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CONFECTIONS X COLLECTIONS || African Fashion Meets Afternoon Tea at Mount Nelson in Cape Town

When high fashion meets haute cuisine, it’s a match made in style and taste heaven.

This November, Cape Town's prestigious Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, is set to merge the worlds of fashion and food in a delectable rendezvous titled CONFECTIONS X COLLECTIONS (CxC).

For five tantalizing days, from the 8th to the 12th of November 2023, Mount Nelson promises an exquisite juxtaposition of salon-style fashion shows paired with designer-inspired confections. Think of it as a catwalk for the most avant-garde outfits, followed by a menu that paints a culinary picture of each fashion creation.

This year’s trailblazing lineup includes two Capetonians: the “Prince of Prints” Chu Suwannapha of Chulaap, as well as returning talent and internationally acclaimed winner of the 2020 LVMH Prize, Sindiso Khumalo. Joining them is Nigerian-based Bubu Ogisi of IAMISIGO, dedicated to preserving the ancestral textile techniques of her heritage; Adeju Thompson, founder of Lagos Space Programme; and Johannesburg-based Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung, whose bold, print-centric garments are rooted in African indigenous culture.

LVMH Prize winner Sindiso Khumalo.

Bubu Ogisi of IAMISIGO.

Adeju-Thompson-of-Lagos-Space-Programme.

The pièce de résistance? Each fashion piece has inspired a unique confection, masterfully crafted by Mount Nelson's resident pastry virtuoso, Vicky Gurovich. These limited-edition pastries, created in collaboration with the designers, take the quintessential Afternoon Tea experience to uncharted territories of taste and imagination.

Here’s a sneak peek into the fashion-inspired flavour profiles created by the designers in collaboration with Chef Vicky:

  • Bubu Ogisi: A sophisticated layering of blood orange delice with thyme Manjari ganache on a buckwheat sable

  • Lagos Space Programme: Dive into the spicy warmth of cinnamon cream cheese mousse balanced beautifully with the tang of green apple compote.

  • Chulaap: An elegant harmony of roasted Madagascan vanilla mousse coupled with sea salt caramel.

  • Sindiso: The refreshing allure of lemon bavarois paired with blueberry roulade and zesty lemon curd.

  • Mantsho: Indulge in the rich Millot cremeux, complemented by salted raspberry compote and a hint of crunch from the cocoa nib sponge.

A look back at last year’s CXC creation in collaboration with Mmuso Maxwell.

These edible masterpieces, embodying the essence of the designers' collections, are an ephemeral treat exclusively available to ticketed guests. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to savour the taste of fashion, literally!

This rendezvous of fashion and food, in the cultural heartbeat of Cape Town, is just a precursor to ‘The Nellie’s’ 125th-anniversary celebrations in 2024. With a promise of a year brimming with the arts, design, gastronomy, and fashion, Mount Nelson reinforces its reputation as the city's epicentre of creativity and culture.

In the words of General Manager Tiago Moraes Sarmento, this event epitomizes Mount Nelson's mission to “shine a spotlight on the city’s buoyant creative spirit." So, whether you're a fashion aficionado or a culinary connoisseur, this November, Mount Nelson is the place to be.

Secure your spot, indulge in fashion-inspired delicacies, and witness the harmonious union of Confections and Collections. Don't just wear fashion; taste it! Tickets are available at ZAR995. For reservations and more information, please contact restaurantreservations.mnh@belmond.com or call +27 21 483-100