- Words Miriam Balanescu
The deluxe leather label, Mulberry, and young brand, Ahluwalia, have teamed up to showcase the best in contemporary design.
Though only a sapling of a company, Ahluwalia, founded in 2018 by Priya Ahluwalia, is growing up fast. Its figurehead is already the winner of an LVMH prize, and hot-off-the-press is the news that Ahluwalia will be handed over this year’s BFC/GQ designer menswear fund.
This season also sees a new collaboration with Mulberry for the young business. Mulberry is marking its 50th anniversary by celebrating and seeking out the crème de la crème of contemporary design, and Ahluwalia was top of the list.
An unexpected pairing of old-school British high couture meets precocious innovation, the collection features Mulberry’s signature leather – this time leftover materials in a move toward sustainability – and Ahluwalia’s Nigerian-Indian-inspired designs which draw on her heritage.
The limited collection includes savannah-shaded silk scarves and mottled Portobello totes. Swerving, sharp lines and Afro comb badges adorn the accessories which take Black hair, 60s and 70s protests, and nightlife as their inspiration.
Mulberry has also signed up to the Halo Code, which aims to protect hairstyles associated with racial, ethnic, and cultural identities.
Ahluwalia told Vogue: “I’m trying to produce work that is inclusive, positive and provokes conversation. I needed to feel like I could be myself and be frank with what I think is important. It became empowering quickly [to learn] that the team was very open to my opinion.”
The collection is available to shop on Mulberry.com and in stores.
