I Took a Deep Dive Into the World of Mulberry Handbags—Here's Why They're Worth Every Penny

When it comes to luxury British heritage brands, few have weathered the test of time as elegantly as Mulberry. Founded in 1971, the brand has long been celebrated for its expert craftspeopleship and timeless designs, a combination which has led to many styles reaching icon status over the decades.

From its original cult favourites, such as the Bayswater or Alexa, through to newer styles like the long-handled '90s-inspired Boston, the brand continues to set the standard for high-quality, highly sought-after heritage leather goods. Proudly the largest manufacturer of its kind in the UK, half of Mulberry's bags are crafted across its factories in Somerset by a team of around 600 people, each dedicated to preserving the brand's traditional leatherworking techniques. That standard of hand-finessed detail normally comes with an equally substantial price tag in the world of luxury, and yet, these designs come with all of the above, plus celebrity approval, and an entry-level price point.

Most recently, Mulberry has been undergoing an exciting creative transformation with the appointment of its latest creative director, Christopher Kane, who is leading the modernisation of the brand's classic offerings while continuing to grow its sustainability and made-in-the-UK credentials.

And though Kane's debut collection at the brand won't be for a couple of months, it reminded me of my deep adoration for the British business, which in turn led to a desire to take a closer look at why Mulberry's designs are so impressive. Keep reading to discover why these It bags are a cut above the rest.

Craftspeople Are At the Core

Mulberry's handbags are crafted from supple, responsibly sourced leathers and feature signature details such as the Mulberry Tree and Postman's Lock, all brought to life by its expert team of artisans who meticulously oversee every step of each handbag's creation. From panel cutting to stitching and assembly, you can be assured of exceptional craftsmanship and quality.

A Luxury Brand with B-Corp Status

A rigorous certification that assesses a brand's sustainable practices, being B-Corp certified is a significant achievement for brands aiming to deliver greater transparency across their social and environmental performance, something Mulberry gained in 2024.

Focusing on circular production and noting that certification is far from the end goal, Mulberry partners with regenerative farmers and environmentally accredited tanneries to ensure a more sustainable production process throughout. Additionally, the brand also supports charities across London and Somerset, investing in the local communities where it operates.

Impressive UK-Based Manufacturing

Each Mulberry bag is distinctly marked with its country of origin as part of the brand's mission for transparency and as a meaningful way to bridge the connection between the artisan and the handbag.

Known as The Rookery and The Willows, Mulberry's Somerset factories are responsible for around 50% of the brand's bag production, with the factories producing up to 1,100 bags per week.

A Range of Iconic Designs

Mulberry's handbag legacy is defined by timeless designs that have become synonymous with British luxury. Loved by fashion insiders, royals, and celebrities alike, its most recognisable designs exude style without compromising on function.

At the heart of the brand is the Bayswater, released in the noughties. The bag is known for its structured silhouette, featuring key Mulberry motifs. Equally renowned is the Alexa, named after Alexa Chung; it's a classic, relaxed satchel-inspired silhouette that reflects Chung's effortlessly cool demeanour. And lest we forget, the Amberley — a versatile everyday shape that nods to the British countryside through its equestrian Rider's Lock buckle.

The Accessible Luxury Price Point

With all of this in mind, one would assume you'd have to break the bank to acquire one of these handbags. However, the brand positions itself within the accessible luxury market, offering an entry-level route for investing in high-quality luxury goods. Ranging from £300 to around £1,500, Mulberry also offers authenticated pre-loved handbags on site, providing an additional opportunity to ethically source a Mulberry handbag at a more attainable price point.

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