One of my favourite parts of London Fashion Week is seeing what Mulberry has in store for next season.
I headed over to the gorgeous Mulberry HQ in Kensington to see the Autumn/Winter 2015-16 presentation and was impressed as ever.
The British heritage brand’s love affair with old English houses continues, as the collection is inspired by the elegance of Georgian interiors. London’s Sir John Soane’s Museum is also a reference point for the womenswear checked patterns, woven jacquard and the attractive filigree motif that adorns many of the pieces.
Texture is key for A/W 15-16 and it doesn’t get more luxurious than Mulberry’s cosy outerwear. There’s a highly covetable cape and a number of coats and jackets in sumptuous shearling, mohair, alpaca, bouclé tweed and even haircalf. One of the alpaca pieces was actually thrashed with thistles 20 times to get the desired effect.
Dresses are demure and romantic, cut on the bias to give them a fluid silhouette. I love the long sleeves and low-cut backs to subtly show a bit of flesh. You can imagine Keira Knightley wearing the black silk dress with filigree pattern for elegantly lounging around the country pile.
One of the most striking looks is a casual-luxe pyjama set, styled with a delicate silk twill scarf with electric blue or hot pink fringing. A favourite of mine is the Dixter coat and matching dress with the filigree pattern lasered onto rose petal pink wool.
While some of the collection has quite a grown-up, feminine feel, there’s a sporty butter-soft light grey leather cagool with matching skirt that I can see Mulberry girl Cara Delevingne wearing.
And what about the bags? Next season’s ‘it bag’ is the Jamie, a zippy little bucket bag that’s perfect for nights out and swinging from your arm.
Then there’s the Roxette, a streamlined new adaptation of the classic Roxanne bag (gone are the rivets, buckles and belts). The fabrics have had an upgrade too with sugar pink shearling, grey croc effect leather and luxurious haircalf.
I’m a big fan of Mulberry shoes and was wowed by the chunky stacked heels with adorable leather tassels and a cool ombre effect. I wouldn’t say no to the perfect zip-up black ankle boots either!
Mulberry A/W 15-16 is a beautiful, sophisticated collection that stays true to the brands roots while having a bit of fun with the accessories. I’m looking forward to seeing what direction new creative director Johnny Coca (formerly of Céline) will take when he designs his first collection for the brand in July this year.
To see the full collection, visit: www.mulberry.com
Photos by Chérie City
