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Somerset’s archives have been cracked open to reveal a vibrant history that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. Fifty-five years of British heritage now take the form of fifty-five unique handbags as Mulberry celebrates its fifty-fifth anniversary this February by launching the ‘Bayswater Limited Editions’ series.  

This collection is mainly composed of surplus and sample leathers found within its London design studios representing a return to the ‘Mulberry Spirit,’ which the brand defines as a “bold and eccentric Britishness.” Each of the fifty-five styles is a one-of-one creation, ensuring that no two collectors will carry the same piece.

The Rookery, one of the brand’s two Somerset factories, serves as the birthplace for these anniversary icons. A dedicated team of five experts at the Development Centre spends five hours on each bag to ensure every detail is perfect. This level of attention celebrates the legacy of the original Bayswater, which first arrived in 2003. 

Over the years, the bag has defined the early noughties and beyond. It has been carried by some of the most recognisable names in culture, including the legendary British supermodel Kate Moss, American actress and singer Jennifer Lopez, and the Barbadian mogul Rihanna. 

While the design has appeared in various forms like the Mini Zipped Bayswater or the 9 to 5 version, the core hallmarks remain understated, effortless and elegant. Vibrant colours and unexpected textures fill this new series to showcase the playful nature synonymous with the brand. The lineup includes a Cosmic Blue Croc Printed Haircalf paired with Lilac Haze Smooth Glossy Leather trim and a striking Leopard Print Suede. Other designs feature Raspberry Pink Shiny Printed Croc with Lawn Green leather accents, a Pastel Pink version and a Turquoise Matte Big Croc. 

The selection expands further with experimental combinations that highlight the creative breadth of the archives. Collectors might discover an Emerald Green and Cobalt Blue Shiny Printed Croc that feels both regal and strikingly modern. Another notable addition includes the Apple Wrinkled Patent, a design that utilises goat leather with a high-gloss finish to create a textured, lived-in feel. For those seeking a more vibrant palette, the Neon Pink Matte Printed Croc and Poppy Red Haircalf Printed Croc offer a bold energy that stands out in any setting. Every one of these bags is finished with the signature hardware of the house, such as the Postman’s Lock in brass or silver.

These choices reflect a creative energy that has defined the brand since it was born in Somerset in 1971. By utilising existing materials to create new luxury, the house reinforces the commitment found in its ‘Made to Last Manifesto,’ which sets out an ambition to transform the business into a circular and regenerative model. In 2024, Mulberry achieved B Corp Certification, a milestone that underscores its purpose-driven approach to business. The Mulberry Exchange continues to be a powerful driver of growth, with turnover surpassing £1 million as international expansion begins. 

Each bag in the limited series is priced at £1,855. The first drop arrives on the official website on February 2oth, offering a unique opportunity to own a handcrafted piece of British fashion history.

Find out more here.

photography. courtesy of Mulberry
words. Gennaro Costanzo

Gravity seems to have taken a holiday in the latest Christian Louboutin Summer 2026 campaign. Models lean against vertical surfaces as though they were plush carpets, resting their faces against the floorboards while their heels point towards the ceiling. It is a world of delightful disorientation where the walls become walkways and the horizon line is anyone’s guess. This surrealist approach to photography mirrors the theatrical spirit of the collection itself, which serves as a love letter to the performing arts. Louboutin has spent a lifetime captivated by the magic of the stage and these silhouettes capture that specific energy where movement and costume collide.

The Venus line takes its name from the goddess of love and presents a selection of bags that feel like cherished treasures for the modern day. You can find these pieces in various sizes, from a spacious tote to a compact mini cross-body, ensuring there is a version for every hour of the day. Every bag in the series balances the rich heritage of the house with a functional approach to luxury. 

High summer demands a certain level of drama, provided here by the Mulazee kitten-heeled mule. This design comes exclusively in taffeta and features a knotted fabric detail at the toe that highlights the curve of the foot. For those who prefer a higher vantage point, the Cassia mule and Pavlova ankle boot bring a sense of evening elegance into the daylight. The Cassia appears in smooth leather or silver laminated nappa, while both styles are available in crepe satin for a finish that catches the light like a silk stage curtain. These shoes allow for a level of freedom and extravagance that defines the season.

