Over at the V&A, a stunning new exhibition is opening this March, covering the works of visionary designer Elsa Schiaparelli. The show, Fashion Becomes Art, explores Schiaparelli’s influence, and the connection between fashion and art. But what happens when the worlds of fashion, art, and afternoon tea collide? That’s a question being answered by Fashion Becomes Tea, a new afternoon tea offering that sees The Kensington joining forces with London’s V&A Museum.
Fashion Becomes Tea launches at The Kensington in conjunction with the exhibition, on March 28. Fans of the fashion designer can cap off a visit to the exhibition with a special afternoon tea, or follow the special meal with a trip to the museum! And the two couldn’t be easier to enjoy on the same day, with The Kensington hotel being located just moments away from the V&A.
Fashion Becomes Tea
The new afternoon tea draws “from the exhibition’s bold visual language and boundary-breaking spirit”. Inspired by Schiaparelli’s designs and ethos, The Kensington is throwing the rulebook out and flipping afternoon tea on its head.
Bringing the designer’s stunning haute couture and runway shows to the table, Fashion Becomes Tea treats guests to “sculptural pastries, expressive colour palettes and unexpected flavour pairings”. Among the sweet treats and savoury delights on offer are:
- Le Choux Shoe – caramel choux bun filled with apricot gel and caramel chocolate
- The Iconic Atelier – eye-shaped mandarin curd tart with orange jelly and white chocolate ganache
- Le Trou de Serrure – espresso and mascarpone opera gâteau
- Cucumber, dill and cream cheese on black sesame charcoal brioche
- Beetroot, pecan and goat’s cheese tart
And of course, there are The Kensington’s signature scones. (They’re not completely throwing out the rule book, after all!) Both plain and fruit scones are available, served warm with clotted cream and homemade jam.
Be sure to match the experience with a glass of bubbles or a special cocktail, too. Afternoon tea-ers can enjoy Le Petite Bisou, a striking, pink creation that combines Sauvelle vodka, Amaro Santoni, Champagne, lychee juice and almond and hibiscus cordial. And it’s served with a contrasting black charcoal sugar lip-shaped garnish.
🫖 The Fashion Becomes Tea afternoon tea is available for £65 per person. Or you can upgrade to include the Le Petite Bisou cocktail or a glass of Charles Heidsieck, Brut Réserve, NV, for a total of £80 per person.
📍 The Kensington, 109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, SW7 5LP. The nearest station is South Kensington.
Find out more here.
