Mulberry, the iconic British luxury brand, once held the fashion world in its grasp with a bag that became synonymous with style and sophistication. The Bayswater, launched in 2003, was more than just an accessory; it was an emblem of enduring elegance. But what went wrong? How did this once-beloved bag fall from grace? Let’s delve into the rise, fall, and legacy of the Mulberry Bayswater.
The Rise: A Bag Fit for Royalty
The Bayswater was aspirational, practical, and affordable—a rare trifecta in the world of designer handbags. Priced at £495, it seemed reasonable then and remains so today, especially when entry-level designer bags routinely cost four figures. High-profile British fans, including Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, and Alexa Chung, elevated the Bayswater to cult status. Its pet name, “Mulbs,” echoed through fashion circles, and its British heritage and craftsmanship made it even more desirable.
The Fall: A Changing Landscape
Fast-forward to today, and the Bayswater’s allure has waned. Mulberry recently reported a 4% decline in annual sales, and its share price plummeted by nearly 60% this year. Thierry Andretta, Mulberry’s CEO, attributes this decline to broader luxury spending downturns, particularly in the UK and Asia. The Bayswater, once the holy grail of handbags, now struggles to reclaim its former glory.
The Legacy: A Bag That Defined an Era
The Bayswater’s 20th anniversary arrives at a time of renewed interest in Y2K trends and indie sleaze aesthetics. TikTok’s nostalgia-driven influence has resurrected early 2000s fashion, and the Bayswater remains an enduring symbol of that era. Its practicality—capacious enough to hold life’s essentials—made it a favorite among celebrities like Sienna Miller, Lily Allen, and Jennifer Lopez. Moss’s iconic snapshots, with the Bayswater casually draped over her arm, cemented its hero status.
The New Twists: Celebrating Two Decades
To mark this milestone, Mulberry introduces three new Bayswater variations:
- East/West Bayswater: A nod to the late ’90s renaissance, this compact version adds a fresh twist.
- North/South Bayswater Tote: A versatile shoulder bag for every occasion.
- Zipped Bayswater Tote: Roomy and adaptable, thanks to its multi-zip detailing.
All these styles are crafted from environmentally accredited leather, aligning with Mulberry’s commitment to sustainability. As part of the Mulberry Exchange, archive Bayswater pieces are revived by restoration artisans, allowing the bag to have many lives.
