3D artist Harriet Davey’s otherworldly beings bed in at fashion fave the Mandrake Hotel, and more news you missed this week
Central London’s Mandrake Hotel has been a fave spot for fashion industry insiders since it threw open its doors in 2017, with its shadowy bar areas and leafy terrace littered with editors, influencers, and designers catching up on a near constant basis. It makes sense, given the eclectic space puts emphasis on spotlighting and showcasing a huge amount of art by both established and new artists, and supports designers through fashion season by giving them the space to create – and a place to put their head down when it all gets a bit much.
Among those benefiting from the Mandrake’s commitment to creativity are the likes of Dazed 100 designer Di Petsa, who used the hotel as a hub ahead of showing during London Fashion Week last season, while artist Slawn has also had his work showcased, with creative director Maguelone Marcenac commissioning the rising star to create a piece in collaboration with A$AP Rocky. Now comes the turn of its latest artist in residency: Harriet Davey.
While you might not be familiar with her name, it’s likely you’ll have spotted the Berlin-based artist’s otherworldly beings up and down your Instagram feed. Drawing inspiration from the gaming world, Davey explores ideas of gender and beauty by reclaiming the bodies extorted by an industry that is heavily dominated by men, crafting shimmering extraterrestrials via 3D design methods. Those lucky enough to be in London this weekend are able to visit her studio inside the Mandrake, with her work taking over various points throughout the hotel, while those stuck at home will be able to interact with the installations by logging on to a Twitch livestream.
In other news this week, Kate Moss put down her can of Diet Coke to star in Saint Laurent’s new campaign, Kendall Jenner stripped naked for Stella McCartney, Kim Gordon announced she was flogging old clothes at an LA closet sale, and Miley Cyrus channelled the Crazy Frog in Maison Margiela.
For everything else, click through the gallery below.
DANIEL ROSEBERRY IS A DISNEY ADULT
The Schiaparelli designer is the latest fashion insider to join forces with Disney, with Roseberry referencing underrated 90s classic Rescuers Down Under to create a jewelled neckpiece depicting main character Cody’s escape from the clutches of an evil poacher on a majestic golden eagle. Part of Disney’s Create100 initiative, proceeds from the sale of the showstopping piece will go to kids charity Make-A-Wish, which helps bring unwell childrens’ dreams to life.
CINDY CRAWFORD IS IN DEMAND
The iconic supermodel – who’s about to spill her fashion secrets in an upcoming Apple+ doc alongside Naomi, Christy, and Linda and just scored a new Vogue cover alongside the legendary girlies – is the star of a new MCM campaign. It’s not her first rodeo with the revered leather label, though, with Crawford originally starring as the face of an early 90s series, too.
THE SWEDISH FASHION COUNCIL CHAMPIONS NEW TALENT
Copenhagen continues to be the power player of the Scandi fashion scene, but the Swedish Fashion Council are coming up the rear with a November event that celebrates the best underground and subversive designers in the region. Now, the initiative announces the newest additions to its talent incubator programme, with womenswear designer Perra Fagerstrom, streetwear label Tuttolente, and jeweller Louis Abel all on the line-up.
MIU MIU GOES TO CHURCH[‘S}
Miuccia’s naughty little sister line has a new collaborator in the form of British shoe aficionados Church’s, with the campaign dropping this week. The collection features sturdy leather loafers and Oxford brogues, chiming with the bedraggled librarian aesthetic of the label’s brilliant AW23 collection.