Mulberry x Richard Malone Collaboration Unveiled at the V&A

Among the star-studded guests attending a modern show in historical settings – the latest collection from Richard Malone – was Joy Crookes, Jade Thirwall, Jordan Stephens, Chinenye Ezeudu, Kehlani, Clara Amfo, Daisy Lowe, Tigerlily Taylor, Greta Bellamacina, Bee Beardworth, and Charli Howard.

As part of Mulberry’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, Malone is the latest designer to join Mulberry Editions, a series of collaborations with the heritage brand which celebrate the new pioneers of the design world. (Early 2021 saw Nigerian Indian designer Ahluwalia’s mesmerizing take on Mulberry leather.)

Malone, fittingly for the show’s V&A surroundings, is known for mingling fashion, art, and design, as well as being a major player in sustainable fashion. The Richard Malone show which unfurled at the museum on the 19th September showcased both Malone’s latest collection and his spin on Mulberry’s classic designs.

For the limited-edition capsule, Malone re-envisaged two bags that sport Mulberry’s trademark Postman’s Lock: the Bayswater and the Darley. The Bayswater was picked apart to reincarnate the bag in two new designs, the Triangle Bayswater and a cylindrical Barrel Bag. Interior features of the original bag have also been re-transferred to the bag’s exterior to add to the deconstructed feel of the collection, while the all-important Postman’s Lock has been enshrined in leather. A Coin Pouch and Key Fob are also included in the collection which bursts in eye-popping red, white, green, and blue.

In line with Mulberry’s pledge toward sustainability and Malone’s own environmentally-conscious values, Mulberry’s signature scotch grain has been remade from Bio-Synthetic materials, created from inedible cereal waste.

On the collection, Malone has said: “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.”

The CEO of Mulberry, Thierry Andretta, added: “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.”