Mulberry Handbags Review: My Honest Take on the Iconic British Brand

Hey there, fellow fashion lover! If you‘re obsessed with designer handbags like I am, you‘ve probably heard of Mulberry – the quintessentially British brand known for their timeless, effortlessly chic bags. As a proud owner of several Mulberry pieces myself, I‘m excited to share my honest review of the brand‘s quality, craftsmanship, style, and overall value. Whether you‘re considering splurging on your first Mulberry or adding to your collection, I hope my insights as a handbag connoisseur will help you make an informed decision. Let‘s dive in!

First, a little history lesson on Mulberry

Founded in 1971 by Roger Saul in the English countryside of Somerset, Mulberry has always been inspired by the beauty of nature, the heritage of British craftsmanship, and a sense of timeless, effortless style. I love that the brand doesn‘t chase passing trends, but rather focuses on creating enduring classics that can be passed down for generations.

Over the past five decades, Mulberry has become a global fashion powerhouse worn by royals, celebrities, and stylish women all over the world. But despite their success, the brand has stayed true to their roots, with two carbon-neutral factories still located in Somerset where skilled artisans craft each bag by hand using time-honored techniques. That commitment to tradition, quality, and sustainability is a big part of why I fell in love with Mulberry.

Let‘s talk about the bags, baby

Mulberry is most famous for their iconic handbag designs that manage to be both timeless and contemporary, with a little British quirkiness thrown in. Here are some of my absolute favorites that I think every handbag lover should consider adding to their collection:

The Bayswater

The Bayswater is like the LBD of handbags – a true classic that never goes out of style. I have this gorgeous tote in oak leather and it‘s been my go-to work and travel bag for years. The sleek lines, spacious interior, and signature postman‘s lock give it a polished, sophisticated look that instantly elevates any outfit. Plus, the leather is insanely soft and luxurious, developing the most beautiful patina over time. Trust me, this is a bag you‘ll reach for every day and keep forever. Prices start around $1400.

The Alexa

Named after the ultimate British cool-girl Alexa Chung, this slightly edgy satchel is perfect for when you want to add some rock-chick nonchalance to your look. I have the oversized version in black buffalo leather with shiny gold hardware and I‘m obsessed with the slouchy, insouciant vibe it gives off. The braided top handle and chunky buckles give it a vintage feel, while the detachable strap makes it super versatile. Wear it with a floral dress and boots for some unexpected contrast, or go full-on glam with sequins for a night out. Prices start around $1250.

The Lily

If you‘re looking for a chic little evening bag, the Lily is an absolute dream. I have this dainty clutch in a vibrant coral red and it never fails to garner compliments. The compact size is perfect for toting just the essentials, while the woven leather and chain strap adds a touch of understated glamour. The signature postman‘s lock also comes in a cute mini size. Wear it as a clutch or sling it over your shoulder – either way, it‘s the perfect finishing touch to any party look. Prices start around $1050.

The Amberley

One of Mulberry‘s newer designs, the Amberley is a modern take on the equestrian-inspired satchel with some seriously chic details. I recently splurged on the small version in croc-embossed cream leather and I‘m in love. The structured silhouette is so ladylike and refined, while the chunky chain strap and oversized rider‘s lock add some edge. The leather-lined interior is also impeccably crafted with multiple compartments to keep you organized on the go. It‘s the perfect day-to-night bag that looks equally amazing with jeans and a blazer as it does with a cocktail dress. Prices start around $1200.

Other Mulberry icons include the Darley (a modern take on the Bayswater), the Leighton (a stylish twist on the bucket bag), and the Iris (a sleek shoulder bag with art deco-inspired hardware). The brand also makes some amazing men‘s bags like the Antony messenger and Heritage backpack that I often borrow from my husband!

Quality and Craftsmanship: The Mulberry Difference

I‘ve owned designer bags from many top brands over the years, but I have to say, Mulberry‘s quality and craftsmanship is truly unmatched. Every bag is handmade by skilled artisans in their carbon-neutral factories in Somerset using a mix of traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology. You can really see and feel the attention to detail in every stitch, seam, and hardware detail.

One thing I especially love about Mulberry is their commitment to using only the highest-quality, ethically-sourced leathers that are made to last. I‘ve had some of my Mulberry bags for over a decade and they still look amazing – the leather just gets softer and more lustrous with age, developing the most gorgeous patina. And if anything does happen to your bag, Mulberry offers a 12-month warranty and lifetime repairs service to keep it looking its best.

