The Mount Nelson Hotel has long been famous for its traditional Afternoon Tea; all bone-china teacups and tinkling piano in the background. But, times are a changin’. This summer, the second edition of the groundbreaking Confections X Collections is giving this genteel English tradition a proudly African shake up.
Confections X Collections – CXC for short – is billed as a coming-together of creative expression. What that means is a deliciously inspiring afternoon of African fashion, presented in a salon-style show, paired with a collection of designer-inspired confectionery from the hotel’s talented pastry chef, Vicky Gurovich.
CXC runs over five days in November, playing host to a roll call of leading designers from both Southern and Western Africa, each shining a spotlight on the trend towards authentic, considered, African fashion.
This year’s lineup includes an all-star cast that kicks off with celebrated local designer Wanda Lephoto (November 8), before moving on to the well-known Viviers Studio (November 9). Internationally acclaimed winner of the 2020 LVMH Prize Sindiso Khumalo (November 10) makes an appearance too, along with Palesa Mokubung and her print-centric garments under the Mantsho (November 11) label. Closing out this year’s season is Capetonian Chu Suwannapha, dubbed the ‘Prince of Prints’ for his striking designs in his Chulaap (November 12) collection.
Aside from the fine threads, the Mount Nelson’s pastry chef Vicky Gurovich has collaborated with each designer to create bespoke confectionary creations served during each show. It’s a limited edition menu, for a once-off occasion, so expect tickets to sell out fast.
Creativity, culture and cake. What more could you want this summer?
Two fashion shows per designer are hosted each day of the event, at 11am and 3pm. Tickets cost R995 per person.
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