Now a firm fixture on Cape Town’s cultural calendar, in November the third edition of Confections x Collections (CxC) was once again hosted by Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel. This annual five-day showcase brought together slow African fashion through intimate salon-style shows curated by Twyg and bespoke confectioneries inspired by each designer, fusing the Afternoon Tea tradition with Cape Town’s brimming creative community.

This year’s CxC saw four solo designer capsules grace The Nellie’s lounge and gardens, where garments brought African heritage to life through contemporary styles. Two South African designers led the line-up, including Rich Mnisi, a label celebrated for its bold expression of dualities, and 2023 Amiri Prize winner Lukhanyo Mdingi, showcasing his work on African soil for the first time in seven years.Joining them for their first showcase in South Africa were two Nigerian designers: Adeju Thompson of Lagos Space Programme, the 2023 International Woolmark Prize winner, and globally acclaimed fibre artist Bubu Ogisi of IAMISIGO. These distinguished fashion designers wove a common thread of reframing African heritage, celebrating a culture of creativity, and championing continental inclusivity.

Johannesburg-based designer Rich Mnisi opened CxC with Nambu (River), a collection blending traditional and modern takes on his Tsonga heritage, where florals play a central role. Mnisi describes it as “a redefinition of how African heritage garments can be a form of luxury.” Each piece invites wearers to craft their own narratives, exploring identity through every stitch.The second day of CxC embraced Pan-African perspectives through the work of Adeju Thompson’s Lagos Space Programme, which challenges Western misconceptions of African fashion, reinterpreting Yoruba heritage in tailored garments and brass pieces.

“My work has a clear, evolving point of view,” Thompson says. IAMISIGO by Bubu Ogisi’s collection focused on decolonising craft through handmade textiles, with bold beaded garments that showcase African artistry. “We use fashion to tell different stories,” Ogisi notes. “Textiles introduce new ways of dressing, seeing, and evolving.” For Lukhanyo Mdingi, CxC marks his first showcase outside Paris in years. “Returning here feels essential,” he says, “South Africa’s vibrant arts and culture community makes this meaningful.”

The final day brought together the cognoscenti of African fashion under the century-old palm trees that line The Nellie’s iconic driveway, for a grand retrospective showcasing 11 CxC alumni who have shown since the event’s 2022 inception.

The front row enjoyed vibrant confections crafted by Mount Nelson’s Executive Sous Chef Vicky Gurovich, each inspired by the collection of designers on show, including VIVIERS Studio, Chulaap, Wanda Lephoto, Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung, Sindiso Khumalo, Mmuso Maxwell, MAXHOSA AFRICA, Lukhanyo Mdingi, RICH MNISI, Lagos Space Programme by Adeju Thompson, and IAMISIGO by Bubu Ogisi.

Ushering in a new era of its time- honoured tradition, Mount Nelson unveiled a commemorative tea set by Sindiso Khumalo, a celebrated South African fashion designer known for her vibrant storytelling. Displayed throughout CxC, it will soon become the signature Mount Nelson Afternoon Tea set, and will be available for purchase in 2025.

The high tea at Mount Nelson, Image: Facebook/@MountNelson, A Belmond Hotel

A popular pastime, Afternoon Tea at The Nellie has evolved into an experience that delights all the senses, thanks in part to the expertise of Craig Cupido, South Africa’s first certified tea sommelier. Following extensive training with Nigiro Tea Merchants and an international certification, Craig brings a deep knowledge of tea history, ceremony and tasting to his role as Mount Nelson’s tea sommelier. His recent training included immersive sessions in tea selection, grading and blending techniques, connecting global tea traditions with the rich heritage of The Nellie.

Together with Executive Sous Chef Vicky Gurovich, who crafts exquisite pastries and savoury bites, Craig ensures each guest enjoys a tea pairing that elevates every flavour. Book a spot to experience this unique Afternoon Tea tradition (R595 pp), with over 60 premium teas and signature blends served in the new Sindiso Khumalo-designed tea set, ideal for celebrating any occasion.

Adding to the celebration of Mount Nelson’s 125th year, Heinrich Groenewald and Shona van der Merwe of RESERVOIR thoughtfully curated a new exhibition, ‘Against the Bias – Unravelling Material Codes’, which debuted in harmony with this year’s special edition of CxC. It delves into the intersections between fashion and contemporary art, emphasising materiality, textiles and the body as primary vehicles for creative expression.

Through an innovative selection of works, RESERVOIR highlights Africa’s emerging and established creative voices, underscoring a shared dedication to amplifying the continent’s unique perspectives. On display until February 2025, it offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore the rich narratives woven into every material and form.

Through CxC and the hotel’s diverse artistic endeavours, Mount Nelson – recently named Best Hotel in Africa, and ranked No. 28 on the 2024 World’s 50 Best Hotels list – solidifies its role as the joyful heart of Cape Town and an iconic pink backdrop for Africa’s sartorial visionaries. Celebrating 125 years of slow luxury travel, it blends tradition with contemporary creativity; a timeless haven for art, fashion and culture.

Slow African Fashion at the third edition of ‘Confections x Collections’ hosted by Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel

Renowned fashion designer Lukhanyo Mdingi to showcase exclusive collection at Mount Nelson

Pastry Chef Vicky Gurovich Elevates Afternoon Tea To New Heights At Mount Nelson

Pan African Luxury kicks off first runway show at the Mount Nelson in Cape Town ahead of NYC, Paris and Milan 2024 Showcase