When it comes to British craftsmanship, there is one brand that comes immediately to mind: Mulberry. It was launched in 1971 by founder Roger Saul at his kitchen table in Somerset, England. The Somerset countryside has always been at the heart of the brand’s DNA – with a tree logo and equestrian design details – while the energy and style of London is also a huge influence. Mulberry handbags have become a timeless accessory choice for a long list of celebrity fans, including the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Sussex, Kate Moss and Alexa Chung.
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Mulberry has an aversion to the throwaway trend cycle, and has stayed loyal to a timeless design ethos, creating handbags you are likely to carry for decades, rather than years. With the potential to be passed down between generations, a Mulberry bag makes an infinitely thoughtful gift for yourself or a loved one. It’s important to mention Mulberry’s “Made to Last” commitment – a manifesto which details the steps the brand is taking to be more green and transparent about its supply chain and carbon footprint. The brand has also launched a “pre-loved” section on its website, where it sells second-hand bags that have been authenticated and given some love by the artisans at one of its repair centres in Somerset.
The archive is very important to the brand’s designs, as new releases are often reimaginings of previous silhouettes or have a nod to established design details. If you are thinking of investing in a Mulberry handbag, below we explain the different styles and why each is so popular. Keep reading for a guide to the most-loved Mulberry handbags, with details about why we rate them.
The Bayswater
The Bayswater is a Mulberry classic that you might associate with the Noughties It-crowd. It launched in 2003, but more than 20 years later remains just as popular – this is certainly a style with longevity. It has a simple, streamlined shape, curved top handle and a postman lock on the flap. Kate Moss and Meghan Markle are just two of the A-Listers who have been photographed with a black Bayswater tucked in their elbow.
The Alexa
The Alexa likely needs no introduction, as it is truly a fashion classic. The cross-body satchel handbag first launched in January 2010 and was designed for Alexa Chung, who in the Noughties was often photographed with a vintage Mulberry Elkington briefcase. In 2020 it re-released the Alexa, with some conscious updates: it is made with leather from gold standard, environmentally accredited tanneries and crafted at the brand’s carbon-neutral UK factories. “The Alexa still feels unique and relevant; it’s both laid-back and luxurious, and when coupled with the new sustainable updates, it ensures that it still feels very modern,” Mulberry CEO Thierry Andretta told British Vogue at the time of the launch.
The Amberley
The Amberley is a favourite of the Princess of Wales, as she has worn several different styles on her royal engagements. This style is inspired by the British countryside, with equestrian hardware and a satchel shape. It is a refined choice, but comes in lots of different colours such as green, poplin blue and “sunset”, making it a modern, elegant choice.
The Lily
The Lily is the perfect everyday choice, as it comes with a minimalist silhouette and a delicate chain strap, simple rectangular shape and the iconic postman’s lock. This style was first added to the Mulberry line up in 2010 and remains a hero design. In 2022 Mulberry made a Lily Zero collection, with the bags made from carbon-neutral leather and created in the carbon-neutral factory in Somerset, and offsetting all elements of production, packaging and transportation. An investment buy you can feel good about buying.
The Iris
Launched as part of the autumn/winter 2019 collection, the Iris is a laidback tote with a braided top handle and magnetic lock closure. Also featuring a removable shoulder strap, it’s the kind of bag that you can grab and go, whether you’re using it as a stylish accompaniment to a cocktail dress, or simply need something to store your purse in while popping to the shops. Both classic and contemporary, it will slot in smoothly with the rest of your wardrobe.
The Darley
The Darley is the kind of bag that can swiftly take an outfit up a notch. Its purse-like structure and detachable chain strap make it ideal for pairing with summer dresses or evening attire. Plus, it’s sleek enough to slide into a larger tote for when you need to keep your valuables safe and separate from other big-bag essentials. The Darley celebrates Mulberry’s iconic postman lock and is made from lightly finished grained leather that will work hard to protect the quality of the fabric for years to come. It’s a bag that you will reach for day after day, year after year, until you can pass it on to the next lucky owner.
The Clovelly
The Clovelly shoulder bag is the newest addition to the Clovelly family. This modern take on the former pouch model signifies Mulberry’s evolution, experimenting with contemporary shapes and fashion-forward design. With a zip closure, adjustable shoulder strap and discreet inner and outer pockets, this is a bag that will slot into your weekly rotation.
The Islington
It’s rare to find a bag that’s both big enough for a day out and small enough to avoid becoming a nuisance as evening draws in. As luck would have it, Mulberry’s Islington bag is just that. Whether you wear it over your shoulder or across your body, the Islington (named after North London’s bustling hub) is designed for 24-hour use. The belt fastening, complete with a postman lock, adds a classic charm, while the bucket-shaped design is roomy enough for plenty of everyday essentials.
The Hackney
Drawing inspiration from the Mulberry archives, the Hackney is a soft-structured bag with a relaxed silhouette. It features a snap clasp and classic Mulberry tree rivet detailing. Made from leather or suede, and arriving in small and large iterations, it imbues a laidback, bohemian aesthetic that feels both contemporary and nostalgic at once.
Pre-loved
Shopping pre-loved bags directly from the Mulberry website is one of the safest ways to source authentic second-hand pieces from the label. Every item is carefully authenticated and expertly refurbished by the artisans at the brand’s Somerset repairs centre. You’ll find unique designs from limited one-off drops – like the Mulberry X Ahluwalia Portobello tote – alongside timeless icons such as the Bayswater and the Alexa. Of course, other second-hand platforms such as eBay and Vinted are also great places to look – just be sure to select listings that include an authenticity guarantee to avoid the risk of purchasing a counterfeit.
