Yes, I know! I got to interview Emma Hill. I was introduced to Emma at a Mulberry Fashion Show at Northumbria University. I was a selected student to assist with the event on the day. It was a truly special day, especially when I was called up to Model for a last minute drop out. I modelled for Emma Hill!
Anyway, upon introducing myself I told Emma about my year long project photographing images of Britain and promoting heritage. She seemed extremely interested in what I had to say which led me being able to email her questions regarding the brand.
Mulberry is one of those brands who get it right. Yes, they have a large celebrity following, as do Barbour. However they have been around much longer then when Alexa Chung continuously carried their bags which led to a mass growth in their brand. There is a bag, purse, key ring for everyone. They are staple pieces which must be invested in, and however battered and worn they look. They still carry an effortless chic aged look to them.
Emma Hill: A short Q&A with the Creative Director of a British Favourite
What do you think makes Mulberry an iconic brand?
Our British heritage, authenticity and long lasting values have always made Mulberry an iconic brand throughout its 40 years. Our products have personality and versatility and the brand has always been democratic, appealing to a broad customer base - this is something we are proud of and have worked hard to retain. We’ve worked hard on adding credibility and desirability to our accessories collection and as a result we’ve created some beautifully iconic bags which feel like they have always belonged to Mulberry.
What is it that you admire about the Mulberry brand?
I love Mulberry’s often peculiar mix of seemingly contradictory characteristics; it’s this juxtaposition that we really play with here. On one hand we are making crafted, authentic, very practical, long lasting product, on the other we are irreverent,
Fun, friendly, warm, familiar and sometimes whimsical. It’s this very carefully crafted approach to the design of the bags that makes them simultaneously so desirable, so familiar and quintessentially English.
What brands out there do you have a respect for, are there any modern designers that inspire you?
There are many brands that I have respect for, so many of the uk based brands are developing British fashion and celebrating its history and quirks. I’ve been very fond of Erdem’s work the past few seasons, his collections are beautiful, clean and effortlessly chic but unfortunately most of my favorite designers have been and gone even if their legacy remains - Yves Saint Laurent, Coco Chanel.
What do you think are the main contributing factors to how successful the brand has become?
Really at the end of the day, I think it comes down to the great team behind each department at Mulberry. The talent and skill in each of our teams is of the highest standard I’ve ever worked with. That and great product, a great brand message that fits internationally and really solid values that we have great pride in.
What are your views on British design and why is it so important?
British design is important for our industry and retail, it both sits alongside and stands apart from international fashion. We’ve always been defined by being the ‘other’ either rebellious, quirky, sometimes unpolished, not the glamorous veneer of other cultural fashion signatures. But I think all of that is why we’ve been able to be free from boundaries and constraints and being a certain ‘way’ – we really celebrate being who you are and being proud of that: that’s why British design and fashion is so important on a global stage.
