Nataal partnered with Art Comes First for the duo’s residency and SS20 preview at The Mandrake

 
 

As a warm up to London Fashion Week Men’s, Art Comes First moved into The Mandrake in Fitzrovia for an artist residency. Incorporating an installation, live music, film screening and retail space, Sam Lambert and Shaka Maidoh complimented the luxury hotel’s yin and yang spirit of rock&roll wellness with their special week-long curation of happenings.

 
 

With Nataal as media partner, the residency culminated in a preview of their SS20 collection. The exclusive party in the boutique hotel’s penthouse welcomed guests including Will.I.Am, Ozwald Boateng, Abe Odedina, Shingai and Akala.

 
 

Soulful singer songwriter Emmett Skyy set the tone for early-comers with an acoustic set, which he performed while reclining on an invitingly large bed. Meanwhile in the bathroom, the visual artist Lio did a live painting session with dancer Bisola Olusanya, who posed for him while splashed about in the watery depths of a marble bath.

 
 

The centerpiece of the evening however was a presentation of key pieces from Art Comes First’s next season offering, as always celebrating individuality, troubadouring creativity and handcrafted tailoring. Embracing a ‘Black Yeehaw Aesthetic’, these looks were for the urban cowboy – and cowgirl – who is ready to ride into the wild West End wearing an embroidered suede jacket, fringed trousers and, of course, a wide-brimmed hat. Giddy up!

 
 

Read our full interview with Art Comes First in issue two of Nataal magazine, out soon.


Photography David Pattinson, Eddie Osei
Words Helen Jennings

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Published on 12/06/2019