Nicholas Daley is always surrounded by a wealth of musicians. From his parents, who ran Scotland’s first reggae club in the 1980s, through to his partner – the multi-instrumentalist Nabihah Iqbal –and the contemporary jazz outfit, Sons of Kemet, who perform at his catwalk shows. The latter are the muses of Daley’s new capsule collection, designed in collaboration with British heritage brand, Mulberry.
“I created this range with the musicians and talents that I’ve worked with in mind,” writes the designer over email. “It’s almost like I was creating an accessories wardrobe for them to wear on stage.” Tapping into his Scottish and Jamaican heritage, the collection of bags and musical-inspired accessories is an ode to community, culture and craftsmanship: the pillars of Daley’s business.
The collection is the third instalment of Mulberry Editions: a triptych of capsules that have seen Mulberry signatures re-imagined by London-based designers Richard Malone, Priya Ahluwalia and now Daley. “I was heavily inspired by people that I’ve always admired, both sonically and stylistically,” explains Daley, with the likes of Miles Davis, Jimmy Hendrix and Bob Dylan featuring across the designer’s mood board.
Working with leather goods is something Daley hadn’t explored much with his mainline collections, and describes using Mulberry’s materials as a “privilege”. The focal point to the collection is a new rendition of Mulberry’s Antony messenger bag, available in five different sizes, now with added pocket details and constructed from panels of suede, grained leather and cotton canvas. The designer has also created fringed guitar and saxophone straps, alongside leather bucket and baker boy hats, as modelled by Lianne La Havas and Sons of Kemet member, Shabaka Hutchings, in the collection’s joyous campaign film. “I’m excited for people to resonate with the pieces, and love and wear them for years to come,” he says.
Photography courtesy of Mulberry. Shop the collection here.
