season surrounded by Harvey Nichols gifts, with a little holiday magic from Santa himself.
The Supersized Advent Calendar at Knightsbridge
On December 1st, Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge will unveil a Supersized Advent Calendar, offering REWARDS members daily chances to win luxurious beauty prizes from top brands like Maison Francis Kurkdjian, Charlotte Tilbury, and Kate Somerville. Running until Christmas Eve, this calendar adds a playful element of surprise and indulgence to the holiday shopping experience.
The World of Tim Burton at the Design Museum
Harvey Nichols’ partnership with The World of Tim Burton exhibition provides an ideal pairing, as both brands celebrate creativity, imagination, and artistic expression. The exhibition itself, hosted at the Design Museum, showcases over 500 works from Burton’s personal archives, including drawings, sculptures, and installations that illustrate his distinctive storytelling style.
As Josephine Chanter, Deputy Director of the Design Museum, shared, “From window displays showcasing sculptures from Tim Burton’s private collection to a holiday film that brings one of his iconic characters to life, this partnership beautifully blends Burton’s unique charm with festive magic, captivating audiences of all ages.”
Visit Harvey Nichols This Holiday Season
The Harvey Nichols Christmas windows and experiences are available throughout the season, bringing a spellbinding holiday atmosphere to London and beyond. Whether you’re stopping by to enjoy the windows, indulge in a whimsical afternoon tea, or try a Burton-inspired cocktail, Harvey Nichols offers a holiday celebration that’s as enchanting as it is luxurious.
For more details on the holiday experiences and upcoming events, visit harveynichols.com.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.