Darlings, you know I can never resist the magnetic pull of the Middle East in January. There is a specific kind of magic that happens when the desert sun hits the golden dome of Emirates Palace. As a New Yorker who treats the globe as my runway, I’ve seen many “brand moments.” However, the latest unveiling at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi truly takes the cake. This month, the hotel transforms its celebrated Episodes space into a floral sanctuary. They are launching an exclusive Afternoon Tea with the legendary house of Oscar de la Renta.
Oscar de la Renta Afternoon Tea Abu Dhabi
This collaboration celebrates the vibrant spirit of the Oscar de la Renta Pre-Spring 2026 collection. Co-Creative Directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia channelled a “garden in full bloom” for their designs. Executive Pastry Chef Alexandre Thabard translated those blossoming alliums and foxglove prints into edible art. He mirrors the maison’s couture craftsmanship through delicate structures and layered textures. Every bite feels like a silent dialogue between airy cotton poplins and high-end gastronomy. It is exactly the kind of sophisticated immersion that modern luxury travellers crave.
Fashion on a Plate: The Oscar de la Renta Experience
We are living in an era where we no longer just wear the brand; we taste it. Fashion and lifestyle brands collaborate on luxury experiences because they want to capture our full attention. These spaces allow us to interact tangibly with a brand’s storytelling beyond a simple boutique visit. For Gen Z and seasoned fashionistas alike, food has become the ultimate lifestyle accessory. A perfectly plated hibiscus salmon rosette generates as much “hype” as a limited-edition handbag. Today, a chef can influence your wardrobe just as easily as a designer influences your dinner.
Why Fashion and Food are the New Influencers
The culinary journey begins with a delicate spiced tomato tart before moving into elevated savouries. Precision and embellishment take centre stage with highlights like foie gras mille-feuille and lobster tournedos with Krystal caviar. You can also enjoy a hibiscus salmon rosette that mimics the collection’s romantic floral accents. From the chef’s trolley, the strawberry and mint baba recalls the maison’s iconic ornamental detailing. To finish, the tonka cheesecake with rhubarb serves as a sweet, show-stopping tribute to the garden theme.
A Menu Inspired by Botanical Reverie
The Details: Plan Your Fashionable Escape
If you are currently in the UAE, this is the only place to be seen this January.
- Dates: 13 to 26 January 2026
- Time: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Location: Episodes, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
- Price: Starting from AED 245 per person
You must make a reservation to secure your spot in this blooming garden of flavour. The experience includes bespoke beverage pairings designed to enhance the floral and fruity nuances of the menu. Whether you choose the Jasmine Phoenix Pearl or a rare premium infusion, the tea selection is impeccable.
Emirates Palace continues to define what it means to offer “palatial” hospitality in Abu Dhabi. This Oscar de la Renta collaboration proves that the intersection of fashion and food is here to stay. It offers us a way to indulge in a luxury label through a multisensory afternoon ritual. I’ll be there in my best floral silk, sipping Earl Grey and soaking in the views. Will you join me for the most stylish tea of the season?
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