Since opening in 1961, Jumeirah Carlton Tower has been at the heart of London’s diverse and dynamic fashion scene—once a playground for the muses and pioneers of the ‘Swinging Sixties’, and now an elegant retreat for today’s style-conscious travellers. Its debut chimed with the mood of youthful optimism which washed over the British capital, a city considered an epicentre of creativity and exuberant hedonism. With its strikingly modern design, effortless glamour, and reputation for impeccable service, the hotel quickly became a meeting point for the era’s tastemakers, from royals and politicians to musicians and Hollywood stars.

At the same time, the visionary designer and pioneer of the mini-skirt, Dame Mary Quant, inspired a new way of dressing in Chelsea and beyond, frequenting the then newly opened Carlton Tower Hotel for press days and collection launches, even transforming its rooftop into a fashion set. With London’s inspiring skyline as their backdrop, models sporting new hemlines and Chelsea boots gathered on the rooftop of the hotel, bright-eyed and embodying the energy of a cultural evolution that was redefining the city below. It was the dawn of a new era, as London claimed its title as the undisputed “Capital of Cool”.

In celebration of London Fashion Week, Jumeirah Carlton Tower is honouring Quant’s legacy of revolutionary style with an exclusive installation until 28 February—a vintage Mary Quant dress displayed in the lobby—alongside a specially crafted limited-edition cake, inspired by the era’s vibrant aesthetic.

Born in Blackheath, London in 1930, Dame Mary Quant’s upbringing was far removed from the fame and influence she would later achieve as the trailblazer for one of history’s most stylish revolutions. In 1955, together with her husband-to-be Alexander Plunket-Green, she opened Bazaar on Chelsea’s King’s Road—a boutique that would become a hub for the city’s fashion-forward crowd. As the decade took hold, Quant began filling the store with her own designs, offering a liberating alternative to the more ‘mature’ fashions of the time. “Fashion, as we knew it, is over; people now wear exactly what they feel like wearing,” said the designer. With its informal shopping experience, extended opening hours, and a clientele that included London’s rising creative elite, Bazaar redefined how British fashion was seen, bought, and worn.

Quant’s designs were rooted in playful practicality, epitomising the care-free yet impossibly chic ideal of ‘swinging’ style; “I liked my skirts short because I wanted to run and catch the bus to work,”explained the designer. From her signature mini-skirts and tunic dresses to colourful tights and accessories, Quant shaped some of the era’s most identifiable trends, with the vintage dress displayed at Jumeirah Carlton Tower a rare and exquisite example of her work. The installation is accompanied by a bespoke floral installation by world-renowned florist Moyses Stevens, its colours offering an eye-catching tribute to the designer.

The talented chefs at Jumeirah Carlton Tower have also crafted an exclusive dessert as a sweet homage, made with vanilla and tonka, almond sponge, exotic fruit cream, and decorated with white chocolate flowers in purple and orange. Meanwhile, for a refined refreshment amid the bustle and excitement of London Fashion Week, Le Maison Ani presents The Modette, a bright and effervescent beverage—a toast to an iconic designer that changed fashion forever.

Whether you're visiting for London Fashion Week or simply looking to experience a slice of British fashion heritage, a stay at Jumeirah Carlton Tower is more than a look back at history; it’s the celebration of a sparkling legacy of enduring style and hospitality.

Experience the timeless tribute at Jumeirah Carlton Tower this February.