You Are Here Christmas – London Gold on Black
The You Are Here Christmas London Gold on Black is another very interesting unreleased Holiday Edition mug for the capital of the UK. This prototype uses a striking matte black exterior with metallic gold artwork and lettering, giving the familiar You Are Here design a much more elegant and festive appearance. Based on the sticker on the bottom, it was probably planned for the 2017 holiday season, but unfortunately never made it to stores. Interestingly, Starbucks later used a very similar black-and-gold color combination for the Pike Place mugs later, so the idea clearly was not abandoned completely.
This prototype is currently available for sale here or by contacting the owner through sourgummies2026@gmail.com. This gives collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a truly unique Starbucks mug and an unusual piece of the company’s design history.
Similar to the previously reviewed prototype, this version features a selection of familiar London landmarks mixed with subtle holiday details. The overall composition is also quite similar, with the double-decker bus remaining the central element, while stars, snowflakes, and a wrapped present add a Christmas touch without overwhelming the city imagery.
– The double-decker bus dominates the front of the mug and is probably the most instantly recognizable London symbol in the design. Double-decker buses have been part of the city’s transport system for generations and remain closely associated with London around the world. The simple gold outline works especially well against the black background.
– The London Eye occupies a large section of the design and is another landmark that is easy to recognize even in this minimalist style. Opened in 2000 on the South Bank of the River Thames, the observation wheel quickly became one of the defining features of modern London.
– The curved skyscraper is 30 St Mary Axe, better known as The Gherkin. Completed in 2004, its distinctive rounded shape made it one of the most recognizable additions to the City of London skyline. Its unusual profile translates particularly well into the simple line-art approach used here.
– The River Thames runs along the lower part of the design, tying together many of the city’s landmarks. London developed around the river, and many of its best-known sights still stand along or close to its banks. The flowing gold lines help give the otherwise very graphic design a little movement.
– The cup of tea is a playful reference to one of the traditions most strongly associated with Britain. Tea has been part of British culture for centuries, from everyday cups at home to the more formal tradition of afternoon tea. It also adds a small lifestyle element among the architectural landmarks.
– Finally, the small Christmas details, including stars, snowflakes, and a wrapped gift, give the mug its seasonal character. Combined with the black-and-gold palette, they make this prototype feel considerably more sophisticated than the brighter Holiday Edition mugs that eventually reached stores.
