Show report: Mulberry S/S'12

Channel British seaside chic and quirky Englishness with Mulberry's spring/summer 2012 collection

Perhaps the ice cream van parked outside the entrance to Claridge’s Hotel was a bit of a clue as to the theme of Mulberry’s spring/summer 2012 show, which looked to the British seaside and all its fairground fun for inspiration.

The walk to the ballroom venue was lined with large coned 99 ice creams, and the walls and ceiling were covered in animal-shaped balloons and beach balls. As the first notes of ‘I Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside’ rang out, the models emerged from a large laughing funhouse-style mouth to a star-studded crowd, which included Twilight’s Kristen Stewart and Kate Moss having a natter on the front row.

Inspired by the neon-drenched Blackpool illuminations and Carry On pier-side chic of summer holidays of yesteryear, the collection was jam-packed with floaty sundresses, carousel animal print jumpsuits, linen baseball tops in fizzing sherbet lemon and maxi dresses in sugary Neapolitan ice cream stripes.

Being a quintessentially British brand the range catered for rain as well, with glossy canary yellow waterproof macs and lightweight parkas – even the Miniature Schnauzer dogs who made a guest appearance on the catwalk wore raincoats!

For after dark, there was lots to admire too, with midnight blue jumper dresses adorned with stars, dramatic evening gowns with sheer tulle layers, and mirrored appliqué cocktail frocks, skirts and jackets adding a touch of sparkle.

As for the accessories, there was a new travel collection of handbags inspired by vintage steamer trunks that came in classic leathers, lizard print or mix-and-match colours, as well as updated Alexa, Lily and Bayswater styles.

And the seaside theme didn’t end there - all the models sported backcombed Bardot-esque hair with cute candyfloss-coloured streaks.

For Mulberry spring/summer 2012, the sun has got his hat on, and we’ll hip-hip-hip-hooray to that!

SEE THE COMPLETE MULBERRY S/S '12 COLLECTION HERE