Men’s silhouettes also receive a theatrical update with the return of the Chambelimoc and Chambelimonk. These shoes appear in burgundy calf patine leather, embossed to replicate the texture of crocodile. This choice adds a timeless quality to the collection, providing a sharp contrast to the lighter taffeta and satin pieces. Every element of the Summer 2026 range invites the wearer to step into a world of performance and creative expression.

Discover the Summer 2026 collection here.

photography. courtesy of Christian Louboutin
words. Gennaro Costanzo

What does it take for a historic fashion house to find its pulse in a world of digital noise? Pierpaolo Piccioli seems to think the answer lies in the people rather than just the fabric. With the launch of Balenciaga’s ‘Heart and Body’ campaign, a project lensed by David Sims, Piccioli establishes a new community of ambassadors who possess a genuine, lived-in presence.

Piccioli frames his debut collections, Summer 26 (The Heartbeat) and Autumn 26 (Body and Being), through the lens of individual history, selecting an incredible star-studded cast. A Parisian artist’s atelier serves as the unvarnished heart of a seismic recalibration for Balenciaga, capturing Harris Dickinson, Winona Ryder, Roh Yoonseo, Hudson Williams, Labrinth, Danielle Deadwyler and Havana Rose Liu. This new cohort appears in gridded photographic arrangements that are unmistakably Balenciaga-coded – perhaps with a hint of edgy elegance. 

“I chose individuals, not characters,” Piccioli explains. These are the first faces of the brand appointed under his creative direction and they represent a significant shift in how the Maison presents itself to the world.

Legendary American actor Winona Ryder, whose career has defined generations from her early days in ‘Beetlejuice’ to the modern era of ‘Stranger Things,’ finds a deep resonance in this approach. “I love that Balenciaga has this long history of doing things differently and puts authenticity and individuality at the centre of everything,” she says. British actor Harris Dickinson adds that creative freedom is vital to this next chapter, while South Korean star Roh Yoonseo describes the clothing as a cinematic experience that brings out a playful, chic protagonist within her.

Canadian actor Hudson Williams, known for his work in ‘Heated Rivalry,’ joins the fold to celebrate the confidence that comes with showing up as your true self without compromise. British composer Labrinth, the mind behind the ‘Euphoria’ score, describes the experience as world-building, noting that both the designer and the house are synonymous with pure artistry.

American actress Danielle Deadwyler, star of ‘The Woman in the Yard,’ finds a link between her own experimental practice and the philosophy of imperfection that Piccioli champions. “Balenciaga on the skin is a coming into a part of myself that is known and unknown, even remembered. I’m unafraid to make fashion statements. I love that Pierpaolo is excited by that. Working together is born from the intuitive,” she says. Havana Rose Liu, the American actor from ‘Bottoms,’ sees the work as a bold new dream of the avant-garde. This eclectic group is rounded out by Danish model Mona Tougaard, French model Loli Bahia and exclusive faces Ned Sims and Sen Samysheva.

As for the wardrobe, it introduces Neo Gazar, a double-face fabric that reinterprets the 1958 archival original with a modern blend of silk and wool. This material allows for sculptural volume that retains a surprising lightness on the body. For the Autumn 26 collection, the focus shifts to Body and Being, introducing the ProBody performance fabric within a new TechWear category. These garments offer moisture-wicking and breathable properties, transforming couture techniques into a second skin for the modern world.

Sharp military-inspired tailoring and sack dresses appear alongside the debut of Piccioli’s vision for the Balenciaga man, featuring cashmere capes and hybrids of classical tailoring with contemporary sportswear. Accessories emphasise this blend of heritage and utility, with the streamlined Le City bag and the nappa-dressed Le 7 design anchoring the looks. Footwear ranges from the cushioned interior of the Comfy loafer to the weightless execution of the Jet sneaker.

“My work in this Maison is always about the people who wear the clothes – how they move, how they feel, how they exist in the world,” continues Piccioli. “I want the garments to bring ease and confidence, never to overpower. The person wears the clothing, not the opposite. For me, this campaign is about creating a space where individuality forms community and values shape the aesthetic.”

Discover the Spring/Summer 2026 collection here.

photography. courtesy of David Sims
words. Gennaro Costanzo