Meet the Kensal, Emma HIll's last It-bag for Mulberry
The fashion world moves so quickly to speculate on the market merry-go-round that it feels like designer Emma Hill left Mulberry about ten years ago. But, as the luxury leather brand's latest It-bag the 'Kensal' goes on sale today (from £950), it's worth remembering that Hill's final collection is only just hitting the shops now. And it's the last in a long line of smash hits and celebrity favourites.
The style is a minimal and mirror-image envelope shape, double-sided with two pouches, a briefcase lock and detachable shoulder strap. It comes in large and small sizes, and with silver hardware, something of a departure for Mulberry, which under Hill became known for chunky gold detailing that was a signature among the dozens of celebs who carried them.
Hill's replacement hasn't yet been named - although the ubiquitous Cara Delevingne has worked with Mulberry for autumn, designing a range of three bags (including a modish rucksack) and unveiling them at London Fashion Week last month - so all bets are on. But before we settle into that guessing game, let's appreciate the rich heritage she leaves us with. Our shoulders will never be the same again...
The bag that launched a thousand copies, and cemented Mulberry as a british brand with plenty of commercial wallop, 2009's Alexa came in a trad tan shade, as well as more daring animal print updates later on. It remains one of the label's bestsellers.
What the Mitzy tote lacked in celebrity namesake, it made up in crowd-pleasing. Made in a variety of bright and bold shades, it was well priced as an entry level purchase. In the year it was released, Mulberry reported a 21 per cent increase in sales.
The Tillie was touted as the sister to the Alexa, a more modern and slouchy take on a satchel that came in delicate shades of rose pink and introduced gold trompe l'oeil buckles.
Further proof of Mulberry's commercial clout, the Del Rey was a minimal, bowling bag named quickly for the singer who was rapidly rising in profile as the It-girl of the moment.
The Willow ushered in a new feel for ladylike and minimal elegance, in keeping with wider trends in 2013, replacing the more laidback and girlish satchel styles as the It-bag du jour. It also featured a removable clutch bag that zipped onto the exterior and doubled as a pocket. Emma Hill: improving our desk-to-date wardrobe one useful design detail at a time.
And here we are with the Kensal, a fittingly subtle and quietly chic exit for Emma Hill at Mulberry. She's the woman responsible for your obsession with ostrich skin, the jangling noise you make when you walk, and your subconscious habit of checking out every other woman's leather goods on every crowded tube or bus. Thank you, Emma Hill.
Click below to see Hill's final catwalk collection for Mulberry, in stores now