‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.’ William Morris

For Autumn Winter 2015 the Mulberry design team became fascinated by old English houses and how they lived through the decades, changing and evolving with the ebbs and flow of times and fashions.

The Mulberry house has travelled on a journey from the iconic English architecture of the Georgian era, to the printed wallpapers of the Arts and Crafts movement, as we peel back the layers of the past in order to inspire our future.

READY TO WEAR

A playful motif of the traditional Georgian house is used on two of the new collection’s looks, one knitted, one on elegant Duchess Satin: a witty interpretation of classic English iconography.

The colour palette introduces the elegant Georgian tones of Powder Blue and Sandstone Pink, as well as a new neutral, Earl Grey. A classic base of Grey, Cream and Midnight Blue weaves through the collection, accented with red London Brick.

The seasonal Oak Leaf print was inspired by wallpaper by Leading Arts and Crafts designer William Morris and his focus on ‘the randomness and beauty’ of England’s nature. The wallpaper was created using wood-block printing, a technique adopted by Morris in 1862 for his wallpapers and textiles and one which we replicated to achieve our own bespoke Oak Leaf design. Fine knitwear uses the Oak Leaf as a printed border, while classic three-quarter sleeve dresses feature it as a woven jacquard or cut out in heavy woollen lace.

Carrying on the Mulberry tradition of updating iconic knitwear, the classic Fisherman’s Guernsey is reworked into a modern silhouette, and the cosy Fairisle knit influences a new cropped jumper and oversized cardigan, with the much-loved design brushed and blurred.

Practical pockets are a key feature of the Outerwear offering on long wool coats and neat jackets. The classic single breasted overcoat is the perfect base for Powder Blue and Grey, and is also revised with cleaner lines, hidden fastenings and finished in sumptuous Merino Shearling.

SHOES

Mulberry regularly interprets traditional footwear styles to make them of-the-moment. Continuing on this theme, Autumn Winter 2015 introduces a reinterpretation of the classic loafer called the Darby. Made from luxurious Spazzolato leathers in unusual colour combinations, the practical loafer has a chunky welted sole with Mulberry branded buckle and fringe detailing. The group also includes a Chelsea boot in a new high heel silhouette.

The Freya Ankle Boot has elegant miniature buckle detailing. The heel is a practical, comfortable height for everyday, and the shoe has a flattering almond shape toe. The Freya Knee Boot and Freya Sandal complete this versatile footwear family.

The slipper shape is quickly becoming a Mulberry favourite. This season we have reinvented it in a beautiful velvet fabric embroidered with the Mulberry tree branding, or sumptuous Leopard Haircalf. Made using clever supple construction this is the perfect all day, every day run around flat.

SOFT ACCESSORIES

New scarves have been designed to complement the textures in the knitwear collection. The Fairisle Scarf features the same blurred and brushed texture as the Fairisle cardigan and jumper, in the softest mohair blend. The Triangle Scarf is based on a classic ribbed knit, woven in the Scottish border town of Hawick from extra fine merino wool. Also woven in the UK, the new Blanket Wrap is made from a warm and luxurious cashmere wool blend, adapted with convenient armholes for maximum ease. Our favourite Printed Scarves, Wraps and Silk Squares feature the seasonal Oak Leaf design in three different abstract interpretations, as well as a modern and playful modal version of Mulberry Croc Print, most traditionally seen on leather.

WOMEN’ S BAGS

The satchel is a popular Mulberry silhouette, much loved for its understated versatility. The new Darby Satchel and Darby Small Satchel have super-functional multi-way straps, designed to be wider for comfort on the shoulder. Unlike the slouchy cool of the Alexa satchel, these new styles are refined and elegant, with two zipped pockets on the front flap, and additional pockets securely hidden underneath. The modern square logo plaque is a sophisticated finishing touch.

The belted and riveted Roxanne is one of the most-recognised bags of the last decade, and the inspiration for the new Roxette. Taking the same functional specification, with its folded top, two short handles and D-ring decoration, the Roxette is a modern version of the cult classic. Reduced hardware keeps it versatile and easy to carry, and a new padlock keeper and signature plaque combine Mulberry tradition with contemporary tastes. The Roxette is available in two sizes in beautiful Calf and Croc Printed Calf leather.

The Jamie Bag is cool, casual and classy. Inspired by the vintage ‘bucket bags’ that were part of the Mulberry collection in the 1970s, this version is a contemporary twist on a classic shape. New streamlined snap-hooks, a clever adjustable shoulder strap and signature plaque neatly complement new Washed Calf leather with Saddle trim. The Jamie Bag is available in two sizes, and comes in the effortless colour choices of Black, Midnight Blue, Oxblood and Regal Blue, as well as a sumptuous suede version in Army Green.

The Freya is an of-the-moment Hobo: sleek, soft and grown-up. The smaller option has a slim leather cross-body strap, but the adjustable top handle has been designed for maximum style and comfort, with iconic Mulberry belt and buckle detailing. Beautifully constructed to hang with an elegant slouch, the Freya’s unfussy style comes in the subtle shades of Rose Petal, Steel Blue and Taupe, as well as Black.

One key accessories trend for the season is denim. The Jamie Bag, as well as carry-overs Delphie and the Cara Delevingne Bag, come in a special seasonal Woven Denim, to complement additional new leathers and colourways.

MEN’ S BAGS

The new Multitasker collection is based on the principles of versatility and functionality. The Multitasker Backpack has been designed with the urban man in mind, he who needs a bag that can switch easily from cycling to meeting. This new style can be worn four different ways: as a backpack, over the shoulder, across the body or carried by hand. The Multitasker handles have been constructed in such a way as to ‘disappear’ flat against the bag when not in use, making the bag truly wearable when switched from shoulder to backpack and vice versa.

An exciting new addition and exclusive to our Men’s Collection is Dazzle Camouflage. Originally designed during World War I as battleship camouflage, it consists of complex geometric shapes in contrasting colours, interrupting and intersecting each other. We have taken this iconic British military pattern and used it on printed leather and woven into canvas.

To modernise our classic Briefcase offering, we have introduced two new styles, the Farringdon Pushlock and the Farringdon Zip. Designed to be slimmer, sleeker and lighter in weight, both versions offer smart and modern style.

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