THE Mount Nelson, a Belmond hotel, home of the Cape’s afternoon tea, is taking things to the next level with a serving of fashion from November 16-20.
While tea at the Nellie has become something of an institution, it’s not typically associated with the latest in fashion. Until now, that is. By relaunching this sophisticated afternoon pastime, the rosy-hued landmark of luxury is upping the ante. Fusing five days of limited edition fashion shows with designer-inspired confectionery and cocktails, Confections X Collections, curated by Twyg, isn’t your average afternoon tea.
Following in the footsteps of Jimmy Choo at London’s The Berkeley, The Parlour at Sketch and Salon Couture High-Tea at The Savoy among others, the Mount Nelson is now among the most esteemed establishments worldwide to stir a dose of cool into their afternoon tea and cake rituals. We’re talking pairing fashion with confectionery, loose leaf teas, champagne and cake… what’s not to love?
The hotel is celebrated as a Cape icon in the luxury hotel arena and has hosted guests the likes of David Bowie and Iman, Charlize Theron, the Dalai Lama and John Lennon among others. At 123 years, it identifies with both impressive heritage and 21st century cool factor. For its inaugural Confections X Collections, expect an exclusive viewing of fashion shows by South Africa’s pre-eminent designers. All internationally acclaimed, these include Thebe Magugu and Sindiso Khumalo (both LVMH Prize winners), Lezanne Viviers of Viviers Studio, Laduma Ngxokolo of cult label Maxhosa Africa, and finally Maxwell Boko and Mmuso Potsane of Mmusomaxwell, winner of the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation at the International Woolmark Prize 2022.
For this design-infused celebration of creativity, culture and cake, the Mount Nelson pays homage to the meteoric rise of South African fashion. In addition, pastry chef Vicky Gurovich is collaborating with each of the designers to create a bespoke confectionery of their imagining. A unique cocktail will also be created to match each of their shows.
There will be a complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon upon arrival, befitting the day’s standing as a showcase of style and luxury. To accompany the salon style fashion show, the Mount Nelson’s new afternoon tea menu will woo you with irresistible cakes, tarts, loaves, fluffy scones and savoury treats, plus a few surprise gateaux. To whet your appetite further, an impressive selection of 62 loose leaf teas, a digestif cart with whiskies, cognacs and liqueurs, plus a barista presenting a variety of single origin African coffees, will be on offer.
Brought to you by Twyg, creators of content and experiences that champion sustainability and circular design, Confections X Collections will run for five days from 16 – 20 November with two seatings per designer, per day at 12pm and 3pm. Tickets are R950 per person and space is limited. To book, email [email protected] or call 021 483 1000.
