Berkshire, England
Berkshire, England
Introducing Elizabeth Ascot:
A Blend of British Heritage and Literary Delights
Based in Ascot, amidst the verdant countryside, Elizabeth Ascot aims to bring together the worlds of literature and fine tea. We invite you on a delightful journey that combines a mesmerising women's fiction series with the artistry of exquisite tea. At the heart of Elizabeth Ascot is the novel which transports readers to the mid-Victorian era brimming with elegance, secrets, and the timeless allure of Ascot. Artisan tea blends inspired by the story's rich tapestry complement the experience and bring the flavours of history to life. Elizabeth Ascot is an invitation to embrace British heritage, one page and one cup of tea at a time.
Photo: Hubert de Givenchy, Paris 2002
The author
Agnes Fernandes has been a screenwriter, director and producer for film and television for 15 years. She has written romantic comedies and historical dramas. Through her company, she produced the momentous "50 Years of Givenchy" anniversary exhibition in 2002, collaborating with the legendary fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy. In 2009, she played a principal role in presenting the ’Timeless Audrey’ exhibition in Berlin, which explored the remarkable life and illustrious career of Audrey Hepburn. Agnes has traveled and lived across continents, including India, a country that ignited her passion for fine tea. She now lives in South Ascot with her family.
The inception of the Elizabeth Ascot book series traces back to Agnes’s time living in a charming cottage nestled in an enchanted garden in South Ascot. Fascinated by her new home, she embarked on an exploration of Ascot’s history, uncovering the lives of its mid-Victorian inhabitants. It was during the unprecedented 2020 lockdown that Agnes began to write the novel and added the modern-day frame story of the fashion designer, drawing inspiration from her profound friendship with the legendary fashion designer, Hubert de Givenchy.
The friendship that inspired a novel series
Agnes met the legendary designer Hubert de Givenchy in one of her earliest roles as a talent producer for a television talk show. Affectionately referred to as Monsieur, a nod to his esteemed position akin to the historic title of the King of France's eldest brother, Givenchy had already retired from the world of fashion design. For Agnes, this encounter marked one of the greatest privileges of her life, as she found herself embraced as a friend by the renowned French couturier. One of the cherished fruits of this serendipitous friendship was the 50th anniversary exhibition of Givenchy, a joint endeavour conceived six years after their initial meeting. Immersed in this remarkable project, Agnes was granted an enchanting glimpse into the realm of haute couture, working side by side with the revered master of the craft, Givenchy himself and a legion of devoted former collaborators, each imprinting upon her their unwavering work ethic and relentless pursuit of perfection in translating Givenchy's visionary ideas into tangible creations.
