London’s The Kensington recently announced the next chapter of its long-running partnership with the Victoria & Albert Museum, unveiling a new cultural offering to coincide with the museum’s exhibition Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art.
The Kensington has launched an overnight package that pairs tickets to the exhibition with Fashion Becomes Tea, a striking reinterpretation of the hotel’s classic afternoon tea inspired by Maison Schiaparelli’s surreal wit, sculptural precision and couture craftsmanship. The K Bar also presents a curated cocktail menu reflecting Schiaparelli’s playful use of illusion, bold color and unexpected contrasts.
© Justin DeSouza
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art is the first U.K. exhibition dedicated to Elsa Schiaparelli, tracing the house’s radical origins and its evolution under Daniel Roseberry. Spanning more than 200 works, the show explores Schiaparelli’s pioneering collaborations with major 20th-century artists and her role as an entrepreneurial designer working between Paris, London and New York. Rarely displayed garments from the V&A’s collection, including the Skeleton and Tears dresses created with Salvador Dalí, are shown alongside works by Picasso, Cocteau and Man Ray.
The V&A Experience at The Kensington includes a one-night stay in a room or suite, two tickets to Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art at V&A South Kensington, a Town House breakfast for two, the Fashion Becomes Tea afternoon tea in the hotel’s Drawing Room, and a copy of the Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art exhibition book delivered to the room on arrival. The package is available through Nov. 8.
© Justin DeSouza
Alongside the exhibition, The Kensington debuts When Fashion Becomes Tea, a specially designed afternoon tea inspired by the show. The menu is presented on soft gold pearlescent paper, laser-cut into a half-face mask with a gold-leaf framed teal eye. Offerings include a selection of delicate sandwiches, plain and fruit scones served with clotted cream and homemade jam, plus four pâtisserie creations: Le Choux Shoe (a caramel choux bun with apricot gel and caramel chocolate), The Pink Parfum (ruby chocolate bavarois with a berry medley and cacao Sablé Breton), The Iconic Atelier (mandarin curd tart with orange jelly and white chocolate ganache), and Le Trout de Seurre (an espresso and mascarpone opera gâteau). Guests may complement the tea with a glass of Champagne or the signature cocktail, Le Petite Bisou — a mix of Sauvelle Vodka, Amaro Santoni, Champagne, lychee juice and almond-hibiscus cordial. Fashion Becomes Tea is served daily from 12:00 to 16:30.
At The K Bar, a selection of surrealist-inspired cocktails celebrates Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art. Highlights include Faux Gelato, which blends Código Blanco tequila and Del Maguey Vida mezcal with Cocchi Americano, apricot and lime, finished with pistachio foam; Trompe-l’Œil, featuring Flor de Caña white rum, Brugal 1888, banana liqueur, fresh parsley and blue coconut water; Glass of Water, a mix of Tanqueray gin, crème de cacao blanc, white mint liqueur and chocolate bitters; and Le Petite Bisou, combining Sauvelle vodka, Amaro Santoni, lychee juice and almond-hibiscus cordial topped with Champagne. The K Bar’s menu mirrors the exhibition’s spirit by pairing theatrical presentation with balanced flavor.
With its dedicated V&A package, inventive afternoon tea and a cocktail program inspired by high-fashion surrealism, The Kensington offers visitors a seamless way to experience the museum’s Schiaparelli exhibition while enjoying distinctive hospitality in the heart of London.