Mulberry SS12 – London Fashion Week

If we were to choose just one word to describe Mulberry’s collection for Spring/Summer 2012, it would be “playful”. The atmosphere was set from the invitation, which consisted of an inflatable rubber ring. It continued with the ice-creams served to guests in front the Claridge’s, where the show was held. The entrance of the Ballroom had been turned into the entrance of a fun house, and a Mulberry-branded ice-cream was parked there. Inside, walls were covered with safari animal balloons creating an atmosphere both magical and slightly nerve-racking at the same time.
But that’s just to set the atmosphere, so wonderfully summery, well, English-summery. The new season has been inspired by the Great British summer, seaside shenanigans, donkey rides, sparkling pier lights and is more than anything about the quirky English habit of hitting the beach no matter the weather. As a result, the silhouette is quite casual, with beach dresses, loose skirts and Seventies-inspired running shorts, but also wool leggings under skirts, cotton socks with wedges, shiny waterproof raincoats and macs.
The colour palette combines earthy tones, to suggest country camping through a variation of greens such as Nettle, Fern, Grass, and Wheatfield, and mouth-watering hues directly inspired by beachfront treats: Fudge, Marshmallow, Candy Pink and Lemon sherbet. Some dresses and skirts actually looked like giant Neapolitan slices, a delicious association of pistachio, strawberry and lemon.
The selection of bags was from the brand new Travel Collection that explores and updates the Mulberry heritage satchel shape, adding a touch of vintage glamour with metal corners and front luggage tags. The collection is declined in different sizes from handbag to oversized travel bag, and in a range of gorgeous colours – the Nightshade Blue is to die for.
A collection for dogs has also been developed with super-shiny macs in Nightshade Blue or Lemon Sherbet.
Have I mentioned the hair? Big hair for all models, very Bardot-like – the Saint-Tropez touch to this beautiful English summer.

Laurie Guillem