Burberry vs Mulberry: Which British Brand Is Best For You?
Burberry and Mulberry are two of the top British brands, but which one is right for you? This Burberry vs Mulberry article will help you find out!
If you are looking for a new luxury leather handbag, then chances are you have looked at the beautiful selection of bags from Burberry and Mulberry. These two British fashion houses have long histories and have become known for their high-quality, chic, and sophisticated handbags over the years.
There are several similarities between these two brands, which is why it can be difficult to decide which brand is right for you. That’s where this Burberry vs Mulberry article comes in!
We are going to explore the history of each brand, the differences between them, and some of the best-selling handbags from both labels before coming to a conclusion on Burberry vs Mulberry. Find out everything you need to know about these luxury leather goods brands!
Burberry vs Mulberry
The History of Burberry
The Burberry brand was founded by Thomas Burberry in 1856; originally the company focussed on outdoor wear when the store was opened in Basingstoke, but now it’s known for its ready-to-wear clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories. In 1879, gabardine was introduced to the brand and quickly made Burberry popular throughout the UK.
In 1901, the Burberry logo, on an equestrian knight, was established and the company grew further as their outerwear began to be worn on expeditions. Moving forward into the 21st century, Burberry appointed Christopher Bailey as creative director.
During this time, the brand became wildly popular, the Burberry Prorsum line was introduced, and the Burberry check was seen on celebrities across the globe. Last year, Daniel Lee was announced as the new creative director taking the British fashion house in a new direction.
The History of Mulberry
Mulberry is a global brand, first founded by Roger Saul and his mother Joan in 1971. The mother and son pair opened the first Mulberry factory in Somerset in 1973, where the Mulberry factories still are located, in order to produce their leather goods on a larger scale.
Roger Saul’s sister designed the Mulberry tree logo and the brand continued to grow throughout the UK, first with the leather poacher bags before a handbag collection was added to the brand. The design team seeks inspiration from both the countryside and city life in England.
Creative directors Scott Henshall and Emma Hill both put their own twist on the Mulberry handbags during their time as head designers, helping to make Mulberry the international success it is today.
The Differences Between Burberry and Mulberry
There are several key differences between Mulberry and Burberry that we are going to explore to help you decide on the right brand for you.
1. Price Range
There is a difference in the price range between these two luxury brands, so one may suit your budget better than the other. Burberry bags range between $1,050 and $3,850, while Mulberry bags are available for between $450 and $2,625.
This shows how Mulberry is more affordable than Burberry, making the brand an excellent option if you have a smaller budget.
2. Materials and Craftsmanship
Both Burberry and Mulberry make use of predominantly calf leather in their bags, with a grained, smooth, or high-shine finish to give a different look to each bag, but the craftsmanship of these brands differ. Burberry products are made in Italy, Spain, France, and Germany but expert craftsmen ensure each bag has a high-quality finish.
Mulberry, on the other hand, makes around 50 per cent of its bags in their two factories in Somerset, England, while the other 50 per cent are outsourced to manufacturing locations in Turkey and China. Although all Mulberry bags are made to a top standard, there is a different level of craftsmanship between Burberry and Mulberry handbags.
3. Brand Aesthetic
Burberry and Mulberry have different brand aesthetics, so let’s take a look at each of these brands’ styles. Burberry bags have a more striking, eye-catching look, with bold, glittering gold hardware and stunning check patterns that have been an important part of the Burberry brand since it was founded.
Mulberry handbags have a more elegant, paired-back style, with timeless silhouettes and minimal hardware, often only the postman’s lock which is an element synonymous with the Mulberry brand.
If you want a sleek and minimalist handbag, then Mulberry is a great brand for you, but if you are looking for something a little more luxe and glam, then Burberry is an excellent choice.
Best-selling bags From Burberry and Mulberry
We have brought together some of the best-selling handbags from Burberry and Mulberry that we think you need in your collection – plus you can see which brand and bag best suits your personal style.
1. Tote Bags
This Burberry Medium Check E-Canvas & Leather Tote is a super practical option, that is stylish, hardwearing, and sustainable too!
This tote bag is crafted from coated canvas that’s made with 30% bio-based materials, decorated with a classic Burberry check pattern, and finished with leather top handles. The inside of this Burberry bag is super spacious, ideal for all your must-have work items.
The Mulberry Bayswater Leather Tote is an iconic handbag in the Mulberry collection, with a minimalist look and classic silhouette.
The bag is made from supple, black pebbled leather and fitted with long top handles to slide over your shoulder and a quintessentially Mulberry postman twist lock. This allows easy access to the roomy interior, with a handy detachable pouch inside.
2. Crossbody Bags
If you are looking for an excellent everyday handbag, then this Burberry Note Leather & Vintage Check Crossbody Bag is the perfect option for you.
This bag has a stylish and sophisticated look, with the famous Burberry check pocking out from underneath the luxe leather front flap. This handbag is finished with gleaming gold hardware and a black webbing adjustable strap.
The Mulberry Mini Alexa Leather Bag is another beloved Mulberry handbag, that has been named after the British fashion icon, Alexa Chung.
This gorgeous leather Alexa bag has a satchel silhouette, with gold hardware, including a postman’s lock, a braided top handle, and a detachable leather crossbody strap. The interior is just the right size for your daily essentials, plus this bag is available in seven different colors to suit any personal style!
3. Top Handle Bags
The polished and refined look of this Burberry Frances Large Leather Top-Handle Bag makes it totally irresistible! This striking white handbag is made from grained leather and has been embellished with a statement gold TB logo – just beautiful.
This bag is fitted with rolled leather top handles, a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap, plus interior and exterior pockets to help you keep everything well organized.
We love the versatility and trendy pastel pink shade of this Mulberry Small Iris Leather Top Handle Bag. This Mulberry bag has drawstring gussets so you can personalize the size of the bag, while the top handle and shoulder strap are both removable so you can style this bag in many different ways.
There is a super handle zipper pocket inside the bag and a key ring fob too, plus this bag is available in pale grey too if you want a more neutral option.
Conclusion
Mulberry and Burberry have so many gorgeous handbags and leather goods on offer that whatever brand you choose, you are bound to be delighted with your new purchase. But it comes down to your budget and personal style as to which brand is right for you.
If you have a little more money to spend and want a more striking and glamorous handbag, then Burberry is the right brand for you, with plenty of luxurious handbags to choose from.
Whereas, if you have a smaller budget and are looking for a classic and elegant bag that will never go out of style, the Mulberry is a great option – they have so many timeless and chic leather bags in a range of colors to suit your style.
We hope you loved this article analyzing Burberry vs Mulberry! For more luxury fashion content, check out the links below.
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