htown set the stage for a groundbreaking pop-up celebrating two of Canada’s most influential creative forces. Genre-blending producer Kaytranada and utilitarian inspired menswear designer, Spencer Badu. The night fused sound and style meticulously into an experience that reflects both artists vision of bold, refined and experimental.
As East London’s cultural landscape pulsated with vitality, we welcomed a visit from Grammy-Winner Kaytranada. Even during his hectic London tour schedule, Kaytranada generously spared some time to carve out something special and intimate for his fans. This event marked a standout moment in London’s cultural calendar.
His eclectically composed electronic, R&B and hip-hop songs, Kaytranada’s collaboration with htown presented high fashion brought to life in ideal synch with music, a treat for everyone who is a fan and follower of fashion. Aside from the merchandise, the pop-up also allowed time for guests to interact with Kaytranada and get their merch autographed. The atmosphere was charged, with people lining out the door.
From the specially curated playlist, the ‘Kaytranada’ vinyl adorned walls to the crowd that mirrored Kaytranada’s fanbase, every detail of the evening was shaped by his clear-cut aesthetic.
A meeting of minds
Guests were also able to purchase the limited-edition crewneck, co-designed by Spencer Badu and Kaytranada, featuring a screen-printed graphic, on a cotton sweatshirt, cut in the Spencer Badu signature silhouette. This wasn't a collab for the sake of hype, this was a meeting of minds. With this collaboration, both Badu and Kaytranada solidified their commitment to pushing boundaries and reconfiguring what creative synergy can look like. Kaytranada's not only distinctive for his sound but for the way in which he is able to shape culture, connect with people and help dictate fashion-forward communities globally.
Kaytranada's artistic influence reaches far beyond sound, leaving his mark on style, identity, and design. Redefining what it means to be a multidisciplinary artist today.
Kaytranada and Spencer Badu: Crafting Culture Through Music and Design
Spencer Badu's collections are shaped by his roots and personal experiences growing up as a first generation Canadian with Ghanian heritage. Blended with cultural identity, Badu continuously takes a utilitarian approach to his work, exploring ways to modernise the uniform. His story first began from his college dorm room, experimenting with designs. However, the brand's final form came to light when Badu released his first collection in 2015. The pivotal moment that marked his entry into the global heritage-inspired fashion scene.
Delivery Two: Collection 015
The inspiration behind his latest drop, 'Delivery Two: Collection 015' Badu explores the intersections of music, culture and product design. His designs aim to reflect the rythmic flow of music. The way songs shifts from intense to calm is how Badu envisioned his collection. Just as sound moves fluidly through emotion and tempo, Badu's collection moves through different silhouettes and textures, with the same dynamic energy. His work reflects how he feels that clothes - like Kaytranada's music - should move with you and evoke an emotion. A collection built on feeling, intention and genderless fashion principles.
His previous collections provide wool-twill jackets with padded shoulders, smooth satin lining and sharp architectural lines. The embodiment of structured minimalism. His paneled tank tops, made in Portugal, created using lightweight multicoloured material and using historical knit methods. Whilst generously cut, wide-legged trousers flood the floor. A nod to the classic uniform trouser but offering a fluid and gender-blurring silhouette, his work continues to redefine modern tailoring. Each piece from Badu's collection challenges traditional codes of masculinity, embracing a new expressive form of identity through clothing.
To see more of Spender Badu's collection at htown, click below.
Words by Caitlin Davidson @caitlindavidsxn