One of the best thing about living in London is playing tourist. So this November, in traditional English fashion, I went for afternoon tea at The Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge. And just like London, it was lovely.
With Christmas around the corner, the hotel foyer resembled a winter wonderland, straight out of a fairytale, with a giant white birch tree, adorned with baubles and birds, framing a lit fireplace surrounded by little woodland creatures and burning candles.
In the neighbouring art deco Caramel room, I indulged myself like a true Brit with savory finger sandwiches, sweet treats, and of course, several cups of tea.
However, the Berkeley’s afternoon tea is not like others. There they serve a bespoke Prêt-à-Portea, with an ode to the most sensational fashion catwalks, translating seasonal runway designs into a 3-tier display of cookies, pastries, and trifles. This Autumn Winter season Victoria sponge cake was made into mini Valentino handbags. Cinnamon cookies were crafted into Dolce & Gabbana mary janes. Vanilla panna cotta was transformed into an Alexis Mabille’s haute couture satin gown. And all of it tasted as good as it looked.
As any fashionista knows, dressing for the front row is no easy task, even if one is just rivalling super cute shoe cookies. So for this occasion I opted for a black and white tweed shift dress with tuxedo detailing because classic shapes, fabric and details are always fashionable. I paired it with a shiny statement crystal bracelet, to be strategically seen while serving seconds of tea, and textured black tights with black leather high heels for an elongated look. I finished the outfit with a bright yellow luxury statement bag for a little pop of color. Because when in the frow, you’re on show.
dress: L.K. Bennett / bracelet: Banana Republic / tights: Banana Republic / shoes: Frye / bag: Louis Vuitton
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