What Brexit? The Mulberry and Acne Studios collaboration which drops in stores globally on Nov 5 proves that not all relations between the Brits and their European neighbours are iffy. In particular, this accessories collection highlights the longstanding friendship between the indie Swedish fashion label’s founder and creative director Jonny Johansson with Mulberry’s chief executive Thierry Andretta.
The 17-piece outing comprises bags and small leather goods and will be stocked exclusively at Mulberry‘s Takashimaya S.C. outpost here. It prominently features two hero products from the Mulberry and Acne Studios repertoire – the Bayswater tote and the Musubi bucket bag respectively. That collaborative effort is clearly evident in a hybrid design which boasts both the structured roomy design of the Bayswater with the large origami knot detail of the Musubi.
Meanwhile, the colourways and finishes in this collection stick to the design trademarks of each label closely. Cue the vintage-inflicted black and cognac brown scotch grained leather that has become synonymous with Mulberry’s bags. Fans of Acne Studios will recognise the brand’s signature salmon pink colour that pops up among some of the pieces.
The partnership also sees Acne Studios introducing its eclectic and oddball touches to Mulberry’s classic designs. In a statement, Johansson said: “Mulberry stands for something that is very English. It is something that is very different to how we are in Sweden, and when I was growing up, this Englishness was almost exotic.”
That Swedish eccentricity comes in the form of multiple buckle straps and the upsized hardware as seen on the metal strap clasps. Even the littlest details such as the Mulberry logo did not go untouched: the letters of Acne Studios are leaves in their tree. Goes to show what great things can happen when different nationalities come together.
