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.
Previous editions of CxC have included internationally renowned designers Thebe Magugu and Sindiso Khumalo (both LVMH award winners) and cult favourite Laduma Ngxokolo of Maxhosa Africa in the line-ups.
Attendees will be treated to an updated edition of Mount Nelson’s renowned Afternoon Tea tradition. In collaboration with the designers, the hotel’s pastry chef Vicky Gurovich will create bespoke confections, infusing a design element from each collection into a limited-edition menu.
Paired with this is a commemorative tea blend created in celebration of the hotel’s 125th anniversary by Mingwei Tsai of Nigiro: a blend of rooibos, honeybush, mesquite and apple, a skilful homage to South African infusions.
Among the CxC alumni is South African designer and LVMH Prize winner Sindiso Khumalo who has designed an Cape Town-inspired tea set for Mount Nelson. This joyful, optimistic, and bold tea set forms part of the hotel’s retail range, which will soon be available to purchase directly from its boutique.
Celebrating 125 years of Mount Nelson, the fifth and final evening of this year’s CxC edition will see a group show that brings together previous and current CxC designers.
These participating designers include the aforementioned as well as Viviers Studio, Chulaap, Wanda Lephoto, Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung, Sindiso Khumalo, Mmuso Maxwell, and Maxhosa Africa.
Lukhanyo Mdingi
“In celebrating 125 years of The Nellie, this showcase is just one of many ways the Mount Nelson is committed to curating moments of reverie through art, food, and design, drawing inspiration from the continent,” says Tiago Moraes Sarmento, Managing Director of Belmond Southern Africa.
