London private members’ club Annabel’s has done it again, creating one of the most elaborate facade designs in town for the holiday season.
This time the installation occupies the entire front of the building in Berkeley Square in the form of an ornate wardrobe, leading the way to a realm not unlike the one depicted in C.S. Lewis’ classic series “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
Under a full moon, a majestic white lion sticks out in between the crystal-embellished columns. There are also white roses adorning the door frames, which are decorated with gold botanical motifs.
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According to Tatiana Kharchylava, creative director of The Birley Clubs, which owns Annabel’s and London society establishments such as Harry’s Bar, George’s, and Mark’s Club, many of the inspirations for the facade design come from childhood memories, literature, and the imagination.
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Take this year’s, for example: Kharchylava said she wanted to capture the feeling of stepping into a time when the world felt full of possibility and light.
“The wardrobe felt like the right symbol, opening onto a simple scene of winter and imagination. The lion represents both courage and strength, but also, with its porcelain appearance, fragility. My hope is that the facade offers a quiet moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the magic of hope that we all knew when we were young,” she added.
It’s been seven years since she took over the facade design responsibility at Annabel’s. The creative process often begins with a clear vision in her head. She continues with mood boards and sketches before moving into material exploration. Finally, she presents the proposal to club owner Richard Caring and his wife, Patricia, for approval.
Kharchylava said for each sketch to installation, it takes about a year, and she is already working on three new projects, including the Christmas facade next year.
After confirming concepts, materials, finishes and construction methods, the real build starts three months in advance in a full-scale offsite studio, where they assemble and test everything.
“This is especially important because the Grade I listing limits what we can attach to the building. We also handle all logistics, from scaffolding and crane licenses to traffic permissions, and we plan lighting for both day and night from the outset,” she said, adding that the British weather remains a major challenge every year.
After final tweaks, this year’s holiday facade was unveiled during a lights-on event, which was attended by guests including Arizona Muse, Rahi Chadda, and Eva Apio. The facade stays in place until the New Year.
Kharchylava’s personal top pick is the Christmas carousel facade in 2022. “The idea was to make it look completely effortless — no visible structure, just Pegasuses suspended in the air with true 3D depth. I love when something appears weightless,” she explained.
Prior to joining The Birley Clubs, Ukrainian native Kharchylava had experience working with artists, production companies, lighting and sound engineers to create immersive events and installations. In addition to leading facade designs at Annabel’s, she oversees immersive experiences for Mark’s Club, Harry’s Bar and George’s.