The Mandarin Oriental hotel in Munich wanted to make a style statement with a Christmas tree decorated with Fendi ornaments. But the idea backfired after animal lovers kicked up a storm on the internet.
Image: picture alliance/dpa/F. Leonhardt
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A picture in the daily Munich's daily "Abendzeitung" showed a Christmas tree in the city's Mandarin Oriental hotel lobby, trimmed with little fluffy balls made to look like pandas and other furry animals.
Image: picture alliance/dpa/F. Leonhardt
Together with the sparkling lights, the tree makes for a cozy, Christmassy image - or so the hotel had probably hoped.
Only the fluffy balls were made out of fur from foxes, minks and rabbits. The designer decorations cost anywhere between 490 euros and 1,000 euros ($520 and $1,060) each and the whole tree - designed by Italian brand Fendi - came at a price of 150,000 euros.
The Mandarin Hotel attracted attention after journalists of the "Abendzeitung" published a report on the "fur" tree with its 200 fluffy decorations earlier this week. The tree was displayed at an event attended by prominent local celebrities. A spokeswoman for the hotel defended the lavish decoration, saying, "If I were to begin questioning the tree, I wouldn't be allowed to let any guest wearing a fur coat or leather shoes into the hotel."
The hotel said that as of Sunday, it would put a Christmas tree with "traditional" decorations back up in the lobby. In a statement on Facebook, the hotel seemed to deny any responsibility for decorating the tree.
"Earlier this week, an event was hosted at Mandarin Oriental, Munich by Fendi to present a Fendi-inspired Christmas tree to begin the festive season. The decorative style was the responsibility of the appointed design company and any enquiries relating to the design elements, should be directed to Fendi’s PR department...The Fendi tree has since been removed and...Munich's traditional Christmas tree will be showcased in the lobby."
Traditional Christmas markets all over Europe carry on to invite visitors for a stroll and enjoy some mulled wine before the pre-Christmas shopping stress kicks in.
Image: Stadt Wien Marketing
Vienna, Austria
In addition to the popular Christkindlmarkt in front of the Vienna City Hall, visitors flock to the Altwiener Christkindlmarkt on the historic market square in front of the Schottenkirche. At 46 metres, there is the longest nativity scene in Austria and particularly high-quality handicrafts. The market was founded in 1987 with the idea of countering the commercialisation of the Christmas markets.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa
Zagreb, Croatia
The Christmas market traditionally begins on the first Advent with the installation of the gigantic Advent wreath around the Mandusevac Fountain on the central square. From this moment on, the Christmas magic of lights lies over Zagreb. Events all over the city invite you to feast and marvel.
Image: europeanbestdestinations.com
Kraków, Poland
Kraków's Christmas market is located in the middle of the old city. Those who are not warmed by the romantic setting might find a bit of Polish vodka helpful. The main attraction is an annual competition for the best model nativity scene. The contest has been held on the first Thursday in December since 1937.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/J. Dabrowski
Strasbourg, France
The "Christkindelsmärik," as the Christmas market is called in Strasbourg, has existed since 1570, making it the oldest Christmas market in France. It's made special by the typical wooden market stalls, not just located around Strasbourg Cathedral, but all around the old city center, each has its own specialty.
Image: AFP/Getty Images
Colmar, France
The medieval town in Alsace is romantic all year round. During the Christmas season it becomes almost magical. The Place Jeanne d'Arc offers Alsatian specialities. In the Koifhus (old customs house) and on the squares Place des Dominicains and Place de l'Ancienne Douane, traders offer handicrafts. For children, there is a mechanical crib and a merry-go-round with wooden horses.
Image: europeanbestdestinations.com
Basel, Switzerland
The Basel Christmas market at Barfüsserplatz is the largest in Switzerland and considered to be one of the prettiest, with the longest festively lit road in Europe. Some 180 market stalls are packed together on this road. Here you can find anything your heart desires, from wooden toys to vegan products and Indian handicrafts.
Image: Basel Tourismus
Madrid, Spain
Madrid holds its Christmas market on the Plaza Mayor. The height of the festive season in Spain is January 6th. That is when the "King's parade" is held. It is these three kings, also known as the three wise men, who bring gifts at Christmas in Spain. Every year thousands of tourists come to join the street festivities. The parade is broadcast live on television.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/H.C. Hidalgo
London, Great Britain
German Christmas has been exported and the "Winter Wonderland" in London's Hyde Park is the best proof of it. Based on the German model, this Christmas market has a "Bayern Rutschi" fairground ride and "German Bratwurst" sausages. A Ferris wheel, rollercoaster and ice rink complete the Christmas show. Also popular is the "Magical Ice Kingdom" ice sculpture display.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/Kerimokten
Gothenburg, Sweden
The "Jul pa Liseberg" Christmas market in Gothenburg is the largest in Sweden. In this magical place 5 million Christmas lights spread festive joy. Everything is on offer, from Swedish specialties to music and theater performances as well as rides on a reindeer drawn sleigh. As this is the location of a theme park in the summer, they are well equipped to make the market a pleasurable experience.
Image: Gören Assner
Cologne, Germany
Every year some 4 million people visit the Christmas market by the Cologne Cathedral. It is regarded as one of Germany's most popular markets. Both the market stalls and the over 100 stage performances help to spread festive cheer. Cologne's diversity also includes the "Heavenue", a gay and lesbian Christmas market on Rudolfplatz.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/O. Berg
Nuremberg, Germany
The Christkindlesmarkt, which could be literally translated as "Christ Child Market," in Nuremberg is opened with a prologue by the Christkind every year. This is one of the world's oldest Christmas markets as it was mentioned in official documents as far back as 1628. Christmas decorations are on offer here as well as the typical local Christmas specialty "Nürnberger Lebkuchen" ginger bread.
Image: Stadt Nürnberg/Ch. Dierenbach
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Online, people reacted with outrage at the post, demanding that the hotel sincerely apologize for passing off animal fur as decoration.
"A tree with balls made out of real fur is a shame," one Facebook user wrote. Another complained about the use of fur and the apparent extravagance of the Christmas decorations. "If Munich's homeless or refugee children had Christmas balls for your [the hotel's] trees, you would be in a better position now," a Facebook member said. One user also promised not to set foot in the hotel ever again for its "tasteless" idea.
Fendi made sure its fur products were on the tree and under it.
According to the "Abendzeitung," reports that the hotel's employees are constantly deleting comments they consider detrimental to their image. "Obviously we do not want any disagreeable comments on our page," a hotel spokeswoman said, toeing the company's official line that Fendi was responsible for the decorations and all complaints should be directed at the Italian designer label.
Meanwhile, the incident has been christened "Pannenbaum" or "problem tree," to rhyme with "Tannenbaum," the German word for fir.
