all around the mulberry bag

Mulberry's classic Bayswater bag with a postman's lock in black patent.

Mulberry garnered a lot of attention here in Los Angeles at the Soho House during Oscar week, with stars like Courtney Cox and Jennifer Aniston expressing interest in the insider brand. I had the pleasure of bonding this weekend with the knowledgeable and helpful Michael Aguire at the brand new Mulberry store on Melrose Place in L.A. He loved the scarlet patent leather clutch I was carrying, (one of my new soon-to-debut Infinity bags) and I fell for the Fall 07 Bayswater bag in black patent, which was light as a feather and free from tons of hardware. This bag will also be coming in red and purple patent, as well as zebra and leopard haircalf.



Luxury behind the bushes on Melrose Place

Located across from Marc Jacobs on one of the prettiest streets in Los Angeles, this is the first store in California. In case you're not familiar with Mulberry, it's ultra chic, with no big logos or branding other than their signature mulberry tree imprint. Often described as England's answer to Coach, Mulberry designer Stuart Vevers' products, while classic, have a much more luxurious and refined feel. Mulberry has also been teaming up with the hottest designers and fashion illustrators to turn their classic bags into cutting edge accessories.


Shiny & studded bags by Giles Deacon for Mulberry

Their latest line, designed in collaboration with red-hot British designer Giles Deacon, who came from Bottega Veneta before starting his own clothing label, has been available up until now only at Harvey Nichols in London and Colette in Paris. Ladies, be aware: the line has now arrived at the new Mulberry store on Melrose Place in L.A. and the huge studding gives gives packing metal a new meaning.



Illustration by Julie Verhoeven

Personally I can't wait to see what comes from Mulberry's upcoming collaboration with Julie Verhoeven, a rising star in the fashion world whose art work has been seen in many fashion magazines as well as the runway at Louis Vuitton. Verhoeven has lent her childlike vision to a new line of yet-to-be-seen Mulberry bag, scarf, dress and T-shirt designs.


The Picadilly

I should also mention before signing off, that Mulberry has a beautiful and tasteful line for men. I think the Picadilly style in chocolate brown is a really stylish yet classic bag I'd like to see more guys carrying.