If you find yourself in the D.C. area this holiday season, there’s one tree display that you don’t want to miss — and thanks to its eye-catching décor filled with both inspirational and statement pieces, it will leave you mesmerized. Jewelry designer Alexis Bittar teamed with the Riggs hotel in Washington D.C. to decorate its towering 18-foot tree located in the main entrance and celebrated the partnership this week with a festive cocktail party honoring the designer.
Guests mingled over drinks and hors d’oeuvres at the property’s Café Riggs as they marveled at the intricate details incorporated into the tree design. The feather and tinsel-covered creation, named “Menagerie a Tree,” has many surprising elements sprinkled throughout. It’s decorated with oversized pastel feathers, custom pearl garlands that hang like dripping icicles and nestled deep inside the tree are papier mâché and feathered, mirrored and iridescent birds that lets your imagine take flight. If you look closely at the ornaments, you’ll also notice a few breast-shaped baubles (or rather, boobles?) and tucked away between the branches are glass bottles featuring quotes and inspirational messages from iconic women including Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Kate Bush, Nina Simone and more.
According to the designer, the female-focused spin was to acknowledge the hotel’s suites. Instead of the traditional Presidential Suites, Riggs honors former First Ladies Ida McKinley, Caroline Harrison, Louisa Adams and Angelica Van Buren in four specially-designed “First Lady Suites.”
“My concept ‘Menagerie a Tree’ honors pioneering women and celebrates femininity,” the designer wrote on Instagram. “As always, I love the idea that Fantasy rules… started with large swans poking out from the tree, plumes of feather and birds nestled in. Draped with an overabundance of tinsel and antiqued ornaments, the tree resembles how Xmas trees were decorated in the 1930s.”
He continued in a statement, “I love bringing a sense of Surrealism and fantasy to design…especially when designing a Christmas tree,” said Bittar. “It was great fun to collaborate with Riggs Washington D.C. especially since the hotel has a distinct nod to Deco design and its historical significance.”
The N.Y.C.-based designer, who recently bought back his namesake label from Brooks Brothers, has ties to the D.C. area — in fact, the last tree he designed was for the White House in 2014 (no big deal). Throughout the Obama presidency and beyond, First Lady Michelle Obama has been seen in pieces by Bittar.
“Welcoming Alexis and seeing his vision for our holiday tree come to life has made the season all the brighter,” said Abe Liao, General Manager of Riggs Washington D.C. “The tree beautifully complements the hotel’s interiors by our creative director Jacu Strauss, further bringing the hotel to life this festive season. We cannot wait for guests and visitors to visit this winter to discover Alexis’s design and spend part of their holidays with us at Riggs.”
While you make a stop at Riggs to see the tree, guest would be remiss not to pop downstairs to the underground cocktail bar, Silver Lyan, located in a historic bank vault. Created by bar visionary Ryan Chetiyawardana (“Mr Lyan”), each drink pays homage to the spices, flavors and traditions that make up America’s diverse cultural heritage. And for those who want a meal, the all-day spot Café Riggs was inspired by the grand brasseries of Europe and features a menu of contemporary cuisine that’s perfect for any occasion.
If guests of the hotel feel inspired to pick up some sparkly jewels for their loved ones this holiday, there’s currently a special selection of Alexis Bittar pieces available to order via an in-room “Gem Service Menu.” The hotel, which is located in a former bank, stores pieces from the collection in a safety deposit box as a nod to its history.
The tree will be display until Jan. 6 so plan your visit now at riggsdc.com.
