Models
The Mulberry Alexa
By the Encore Luxe specialists · Updated October 2026
Few British handbags have defined a moment as clearly as the Mulberry Alexa. Introduced in 2010, it was a slouchy, practical satchel with a postman's lock, named after the presenter and writer Alexa Chung. It became one of the most recognisable bags of the decade and remains a Mulberry signature.
Key facts
| House | Mulberry, founded in Somerset in 1971 |
| Introduced | 2010 |
| Named after | Alexa Chung |
| Signature details | Postman's lock, buckled straps, top handle and shoulder strap |
| Leathers | Including soft buffalo and natural leathers |
A very English house
Mulberry was founded by Roger Saul in 1971 in Somerset, where it still makes many of its bags. Its style draws on English country life: practical shapes, robust leathers and hardware that works as well as it looks. The postman's lock, a turn-lock fastening, is one of its signatures.
The Alexa
The Alexa began with a vintage Mulberry Elkington briefcase that Alexa Chung carried. Mulberry developed it into a new design: a soft satchel with a flap, two buckled straps, the postman's lock, a top handle and a detachable shoulder strap. It was relaxed rather than structured, made to be carried every day, and it came in sizes from mini to oversized.
Oak soft buffalo
Mulberry has made the Alexa in many leathers. Soft buffalo is grained and supple, so the bag slouches gently and wears in with use. Oak is the house's warm mid-brown. Together they make one of the Alexa's classic combinations. We currently have a Mulberry Alexa in Oak soft buffalo in the shop.
Sizes
The Alexa has been made in a range of sizes, from mini and small through regular to oversized. The regular size is the most familiar, large enough for a day's essentials and a small notebook. The smaller sizes became popular crossbody bags, and the oversized version was designed as a practical weekend bag. Across sizes the proportions, buckles and postman's lock remain consistent.
Carrying it
The Alexa is designed to be useful. On its long strap it leaves the hands free; by its top handle it is neat enough for the office. It holds a day's essentials and has the relaxed character that suits jeans, knitwear and a trench coat.
A bag that wears in
The Alexa is meant to be used. Soft buffalo relaxes with time, the flap settles and the leather picks up a gentle, lived-in character. A pre-loved Alexa often looks better than a new one for exactly this reason.
Care
- Store it stuffed so the flap and body keep their shape.
- Keep it dry; blot rain at once and let it dry naturally.
- Watch for colour transfer from denim to lighter leathers.
- Look after the buckles: unbuckle the straps when storing so the leather does not set in a bend.
Mulberry also offers repair services for many of its bags. See our leather handbag care guide.
Authenticating Mulberry
We examine leather, stitching, the postman's lock, hardware engravings, the interior label and its serial details. Read our Mulberry guide, or browse Mulberry in our shop, including the small zip crossbody pouch in black.
Questions we’re often asked
- Who is the Mulberry Alexa named after?
The Alexa is named after Alexa Chung, whose vintage Mulberry Elkington briefcase inspired the design. It was introduced in 2010.
- What is Oak in Mulberry colours?
Oak is Mulberry's name for a warm mid-brown, one of the house's signature colours, often paired with its natural leathers.
- What is soft buffalo leather?
Soft buffalo is a grained, supple leather Mulberry has used on the Alexa. It slouches gently and wears in with use.
- Where are Mulberry bags made?
Mulberry was founded in Somerset in 1971 and makes many of its bags at its factories in Somerset, England.