Mulberry's most iconic bags have been reworked into super-cute miniature versions to celebrate their 50th anniversary
With IRL parties off the cards and Zoom get-togethers getting a little tired, how to celebrate a lockdown anniversary? Well, as with all the best birthdays, the celebrations should definitely last beyond just one day.
One of Britain’s longest established luxury fashion brands, Mulberry, has a milestone birthday this year. Launched in 1971 by Roger Saul, the label is turning 50 and they are stretching that birthday week / birthday month concept across the whole of 2021 with a year of events ahead.
To start? The celebrations begin with Mulberry Editions. An adorable new collection featuring some of Mulberry’s most iconic styles (think the Roxanne... the Alexa...) all reimagined in cutely collectable miniature sizes and all freshly arrived on their site.
As fashion continues to obsess over all things Noughties, the sleek Bayswater and buckled Roxanne bags (launched in 2003 and 2004) are perfectly timed to reappear on the scene. While the Alexa - relaunched in 2020 in response to customer demand - appeared in last year’s Bags:Inside Out retrospective exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum and was cited as an It Bag that defined the era. We don’t disagree.
The more modern Iris bag and Amberley satchel have been shrunk to a miniature size too and all the bags come in bold block colour shades or a quirky archive check. A brand new hot pink ‘Mulberry Pink’ colour way has been launched as part of the collection too, which is all made from Mulberry’s signature sustainable leather, responsibly sourced from independently accredited tanneries.
Collaborative partnerships and heritage aspects are yet to take centre stage - alongside the brand’s focus on sustainability - and Mulberry will continue their 50th celebrations with a series of limited edition drops throughout the rest of the year. It’s a truly modern way to make the most of a milestone birthday. The Mini Icon Editions are available at mulberry.com. Scroll for our edit of the best bags to add to your collection.
The Mini Roxanne
With its luggage-inspired shape and bohemian feel, the original Roxanne was an adored addition to the Mulberry stable. The edgy buckles and practical exterior pockets remain on the new mini version, which is lined with pink leather and has an internal compartment plus handy credit card slips.
The Mini Alexa
Named for Mulberry super-fan Alexa Chung, the Alexa debuted a decade ago but was relaunched in 2020 after customers kept asking for the style. The mini Alexa is a cute classic you can carry by hand or wear cross-body and carefree.
The Mini Bayswater
Oak Natural Vegetable Tanned, £695
Launched in 2003 the big Bayswater quickly became a celeb must-carry. Kate Moss was seen regularly with her black leather versions and - before she had her own namesake bag - Alexa Chung carried the Bayswater. Now the classic top handle bag with postman’s lock has been shrunk to a dinky 14.5cm x 17.8cm x 8cm size.
The Mini Bayswater Tote
A spin-off from the beloved Bayswater, the tote - and it’s tiny new incarnation - is a simple yet chic day bag. The sweet blue shade and poppy orange leather interior are the ideal pick-me-up to counter any fashion malaise in 2021.
The Mini Amberley Satchel
Echoing Mulberry’s original Somerset origins, the Amberley satchel was launched in 2017, with equestrian inspiration. On the mini version, the shoulder strap has a handy buckle to adjust the length and it measures 13cm x 15cm x 6cm.
The Mini Iris
The newest of Mulberry’s Icons, the Iris was launched in 2019 with useful drawstring side ties to expand the size. We love the fresh blue version for Spring but the Mini Iris also comes in white, neon yellow, neon pink, shocking pink, charcoal and black. Decisions, decisions.
