When was Mulberry founded?

Mulberry was founded in 1971 in Somerset, England, by Roger Saul.

Where are Mulberry bags made?

Many Mulberry bags are made in the company's factories in Somerset, England. Some pieces are made elsewhere, depending on the style and period.

What is the Mulberry Alexa?

The Alexa is a satchel introduced in 2009 and named after Alexa Chung. It has a flap, a buckle closure, a top handle and a shoulder strap.

What is Mulberry's Natural Leather?

Mulberry is known for leathers with a natural, characterful finish, including Natural Leather and Soft Buffalo, which develop a patina over time.

Brands

Mulberry

By the Encore Luxe specialists · Updated October 2026

Mulberry is the British bag, made in the English countryside and designed for real life. Since 1971 the house has made sturdy, beautifully finished leather goods with a relaxed, slightly rural elegance: satchels that soften with use, totes that carry everything, buckles and postman's locks that feel solid in the hand. This guide introduces the house, its leathers and icons, and what our specialists look at in pre-loved Mulberry.

Key facts


Founded	1971, Somerset, England
Founder	Roger Saul
Signature details	Postman's lock, Mulberry tree logo, buckles, characterful leathers
Icons	Bayswater, Alexa, Lily, Roxanne, Darley, Amberley
Leathers	Natural Leather, Soft Buffalo, Classic Grain, Small Classic Grain, Scotchgrain (coated canvas)
Manufacturing	The Rookery and The Willows factories, Somerset

A short history

Roger Saul founded Mulberry in 1971, with help from his mother, making leather belts and then bags. The name and the tree logo came from the mulberry trees he passed on his way to school. Mulberry developed a strong country heritage, and its Scotchgrain coated canvas became a staple.

In the 2000s the house had a renaissance. The Roxanne and the Bayswater, introduced in 2003, became bestsellers, and the Alexa, launched in 2009 and named after Alexa Chung, became a defining bag of its time. Mulberry continues to make many of its bags in Somerset.

The bags most often asked about

Bayswater: a structured, generous tote with a postman's lock and leather handles.
Alexa: a satchel with a flap, buckle closure, top handle and shoulder strap. We currently have a Mulberry Alexa in Oak Soft Buffalo.
Lily: a small chain bag with a postman's lock.
Roxanne: a slouchy bag with buckles.
Darley and Amberley: refined, everyday designs.
Small leather goods: purses, pouches and crossbodies. We currently have a Mulberry small zip crossbody pouch in black leather.

Leathers

Natural Leather: a natural finish that develops a rich patina.
Soft Buffalo: a soft, slouchy leather with a pronounced grain.
Classic Grain and Small Classic Grain: structured and durable.
Scotchgrain: a coated canvas, very hard-wearing.

What we look at in pre-loved Mulberry

Our specialists examine:

Leather: grain and finish appropriate to the style.
Stitching: even and consistent.
Hardware: the postman's lock, buckles and zips.
Logo and stamps: the tree logo and any serial or internal tag.
Construction: edges, linings and pockets.

Read how we authenticate.

Caring for Mulberry

Natural Leather: keep away from water and oils; patina is natural.
Soft Buffalo: relaxes with use; store stuffed to keep its shape.
Scotchgrain: wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
Storage: in a dust bag, away from direct light and heat.

Mulberry at Encore Luxe

Mulberry pieces join the shop as they are authenticated. When we have several available, they appear on our Mulberry page.

Choosing pre-loved Mulberry

Mulberry bags are made to be used, and that shapes how to choose one. Start with leather. Natural Leather develops a rich patina and has a pleasingly rugged character. Soft Buffalo is supple and slouchy, and suits relaxed shapes such as the Alexa. Classic Grain and Small Classic Grain are structured and durable, and good for everyday use. Scotchgrain coated canvas is very hard-wearing and easy to care for.

Next, consider size and silhouette. The Bayswater is a generous tote that takes a laptop; the Alexa is a satchel worn on the shoulder or across the body; the Lily is a small chain bag for evening and essentials. Our listings give exact measurements.

Then look at wear. Corners, handles, the postman's lock and the strap are the places to look on any Mulberry bag. Natural and buffalo leathers can show marks, and many people enjoy that character. Our listings describe each piece precisely, with photographs.

Finally, era. Mulberry has refined its hardware, linings and stamps over the years. We note the era where we can, so you know whether you are choosing a recent piece or one from the house's early-2000s renaissance.

The language of Mulberry

Postman's lock is the turn-lock closure on the Bayswater and others. Soft Buffalo is a supple, grained leather. Scotchgrain is the house's coated canvas. Tree logo is the Mulberry emblem. Our glossary explains these and more.

Encore Luxe is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with Mulberry.

Questions we’re often asked

When was Mulberry founded?: Mulberry was founded in 1971 in Somerset, England, by Roger Saul.
Where are Mulberry bags made?: Many Mulberry bags are made in the company's factories in Somerset, England. Some pieces are made elsewhere, depending on the style and period.
What is the Mulberry Alexa?: The Alexa is a satchel introduced in 2009 and named after Alexa Chung. It has a flap, a buckle closure, a top handle and a shoulder strap.
What is Mulberry's Natural Leather?: Mulberry is known for leathers with a natural, characterful finish, including Natural Leather and Soft Buffalo, which develop a patina over time.