Mulberry's 40 Birthday: The Book

Mulberry’s been busy lately:  In the past month, they’ve moved offices, thrown parties and, as of yesterday, published a book—Mulberry.

Venetia Dearden shot the tome to celebrate the brand’s 40th anniversary. Dearden follow the Mulberry crew around for three years, the result of which are this rich and fascinating photographic narrative of the brand. A “warts and all” book, Mulberry is never one to hide their quirkiness and eccentricity and this book is a testament to that.  There are, of course, party pictures starring loyal devotees like Alexa Chung, Erin O’Connor, Lara Stone, Jasmine Guinness, Poppy Delevigne, Florence Welch and many more as well as shots of collaborators like Pat McGrath, Giles Deacon, Luella Bartley, Sam McKnight and,  obviously, Creative Director Emma Hill in endearing, family-like shots.

Then there are the quirky touches, like the props that Mulberry is now famous for—a giant glittery panther, a carousel, and life size toad stools.  (There’s even a shot of a reveler mounting said panther.)  There are also the sweet touches like a Valentine’s Day card made by toddler Hudson to his mom, Emma Hill, floral arrangements in a style only the English can create and plenty of adorable dogs who’ve been encouraged to run free in the showroom and offices. 

Though the photographs focus on the past three years, the book doesn’t neglect the Mulberry history:  jaw dropping scenes of Somerset—where their factory’s located—are included side by side with the stunning English countryside, an aspect that has been firmly behind the ethos of the brand.  There are wonderful close ups of the hand work that takes place in the Somerset factory, reminding us that this business is very much a local, home grown affair.  As Georgia Fendlay, the editor of the book, sums up: “Above all Mulberry still has its family feel, and through its highs and lows of the past forty years, has been a brand we all love to love.”  We’ll heartily agree with that.

This will surely be this long winter vacation's hot read, Exclusive Books here I come!