Yinka Ilori X Bulgari Hotel London Afternoon Tea

Bulgari Hotel London in Knightsbridge has collaborated with London-based British-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist and designer Yinka Ilori to redefine the afternoon tea stand as a sculptural work of art, in celebration of their tenth anniversary.

The launch of the “Yinka Ilori X Bulgari Hotel London Afternoon Tea” on September 16th coincides with the opening of Ilori’s first institutional show at the Design Museum as the city prepares to celebrate London Design Festival and Frieze Art Fairs.

Yinka Ilori’s Playful Afternoon Tea

Bulgari commissioned the London-based British-Nigerian designer to use his distinctive visual language, which draws on his multicultural heritage, in a unique interpretation of the popular afternoon repast. Ilori’s work is underpinned by a firm belief that art and design should be accessible to all; using the city as his canvas, he reimagines spaces to encourage a sense of community and invite audiences to engage with his work and its surroundings.

Ilori’s joyful combination of colour and pattern perfectly complements the elegant glamour of the Bulgari Lounge, which has recently been redecorated as part of its anniversary celebration. Traditional afternoon tea stands have been reimagined as bold artworks in the form of fantastically colourful stacked spheres – a motif that pulses with energy and life, and recurs with an exciting takeover of the building’s façade, as well as on the linen napkins.

Ilori’s playful designs also enliven the public realm, and his window façade of geometric designs and bold visual style at Bulgari Hotel London are sure to be instantly recognizable.

Specially designed afternoon tea stands

Specially designed afternoon tea stands, based on stacked and interlocking spheres, will take center stage. An artwork created for the occasion will recur as a motif across the hotel, from a vibrant takeover of the building’s façade, to the linen napkins on the tables which will be available for purchase as a limited-edition gift set.

Kostas Sfaltos, general manager, said: “We were drawn to Yinka for his obsession with color, the distinctly optimistic spirit of his bold and contemporary work, and its celebration of the diversity of the capital. That celebration of colour draws a parallel with Bulgari’s heritage as the master of colored gems, and the colorful design changes we have made to Bulgari Hotel London over the past year.”

Partnership with Chef Gianluco Fusto

The designer has joined forces with award-winning Italian pastry chef and chocolatier-in-residence, Gianluca Fusto, whose carefully considered creations, sweet and savoury, are a delight to the palate as well as the eye. Guests may select from a menu of fine and rare teas, including a Scottish black tea named ‘Nine Dancing Ladies’ of which only one kilo a year is made.

Gianluca Fusto has also introduced autumnal combinations of Italian dried fruit with almond, pistachio, hazelnut and peanut, designed in form to complement the bold geometry and contemporary colors of Ilori’s sculptural tea stands.

Bulgari Hotel recently unveiled anniversary refresh

The news follows the unveiling of The Bulgari Lounge’s recently refreshed interiors for the anniversary year. The lounge offers all-day dining in an Italian-style “living room” with a fireplace for cooler days.

Guests can enjoy the Yinka Ilori X Bulgari Hotel London Afternoon Tea starting September 16th, 2022 from 2pm to 5pm. Advance bookings only.