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MULBERRY

Strathberry Bag Review by Tanner Leatherstein

Brand Scorecard:

★★★★☆


Leather: 4.5

Hardware: 3.5

Design: 4

Engineering: 4

Craftmanship: 4.5



TOTAL: 4.10

Brand Website: mulberry.com



TABLE OF CONTENTS



BRIEF HISTORY

Mulberry, a British luxury brand, was founded in 1971 by Roger Saul in Somerset, England. Initially focusing on leather belts and buckles, the brand quickly expanded into handbags and accessories, gaining recognition for its craftsmanship and use of high-quality leather. By the 2000s, Mulberry had established itself as a leading luxury leather goods brand, with iconic designs like the Bayswater and Alexa bags, which became fashion staples.


Despite facing financial ups and downs, Mulberry has remained committed to its British heritage, maintaining its manufacturing base in Somerset. Over the years, the brand has adapted to changing trends, incorporating sustainability initiatives such as responsibly sourced leather and eco-conscious production. Today, Mulberry continues to balance tradition with modernity, offering timeless yet contemporary designs that appeal to a global audience.


FIVE PILLARS OF A GOOD LEATHERCRAFT

FIVE PILLARS OF A GOOD LEATHERCRAFT by tanner leatherstein

READING MY ASSESSMENT SCORES

READING MY ASSESSMENT SCORES by tanner leatherstein

LEATHERVERSE MATRIX


The Leatherverse Brand Matrix visually compares leather brands based on sophistication and pricing, helping consumers understand their market positioning.


Legend

  • Vertical Axis: Ranges from simple artisan crafts to exclusive, master-crafted items.

  • Horizontal Axis: Covers pricing from low (no brand premium) to high (perceived luxury), with 2x multipliers for basic products and up to 15x for heavily marketed luxury items.

  • Diagonal Line: Represents the balance between price and performance. Brands on the line offer good value, those below suggest poor value, and those above offer exceptional value.

Mulberry's Leatherverse Brand Matrix by Tanner leatherstein

AUDIENCE & CUSTOMER'S PERSPECTIVE

Based on these criteria, how would you rate Mulberry as a brand?


How would you rate Mulberry as a brand?

  • 0%5

  • 0%4

  • 0%3

  • 0%2


PRODUCTS REVIEWED


Challenging the Luxury Standard: How Mulberry is Making Quality Accessible

Mulberry's Meadow Small Shoulder Bag

Discover how Mulberry combines craftsmanship and affordability in the Meadow Small Shoulder Bag, redefining quality leather bags for everyday luxury lovers.

In the ever-competitive world of luxury fashion, high price tags have traditionally been synonymous with exclusivity. Brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès have built their reputations on the idea that their bags and accessories should remain out of reach for all but the wealthiest consumers. However, one iconic British brand is challenging this norm by doing something few would expect: lowering prices. That brand? Mulberry.


But why is Mulberry bucking the trend of escalating prices, and what does this mean for the future of luxury fashion? Let’s dive into the story behind this bold move and explore whether it’s a smart play or a risky gamble.


The Rising Cost of Luxury


For years, luxury brands have pushed their pricing strategies to new heights. Chanel, for instance, has hiked the price of its Classic Flap bag to over $10,000, while Louis Vuitton has made frequent price increases a core part of its business model. These moves reinforce the brands’ elite status, but they’ve also made luxury bags increasingly unattainable for many consumers. What was once considered an aspirational luxury is now largely out of reach for the average shopper.


However, today’s consumers are more informed and discerning than ever. With an increasing number of buyers prioritizing quality over branding, many are beginning to question whether the traditional luxury pricing model still makes sense.


Mulberry’s Bold Move


Enter Mulberry. Instead of following the industry trend of continuous price hikes, the British brand is doing the opposite—lowering prices while maintaining its quality. The brand has committed to keeping 60% of its product catalog under £1,095, making its bags more accessible while still maintaining its reputation for craftsmanship.


