Confections x Collections
A SWEET SPOTLIGHT ON SLOW AFRICAN FASHION
Confections x Collections (CxC) is an annual coming-together of creative expression that shines a spotlight on slow, considered African fashion. During this much-anticipated event, we host intimate fashion shows for local sustainable brands paying homage to their craft and unique stories. These salon-style shows, curated and produced by Twyg, offer close proximity to the designers and a deeper engagement with their label's ethical values.
Hosted within our Lounge, Mount Nelson’s pastry chef Vicky Gurovich collaborates with each designer to create bespoke creations that harmonize with their designs for the limited-edition menu – completely invigorating the hotel’s institutional Afternoon Tea.
2024
This year's edition, which coincides with Mount Nelson's 125th anniversary, will take place from 5–9 November 2024. Each of the first four days of CxC will feature one designer a day for an intimate fashion experience that sprawls across Mount Nelson’s lavish lounge, terrace and gardens. This year's line-up includes two South African designers: LVMH Prize winner and 2023 Amiri Prize winner Lukhanyo Mdingi, who blends artisanal craft with modernity; and Johannesburg-based designer RICH MNISI, known for his bold expression of Tsonga culture and craftsmanship. Joining them are Nigerian-based designers Bubu Ogisi of IAMISIGO, known as a 'fibre artist' for wearable art that brings ancient African textile techniques to the fore, and 2023 International Woolmark Prize winner, Adeju Thompson of Lagos Space Programme, who explores the past and future through sartorial expressions of their Yoruba culture.
‣ 5 Nov: Rich Mnisi. Book now
‣ 6 Nov: Lagos Space Programme Book now
‣ 7 Nov: IAMISIGO Book now
‣ 8 Nov: Lukhanyo Mdingi Book now
PAST EDITION
2023
Our 2023 edition included 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.
They were joined by Johannesburg-based Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung, whose bold, print-centric garments are rooted in African indigenous culture; Wanda Lephoto who explores a notion of luxury dress merging with African cultures and global nuances; and Lezanne Viviers of Viviers Studio, a made-to-measure concept clothing brand.
MEET THE MAKERS
To mark our Confections x Collections fashion show in 2023, we commissioned local director Jessie Zinn to create films with three of the designers involved.
Chu Suwannapha
South Africa’s ‘prince of prints’ Chu Suwannapha blends the visual vernaculars of his home country of Thailand with his adopted home of Cape Town.
PAST EDITION
2022
Our first Confections x Collections featured an immersive fashion show each day. Featured designers included Thebe Magugu, Sindiso Khumalo, Lezanne Viviers of VIVIERS Studio, Laduma Ngxokolo of MAXHOSA AFRICA, and Maxwell Boko and Mmuso Potsane of MMUSOMAXWELL.
For the occasion, the hotel re-imagined its afternoon tea ritual, with Pastry Chef Vicky Gurovich collaborating with the designers to create thematic, moreish cakes.
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Interview
MEET THEBE MAGUGU
Since winning the LVMH Young Fashion Designer Prize in 2019, Thebe Magugu has been representing the creative vibrancy of South African fashion on a global stage.
After his participation in Confections x Collections in 2022, we spoke with South African designer about creativity and his career.