Compared to other luxury handbag brands I‘ve tried, Mulberry also feels like a bit of an "insider secret." The prices are definitely an investment, but still more attainable than uber-luxury brands like Hermès or Chanel. And because the styles are discreet and classic rather than covered in logos, you get that feeling of understated luxury rather than being a walking billboard.

What Other Mulberry Fans Are Saying

But don‘t just take my word for it – let‘s look at what other Mulberry customers have to say about the brand. I scoured dozens of online reviews and forums to get a sense of the overall customer experience and was blown away by the overwhelmingly positive feedback.

On Trustpilot, Mulberry has an impressive 4.6 star rating from over 380 reviews, with 87% of customers rating the brand as "Excellent." Fans rave about the exceptional quality, beautiful craftsmanship, and timeless style of the bags, with many saying they‘ve collected multiple Mulberry pieces over the years.

Here are just a few quotes that stood out to me:

"I now own three Mulberry bags and I absolutely love them all! The leather is thick and luxurious and the attention to detail is amazing. These bags are for life." – Lynne T.

"I‘ve had my Bayswater for almost 15 years and it still looks incredible. The leather has only gotten more beautiful with age and the craftsmanship is just exceptional. Worth every penny!" – Sarah D.

"Mulberry bags are the perfect balance of classic and cool. I love that they always look stylish and relevant without being too trendy or flashy. My Alexa is my everyday go-to!" – Kate W.

Negative reviews seem to be few and far between, with the occasional complaint about the high price point or a very rare quality control issue. But overall, it‘s clear that Mulberry has some of the most passionate and loyal customers in the handbag game.

Mulberry‘s Commitment to Sustainability

Another reason I feel great about supporting Mulberry is the brand‘s genuine commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. As someone who‘s trying to be more mindful about my fashion choices, I love that Mulberry has been way ahead of the curve in terms of reducing waste, using eco-friendly materials, and supporting local artisans.

Some of their most impressive initiatives:

• Establishing a ‘gold standard‘ of leather sourcing that prioritizes tanneries with strict environmental protections and traceability
• Powering their UK factories with 100% renewable energy and installing solar panels to further reduce their carbon footprint
• Offering lifetime repairs to extend the lifespan of bags and minimize waste
• Launching an apprenticeship program to train the next generation of skilled craftspeople
• Collaborating with eco-pioneers like Elvis & Kresse to upcycle leather offcuts into new products
• Developing new bags made from regenerative fibers and bio-based materials

Mulberry also releases an annual sustainability report that outlines their progress towards key targets like achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2035, which I really admire. No greenwashing here – just a company that‘s walking the walk when it comes to environmental and social responsibility.

Styling Your Mulberry Bag: Outfit Inspo

Congrats, you‘re now the proud owner of a gorgeous new Mulberry bag! But how do you style it to make the most impact? Here are some of my favorite outfit ideas for Mulberry‘s most iconic shapes:

The Bayswater Tote

For a classic, polished look, pair your oak Bayswater with neutral separates like a camel coat, silk blouse, tailored trousers, and pointy-toe pumps. Add a pop of color with a bold red lip. For a more casual vibe, try a Breton striped tee, cropped straight-leg jeans, and white sneakers. The Bayswater looks especially chic with heritage fabrics like check wool or textured tweed.

The Alexa Satchel

Lean into the Alexa‘s cool-girl roots with a floral tea dress, black tights, and ankle boots. Layer on a biker jacket for extra edge. For a more eclectic look, pair it with colorful separates like a fuchsia sweater, printed midi skirt, and lace-up flats. Don‘t be afraid to add some whimsical touches like embellished hair clips or a swipe of glittery eyeshadow.

The Lily Clutch

For a pretty cocktail look, style your Lily with a lace sheath dress, metallic heels, and chandelier earrings. Sweep your hair into a loose updo to show off your shoulders. For a fashion-forward pairing, try a full tonal look in a bold shade like emerald green or cobalt blue. The beaded strap of the Lily adds a playful, unexpected twist.

