Emma Hill's departure might not have the same impact as Galliano leaving couture or Hedi Slimane taking up the Saint Laurent post, but it will change a brand that has latterly been built on her witty idiosyncrasies and feel for the zeitgeist

Since she took over from Stuart Vevers in 2007, Emma hill has provided some of the most recognised handbags of the decade - and this during an era in which the 'it bag' was repeatedly declared dead.

The Alexa, the Tilly, the Del Rey and most recently, the Willow. Hill knew the power of name and image, not just in the goods themselves but in the magical worlds she created in Claridges ballroom every season too. Toadstools, monsters, helium balloons and exotic animals - Emma Hill's Mulberry was an escape into a world more energetic and more elegant.

It remains to be seen where the heritage brand will go next, but its departing creative director leaves it in a more than healthy position to go even further.