Alexa Chung

The British model-turned-designer on her collaboration with Mulberry for the brand’s 50th anniversary

Alexa Chung has teamed up with Mulberry for a limitededition capsule collection as part of its 50th anniversary. The model describes her creative process to Tatler and explains why the collaboration with the brand is a dream come true.

What does design mean to you?

Design means a lot to me. From how a song is designed, to buildings or clothes—i really pay attention to and enjoy aesthetics.

Are you more of a tote, handbag or crossbody person? I like all bags! Currently, I guess I’m more of a handbag person.

What has inspired you recently?

For this collection, I was looking at pictures of Lauren Hutton and Charlotte Rampling, and also thinking about films like Working

Girl (1988) and 9 to 5 (1980), this army of “boss women” with careers, a new female workforce turning up to the office wearing tweed.

Who do you want to design for the most?

Everyone and anyone— [including] my mum!

You’ve been a long-time friend of the house; what makes this collaboration special?

When Mulberry told me they wanted me to put my own stamp on the Alexa, I thought it was a great and rare opportunity. Although it was really flattering to have been the inspiration the first time around, it was at a point in my life when I was more of a muse to people. I never expected to be invited to actually design my own Mulberry bag, which is really a dream come true.

What’s your favourite Mulberry-related memory? When the Alexa came out in 2010, we had this really wild time going around the world talking about it. I was suddenly so famous, it was really funny. It was like being a really famous footballer or actor. It was bananas!

What differentiates Mulberry from other brands for you? Mulberry was the first handbag I bought myself with the first pay cheque I made as a model and so they’ve always been a hugely significant brand to me. It was an investment piece because I thought it would last forever—and it did. When I was younger, I thought Mulberry was about as sophisticated, classic, elegant and forever as it got, and I can’t really shift that, because what I thought as a teenager is part of my essence. It’s always been synonymous in my mind with success, treats and classic heritage.

How did you make sure you paid homage to the Alexa—a bag you’re named after—while also incorporating your own style?

The new bags are less puffy, more structured. The shape’s more streamlined, boxier— they had a refresh for 2021. The original leather was much more supple and soft and of its time, but we decided to bulk it up. And we added a chain instead of a leather strap, to make it more “city” than “country”.

What’s your advice for young designers?

Do what is true to you. Don’t be intimidated by the business side of things, just make what feels right and hire people you trust.