Christopher Kane Takes Helm as Mulberry's Creative Director
In a landmark move for British fashion, designer Christopher Kane has been appointed as the new creative director of heritage brand Mulberry. The announcement has sparked jubilation across the industry, with Kane's first collection for the label scheduled to debut at London Fashion Week in September 2027 before hitting stores and online platforms from January 2028.
A Generational Talent Returns to the Spotlight
Kane, widely regarded as a generational talent, will relaunch Mulberry's women's ready-to-wear collection, marking the brand's first catwalk show since February 2017. Born in Glasgow and a graduate of Central Saint Martins, Kane founded his eponymous label in 2006 alongside his sister Tammy, quickly gaining a devoted following that includes high-profile figures such as Michelle Obama, Rihanna, Alexa Chung, Kendrick Lamar, and FKA twigs.
His designs are celebrated for their sense of fun, hedonism, and smart cultural references, making them red carpet favourites. Kane's creative vision draws from diverse sources, including Frankenstein, The Planet of the Apes, nature, and the worlds of kink and fetish. Notably, his spring/summer 2011 collection was inspired by the concept of "Princess Margaret on acid."
Industry Challenges and Kane's Career Journey
Kane's appointment comes at a critical time for Mulberry, which has faced struggles in recent years, including global layoffs in 2024 and a resisted takeover bid from billionaire Mike Ashley's Frasers Group. The brand, founded in Somerset in 1971 as a leather goods company, is famed for handbags like the Alexa and Bayswater, but has seen creative leadership changes since Johnny Coca's departure in 2020.
For Kane, this role represents a significant return after shuttering his own label during the pandemic in 2020, following a period where luxury conglomerate Kering acquired a 51% stake in 2013 before he bought it back in 2018. His career highlights include stints working with Donatella Versace, designing for Topshop, winning the Vogue fashion fund, and securing four British fashion awards, including womenswear designer of the year. More recently, he collaborated with Self-Portrait on a residency collection in 2024.
Impact on London Fashion Week and British Fashion
Kane's involvement is expected to provide a heartening jolt to London Fashion Week, which has recently lacked big-brand recognition. Mulberry will now stand as the second-largest name on the schedule after Burberry, potentially revitalising the event. Andrea Baldo, Mulberry's chief executive, praised Kane's "rare combination of creativity, intellectual rigour, and instinctive playfulness," noting his alignment with the brand's heritage and British creative spirit.
Kane is also known for his "More Joy" slogan, originating from his autumn/winter 2018 show and borrowed from the 1972 erotic manual The Joy of Sex. This playful ethos was exemplified when Lena Dunham wore his "Rubberist" dress at the 2019 Met Gala, featuring rubber glove imagery. As the fashion world anticipates his 2027 debut, Kane's appointment signals a hopeful revival for Mulberry and a vibrant chapter in British design.
