The 5 o'clock tea with Jimmy Choo or the one at the Gucci Club? Two glam addresses (for now) in the Quadrilatero della Moda. Between music, flowers and delicious mini bags, all to bite
In the beginning it was Anne Mary Stanhope, lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria, who started in 1841 one of the most beloved Old England traditions in the world: 5 pm tea. In the beginning it provided that the tea, without sugar and with milk, was accompanied by a soft cake and bread. Things evolved and after 1870, the custom was cleared from the aristocratic palaces to all social classes with the title of afternoon tea.
Typical of large hotels, among the London cult addresses we find it masterfully served at Brown's Hotel in London, where Queen Victoria herself went.
In Milan the trend evolves with a glamorous note in two (temporary) addresses for this autumn
With the it-bag and heel 12: Jimmy Choo at the Four Seasons Hotel
For lovers of the iconic American shoe and accessories brand, from 14 October to 4 November There is the Jimmy Choo Tea Bar at Bar Stilla, inspired by the creations of the famous American fashion brand and its stiletto sandals so loved by celebrities. The initiative is from the historic Four Seasons Hotel in Milan which every Thursday, from 3 to 6 pm, offers a classic English tea in a glam version with a splash full of sweet and savory delights crowned by iconic models by Jimmy Choo reproduced in the form of small sweet single portions: there is the Cloud vanilla cake, the Madeleine bag chocolate and the reproduction of the pump Saresa. All decorated with edible crystals and the JC monogram. The credit is due to the skill of the pastry chef Daniele Bonzi which also offers a variety of finger sandwiches, fruit tartlets and a variety selection of teas, champagne and cocktails. Try the one with the hibisscus flower, pink in color and the spectacular corollas dried in the flute.
At the Circolo di Gucci between music and floral installations
Moving a little, inside the magnificent Palazzo Gallarati Scotti in via Borgospesso, also in the heart of the Quadrilatero della Moda, inaugurated the first Gucci Circle, a temporary "experiential format" (until the end of November) that will soon arrive in London and Berlin as well. Inside there is also a bright tea room full of greenery and flowery installations where you will be served on armchairs and sofas from the Gucci Décor line, detaching from the hectic life of Milan. The experience is articulated in a series of exhibition rooms to be experienced as a narrative space through the various chapters of the Aria collection, designed by Alessandro Michele and presented in April 2021. It starts with "Gucci 100" and, in a succession of installations that reflect and enhance the uniqueness of the Maison's aesthetic, ends with the presentation of "The Hacker Project".
The experience continues in the listening lounge, or rather a listening room that celebrates the deep bond of the historic Florentine brand with music. Inside, guests, surrounded by exhibitors full of vinyls, can immerse themselves in the songs of some of the friends of the House: Harry Styles, Sir Elton John, Florence Welch, Achille Lauro and many others; also they can download a playlist created on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Maison, take a photo inside the photo booth that reproduces effects inspired by the fantasies of the 100 collection and have fun with the Gucci Arcade video games.
Continuing the path, you have the opportunity to tread the catwalk of the Aria fashion show, reproduced in the center of the second room, accompanied by neon lights, flashes and cameras, and then magically find oneself among the scents and flowers of an enchanted garden.
Who knows if Queen Elizabeth would approve of this deviation from traditions. Certainly there is no lack of lack of elegance.
