Jumeirah Carlton Tower Celebrates Its Swinging Sixties Heritage With a Unique Exhibition Showcasing 'Sixties Knightsbridge Style'

This autumn, Jumeirah Carlton Tower is celebrating its 1960s beginnings with a 'Sixties Knightsbridge Style' exhibition in collaboration with Harrods and a Swinging Sixties Afternoon Tea.  On display in an area of the hotel's Chinoiserie lounge, the complimentary exhibition will run from 10th September to 20th November and will feature photos taken in the hotel in the 1960s, as well as images and clothing from the Harrods archive.

The Carlton Tower opened in 1961 as London's first tower hotel and was the place to see and be seen in sixties Knightsbridge.  Chelsea socialites flocked to the new Rib Room restaurant, international stars came to stay – including actress Cyd Charisse and American playwright Tennessee Williams – and Mary Quant used the hotel as a backdrop for her fashion shoots.  A photo of Cyd Charisse taken on the roof of the hotel and a striking shot from one of Mary Quant's fashion shows are featured in the exhibition.

Setting the scene in the 1960s, Harrods was at the forefront of celebrating the decade's innovators and influencers, leading the way on the luxury landscape by introducing colourful and contemporary collections for young customers in London. On 7th June 1967, the fashion forward boutique Way In opened on the fourth floor. Way In offered a new integrated shop for young men and women where they could buy not only the latest fashions, but also cosmetics, accessories, books and records. It had its own opening hours, modern uniforms, restaurant and jukebox, and its dedicated fashion buyers scoured the country for original and emerging designers, including Ossie Clark, John Marks and Mary Quant.  'Sixties Knightsbridge Style' will showcase adverts for Way In alongside an original Way In yellow mini dress by John Marks.

Guests will also be able to enjoy a Swinging Sixties Afternoon Tea in the hotel's luxurious Chinoiserie lounge from 10th September to 20th November.  Featuring savouries and pastries inspired by 1960s food trends, the afternoon tea includes Yuzu Really Got Me – sweet pastry tart with yuzu curd topped with Italian meringue; Swiss Rock 'n' Roll – 76% Belgian dark chocolate, lemon sponge, mascarpone cream and fresh raspberries; and Strawberry Cake Forever – Madagascan vanilla butter cream and Brockett hall strawberry preserve sponge cake.