The frenzy around collabs and drop culture seems to be dissipating. Not to say that either has gone away – far from it; Telfar will be dropping its Olympic collection throughout the games, for example – but from where we’re standing, the sheer volume of random stuff made by two (often equally) random brands is much less than it was a year ago. Good news for those that puzzle at tenuous collaborations, but bad for those that like irreverent, esoteric paraphernalia. We happen to be in both camps, which is why Mr Porter’s new project is right up our street.
In one of its coolest projects to date, Mr Porter has launched Super Mart, it’s pop-up shop-with-within-a-shop selling a veritable bevvy of good tees, sweats, and loads of quite hypey little things you didn’t even know you needed. It has a decidedly Japanese feel thanks to the likes of Beams and Undercover, but with Gallery Dept., General Admission and Pasadena Leisure Club, there’s a Californian vibe, too.
“We are excited to launch Super Mart, a first-of-its-kind project,” says Mr Porter buying director Sam Kershaw, “it’s been fantastic for us to work on a large multi-brand collection that champions diverse contemporary product from both established and cult brands; many of which have loyal fan bases but not been available on a global scale before. From our curation and exclusive collaborations to our wide-ranging editorial content, MR PORTER has always been a place for discovery and Super Mart celebrates this by giving global access to rare and unique collectables. This launch is very much in line with our 10th anniversary focuses of discovery, inclusivity, craftsmanship and community.”
There are 29 brands and 330 products in the collection, and we’ve been through it all to pick out 10 of the best bits. From all the graphic tees and stationery, limited edition prints and crockery; all the jewellery and small leather goods, we’ve plucked out the choicest morsels.