Mulberry Taps Priya Ahluwalia for a Vibrant Collaboration

The Portobello Tote gets dressed in energetic patterns and bold hues.

Mulberry Taps Priya Ahluwalia for a Vibrant Collaboration

The Portobello Tote gets dressed in energetic patterns and bold hues.

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, British label Mulberry has partnered with up-and-coming designer Priya Ahluwalia for a collaborative collection.

Ahluwalia draws on her mixed Nigerian-Indian heritage, using her fascination with hair as a means of identity, protest and expression to influence the collection. The capsule sees the 100% sustainable Portobello Tote handbag, as well as a selection of scarves, reimagined with the designer’s signature vibrant aesthetic, celebrating the artistry, rituals and symbolism of Afro-Caribbean hair. The bespoke “wave” motifs dressing the pieces are inspired by the techniques of braided Black hair and are showcased in braid-inspired seam lines and patchwork details. Also featured symbols of pride that are emblematic of the 60s and 70s, such as an Afro comb and braided hair silhouettes.

Offerings include four oversized Portobello Totes, five Portobello Totes and three Mini Portobello Totes – a new size created especially for the collaboration. Alongside the bags are four 100% organic silk scarf designs, specifically created in a 70×70 dimension so they can be worn as a bandana or headscarf. The Mulberry x Ahluwalia capsule will be shown during London Fashion Week as part of Ahluwalia’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection and womenswear debut.

View the campaign in the gallery above, and some of the products below. The Mulberry x Ahluwalia collection is available now on Mulberry’s website and in stores globally on June 15.

1 of 13