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Introducing Mulberry x Richard Malone

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Introducing Mulberry x Richard Malone, the latest chapter in Mulberry Editions. Launched during the brand’s 50th anniversary year, Mulberry Editions celebrates the best in contemporary design and continues Mulberry’s tradition of bold and unexpected collaborations. For his limited-edition capsule, Malone reinterprets two bags which both feature the iconic Postman’s lock: the Bayswater, one of Mulberry’s most loved and recognisable designs, and the Darley. The collection will be unveiled as part of the Richard Malone Spring/Summer 2022 show at the Victoria and Albert Museum on 19th September, during London Fashion Week.

Malone is the award-winning Irish-born, London-based designer known for blurring the boundaries between fashion, art and design and for his uncompromising commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. In this capsule, he melds Mulberry’s heritage with his own bold design language, taking the functional aesthetics of early and mid-century bags – in particular the adaptability and longevity of luggage and travel bags – as a starting point for the collection. Looking to the Mulberry archives for inspiration, Malone was struck by the pragmatism, purpose and quiet confidence of the designs, the way they could effortlessly adapt to fit the demands of a busy lifestyle and slot seamlessly into a wardrobe for decades.

For the collection, Malone deconstructed the Bayswater, transporting interior design details – such as pockets, piping and serial numbered fobs – to the exterior of the bags. Reworking the classic gave way to two new silhouettes, the Triangle Bayswater and a cylindrical version, the Barrel Bag. He also puts his own stamp on Mulberry’s signature hardware, the Postman’s Lock, which is found on both the Bayswater and the Darley, encasing it in leather for a subtle, modern update. The result is a collection that simultaneously stays true to Mulberry’s Made to Last ethos and design DNA, while filtering it through Malone’s unique contemporary lens.

Both Mulberry and Malone are passionate about championing British craftsmanship and sustainability, which is translated throughout the collection. An eco-friendly version of the brand’s signature Scotchgrain material, which has been a key part of Mulberry collections for decades, is used across all styles. It is now crafted from innovative Bio-Synthetic materials, repurposing inedible cereal waste into a hard-wearing, lightweight material that looks and feels the same as the original textured leather. Any leather used – for example, on the straps and handles – is from Gold Standard, environmentally accredited tanneries.

A celebration of function as much as form, the capsule is pared- back yet impactful. It’s about stripping back, rather than adding superfluous embellishment. Geometric shapes echo the architectural silhouettes that Malone is renowned for in his own collections. That design purity also translates to the collection’s punchy colour palette of blue, red, green and white, inspired by post-modern and 1970s design.

The collection’s accompanying campaign stars some of Malone’s closest creative collaborators. An insight into the people who influence and inspire him, those featured include Alighieri Jewellery founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Ronan Mckenzie, Fashion East founder Lulu Kennedy and stylist Nell Kalonji.

The capsule consists of a Bayswater, Mini Bayswater, Triangle Bayswater, Barrel Bag and Small Darley. These are accompanied by accessories including a Coin Pouch and Key Fob. It will launch on Mulberry.com on 19th September and in stores globally on 20th September.

“Collaborating with Mulberry feels like a natural fit for me - I really respect that they have meaningful conscious values, and ambitious sustainability plans in place. The whole process has been so rewarding; Mulberry have been true collaborators, giving me genuine creative free rein. At its heart, this collection is all about function: creating really great bags that I hope people will love and wear for years”.
— Richard Malone, Creative Director, Richard Malone.

“We are delighted to unveil Richard Malone’s contribution to the Mulberry Editions series. His innovative take on our design DNA, and reinterpretation of two of our most loved bags – coupled with our shared passion for and commitment to our Made to Last values of quality and sustainability – make this a truly exciting moment for Mulberry as we celebrate our 50th anniversary”.
— Thierry Andretta, Mulberry CEO.