While other legacy brands double down on exclusivity through high pricing, Mulberry is betting on a strategy of affordable luxury. But how exactly is Mulberry managing to reduce prices without sacrificing quality? And, perhaps more importantly, is it working?


The Strategy Behind the Price Drop


Mulberry’s decision to lower prices comes down to several key strategic shifts. The brand has optimized its manufacturing processes, ensuring cost savings without cutting corners on craftsmanship. Rather than spending excessively on celebrity-driven marketing campaigns, Mulberry is focusing on product quality, ethical production, and sustainability—values that resonate deeply with modern luxury consumers.


However, history has shown that not all cost-cutting efforts in the luxury sector end well. Some brands that have attempted to reduce prices have been criticized for compromising on materials and craftsmanship. So, the real question is: Has Mulberry managed to maintain its high standards while lowering costs?


Putting Mulberry to the Test: A Hands-On Review


To assess whether Mulberry is truly delivering on its promise, I put one of their £1,095 bags under my usual scrutiny—including a full dissection. Right from the start, I was pleasantly surprised. The design was exactly as advertised, but the biggest standout was the leather quality. Unlike many mass-market luxury brands that use overly processed, uniform grains, Mulberry opted for a natural shrunken grain leather. This was a bold choice, showcasing beautiful variations in texture that signal authenticity and high-quality sourcing.


Upon dissecting the bag, I found a well-structured interior with expertly placed reinforcements. Despite the bag’s soft leather, it held its form beautifully—proof of thoughtful engineering. The craftsmanship was equally impressive, with clean stitching and carefully layered structural elements. For this, I gave the design a 4.5, the structure another 4.5, and the craftsmanship a 4.5.


However, the hardware didn’t quite live up to the same standard. The only visible metal component was a small decorative hook, which seemed to be made of a soft metal alloy, likely Zamak, with a thin plating. It felt underwhelming compared to the rest of the bag’s materials, so I rated it 3.5.


The leather itself was a standout. When tested with acetone, it absorbed instantly—confirming that minimal finishing had been applied. This is a good sign, as it means the bag will age beautifully and develop a unique patina over time. I rated the leather 4.5, as it is truly a specialty material.


Breaking Down the Costs


Now, let’s talk numbers. Based on my experience in leather sourcing and manufacturing, I estimate the cost to produce this bag as follows:


  • Leather: ~$25

  • Manufacturing & Hardware: ~$85

  • Total Estimated Cost: $110


However, I paid £1,075 (~$1,330 USD) for this bag. This means Mulberry operates on a 10x price multiplier, which—believe it or not—is actually modest compared to other luxury brands. Many high-end houses price their bags at 15x or more their production cost.


So, from a pricing perspective, Mulberry is offering a fairer deal than many of its competitors.


What This Means for the Future of Luxury


Mulberry’s strategy could mark the beginning of a shift in the luxury market. With consumers becoming more selective and prioritizing genuine quality over branding, status-driven pricing models may no longer hold the same weight they once did.


By choosing craftsmanship and fair pricing over excessive marketing costs, Mulberry might just be ahead of the curve in redefining modern luxury. The question is, will other brands follow suit, or will Mulberry remain an outlier? 


Final Thoughts: A New Era for Luxury?


Mulberry’s decision to lower prices while maintaining quality is a bold move that challenges the long-standing luxury pricing model. At a time when most brands are focused on exclusivity through higher costs, Mulberry is betting on craftsmanship, accessibility, and consumer trust. By streamlining production and prioritizing high-quality materials over heavy marketing expenses, the brand is proving that luxury can still be attainable without sacrificing authenticity.


This shift raises an important question about the future of the luxury market. Will more brands follow Mulberry’s lead and redefine the meaning of modern luxury, or will high prices continue to dictate prestige? 



Scorecard

TANNER APPROVED!

★★★★☆ - 4.10

Leather Score Guide of Mulberry Tanner Leatherstein

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