A Closer Look at Mulberry's Collaboration With Nicholas Daley
Inspired by past and present jazz icons.
Mulberry has teamed up with acclaimed designer Nicholas Daley for the latest chapter of its Mulberry Editions series, inviting some of fashion’s original voices to reinterpret the luxury label’s most iconic styles. Both brands share a mutual reverence for craftsmanship, this is evident in not only the quality of the final product itself, but also the culturally rich context of its production. For the Nicholas Daley collaboration, we discover a vibrant celebration of musical history and the creative communities that inspire the designer’s practice.
Known for practicing a three Cs ethos in his design: Community, Culture and Craftsmanship, Daley incorporates these core values into his Mulberry collaboration. Revolutionary musical subcultures of the 1960s and ‘70s such as jazz, reggae and rock ’n’ roll guide this collection’s aesthetical qualities. The whipstitch, fringe and braided designs, as well as a tonal color palette of navy, ochre and oak, reference the on-stage styles of icons like Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis.
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For this collection, Daley reimagines Mulberry’s iconic Antony bag in five size options including an all-new oversized iteration made exclusively for the capsule as well as reworking the brand’s signature postman’s lock hardware. The range’s Patchwork Hat and Bucket Hat plays with contrasting leather, suede and cotton textures for a deconstructed aesthetic and — marking a first for the luxury lifestyle brand — a selection of music-inspired accessories such as fringed guitar and saxophone straps as well as leather plectrum cases complete the collection.
Designed with practicality for musicians in mind, the collection is visualized in its complete form through the lens of Daley. “It’s almost like I was creating an accessories wardrobe for them to wear on stage,” he explains. Championing musical talent to the very last detail, the range is brought to life in its authentic form by Shabaka Hutchings and Lianne La Havas amongst a band featuring three horn players from Tomorrow’s Warriors, a British charity nurturing grassroots jazz artists.
Lasting sustainability and championing British craftsmanship continue to be at the forefront of Mulberry’s ethos, values which initially attracted Daley to the brand. Having launched its Made to Last manifesto last April, the luxury label aims to transform its business into a circular and regenerative model by 2030. Combined with Daley’s sustainably responsible approach to design, the regular and oversized Antony bags are crafted at Mulberry’s carbon-neutral factories in Somerset, U.K. where the brand supports and trains a community of artisans, whilst all leathers and suedes used in the collection are accredited by the Leather Working Group.
The Mulberry x Nicholas Daley capsule collection is available to purchase now from the Mulberry website and select U.K. stores.