The Amberley Crossbody

Play up the equestrian vibes with a chunky turtleneck sweater, sleek riding pants, and knee-high leather boots. For a more feminine look, pair it with a flowy floral maxi dress and a shrunken cardigan. The Amberley‘s chunky chain strap looks amazing layered with other mixed-metal necklaces for a maximalist look.

I also love scrolling through Mulberry‘s Instagram page to see how their stylists and fans are rocking their bags IRL. It‘s amazing how versatile these bags can be for every style, occasion, and aesthetic.

The Final Verdict

So, is a Mulberry handbag worth the splurge? In my honest, unbiased opinion as a luxury bag lover – 100% yes. I‘ve been collecting designer handbags for over 15 years, and I can confidently say that Mulberry is one of the best investments you can make in terms of quality, craftsmanship, and enduring style. Mulberry bags are truly built to last a lifetime and only get better with age – I have pieces that are over a decade old and still look incredible.

Of course, the price point is definitely steep, with most Mulberry bags ranging from $1,000-$2,000+. But when you break it down by cost per wear, I think Mulberry is actually one of the best values in the world of designer bags. These bags are so timeless and versatile that you can carry them every day for years, which means you end up spending much less per wear than a trendier bag that only lasts a season or two.

Plus, I‘ve found that Mulberry bags have great resale value if you do decide to sell or consign them down the road. Because the brand isn‘t as widely known or overly "branded" as some other luxury houses, Mulberry bags tend to hold their value really well. On the The RealReal, for instance, Mulberry bags consistently sell for 50-70% of their original retail price even after years of use.

But honestly, I don‘t buy Mulberry for the status or resale value – I buy it because their bags bring me so much joy every time I carry them. There‘s just something about the luscious leather, impeccable craftsmanship, and quietly chic details that make me feel polished and put-together, even on my most frazzled days. In a world of shouty logos and flashy it-bags, I love that Mulberry remains an understated, forever-classic choice.

My advice? Start with one of Mulberry‘s core classics like the Bayswater tote or Lily clutch in a neutral leather that will stand the test of time. Then, have fun collecting special seasonal colors and playful variations as you grow your collection over the years. Word to the wise – Mulberry‘s iconic shades like oak, oxblood, and evergreen tend to hold their value best over time.

I hope this in-depth Mulberry review has given you a deeper look at this beloved British brand and helped you decide if their bags are worth the splurge. As always, I‘m happy to answer any other questions about my experience with Mulberry over on my Instagram DMs! Feel free to tag me in your Mulberry style pics as well – I love seeing how you beauties rock your bags IRL. Until next time, stay stylish!

xo,
Your Mulberry-Loving BFF

Need More Mulberry Bag Inspo? Check Out These Dreamy Styles

If you‘re still lusting after more Mulberry magic, here are a few more swoon-worthy styles to add to your wish list:

The Darley Tote

With its clean lines, structured silhouette, and statement Postman‘s lock hardware, the Darley is like a more modern take on the iconic Bayswater. It comes in both small and large sizes, as well as chic textures like quilted check and fuzzy shearling. So minimalist-glam.

The Iris Hobo

I love the curvy, slouchy shape of the Iris – it feels both elegant and effortless. Inspired by Art Deco design, the sleek curves and geometric hardware add some subtle pop. It‘s the perfect throw-on-and-go style for days when you want to look chic with minimal effort.

The Hampstead Bucket Bag

If you want something a little more trend-forward, you need this adorable little bucket bag. The classic drawstring shape gets a playful update with bold colors, mixed materials, and a smart convertible strap so you can wear it as a shoulder bag or crossbody. So cute.

The Millie Tote

This boxy little number combines structured minimalism with Mulberry‘s signature design details. The geometric twist-ring lock closure is so chic and unique, while the compact size is perfect for everyday essentials. It comes in the most gorgeous shades of olive, rust, and chalk.

The Leighton Bucket Bag

If the Hampstead is the playful little sister, the Leighton is like the sophisticated big sis. I love the architectural shape, sleek turn-lock closure, and smart interior pockets on this chic bucket bag. Plus, it comes with both top handles AND a shoulder strap for versatility. A forever-bag for sure.

Looking for the perfect gift for the Mulberry lover in your life (or yourself – no judgment)? Many of these dreamy styles come in special mini and nano sizes that make the perfect little luxuries. Just add a swipe of red lipstick and voila – effortless British glam in an instant.