From The Straits Times    |

The invitation to Mulberry’s Autumn Winter 2013 runway show was shaped like a butterfly, the entrance to Claridge’s Ballroom, London, was decorated with a multitude of butterflies, as was the photo wall inside; it was obvious from the beginning that the luxury British brand was going to have a somewhat “naturalist” theme.

Mulberry Autumn Winter 2013 at London Fashion Week DECOR
Opening looks, including checks, leather, fur, botanical prints and a poodle at Mulberry AW13 runway show for London Fashion Week. Images: Mulberry

Inspired by “rural English landscapes, nature and the flowers of England, interspersed with a rich colour palette and botanical-inspired prints”, the AW13 collection galloped down the runway to the sounds of iconic – and ironic – soundtrack that included the national anthem.

Opening with a tunic/dress over cropped trousers in a substantial tweed check, the collection showed an almost boxy volume with few form-fitted or overtly sexy styles; rather, it was almost schoolgirl-ish particularly when paired with satchel-style bags and heeled loafers.

Perhaps the over-sized butterflies and flowers – bluebells, sunflowers, poppies and chrysanthemums imitating a wild hedgerow – added to the feel of a little girl wearing her mother’s clothes?

The mix of burgundy, cream and navy – a mature red, white and blue? – combined with classic British checks and touches of whimsy in the botanical prints, gave the collection a bit of a “British Empire” nationalism feel too, particularly when combined with the all-white looks – “Dr Livingston, I presume?”.

The addition of a poodle in matching outfit added to the traditional English countryside theme; structured bell sleeves echoed historical costumes as did the leather pieces and fur collars.

But what about the bags? For Autumn Winter 2013, Mulberry has launched a new bag, the Suffolk. Inspired by the Bayswater, it has the postman’s lock and internal leather strap detailing plus lots more heritage-style detailing and a frame closure.

There was also a new version of the Bayswater, the Shoulder. It’s smaller and has a top handle as well as cute ladybird detailing on the lock based on the season’s new “Mini Meadows” print. The Tasha bag, from the pre-collection, has been added to Mulberry’s main collection with the addition of ornate metal hardware detailing including a new metal luggage tag.

Mulberry Autumn Winter 2013 at London Fashion Week CARA and EMMA
Model of the moment Cara Delevingne (above left) closed the Mulberry AW13 show at London Fashion Week; followed by the brand’s creative director Emma Hill (above right).
Images: Mulberry

Overall the Mulberry AW13 collection continues creative director Emma Hill’s continuing flirtations with British whimsy, tradition and girlhood. A front row featuring Brit-pack “It” kids Alexa Chung, Lana Del Rey, Juno Temple, Vanessa Kirby, Holliday Grainger, Douglas Booth, Sam Claflin, Atlanta de Cadenet Taylor and Harley Viera Newton, alongside stalwart editors including Anna Wintour, suited the brand’s message down to a-very-nice-cup-of-t(ea).

Mulberry stores in Singapore are located at Hilton Hotel, 581 Orchard Road, Tel: 6304 1357; Marina Bay Sands, #L1 – 50 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, Tel: 6304 3570; Ngee Ann City, Takashimaya Level 2, Unit 206, Tel: 6304 1357 and the flagship store at t Mandarin Gallery, #01-09 333A Orchard Road, Tel: 6304 1384. For more information about Mulberry, go to www.mulberry.com or Follow the brand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Mulberry, Twitter and Instagram at @Mulberry_Editor.