Luxury handbags are an investment. When choosing between two established brands like Strathberry and Mulberry, it pays to understand their key similarities and differences.
This comprehensive comparison examines the quality, design, price point, and other factors to consider when deciding between these premier handbag labels.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Strathberry | Mulberry |
| Origin | Scotland | England |
| Founding Date | 2013 | 1971 |
| Price Range | $500-$900 | $500-$3000 |
| Key Materials | Italian leather, suede, cotton canvas | Leather, suede, nylon |
| Popular Styles | Structured totes, crossbody bags | Satchels, totes, clutches |
| Target Customer | Modern professional women | Working women, celebrities |
| Quality Reputation | Excellent craftsmanship and materials | Superb leatherwork and durability |
| Brand Personality | Sophisticated, contemporary | Timeless, functional luxury |
| Resale Value | Good if styles are still current | Excellent across classic and new styles |
Overview of Strathberry
Strathberry is a young Scottish brand launched in 2013 that has quickly made a name for itself in the luxury handbag market.
- Their bags feature clean, structured shapes with meticulous attention to detail in the leatherwork and hardware. Popular styles include totes, crossbody bags, shoulder bags, and backpacks.
- Strathberry uses premium Italian leather, calfskin, suede, and cotton canvas. The hardware is custom-designed with subtle branding.
- The look is modern and refined. Bags come in neutral colors as well as bolder hues like emerald green, burgundy, and cobalt blue.
- Most bags are priced between $500-$900. Some limited edition and exotic skin bags run over $1000.
- Strathberry has found success catering to professional women looking for a stylish yet subtle statement bag. The brand has boutiques in Europe and North America.
Overview of Mulberry
Mulberry is a storied British brand founded in 1971 that’s known for its exceptional leather craftsmanship.
- They offer a wide range of bags including satchels, shoulder bags, totes, clutches, and messenger bags. The most popular styles are the Bayswater, Alexa, and Lily.
- Mulberry uses high quality leather and suede, including premium calfskin, goatskin, and deerskin. Their leather develops a supple, burnished patina over time.
- Bags typically feature components like postman’s locks, buckles, and the signature Mulberry tree logo. Colors tend to be muted.
- Prices span $500 for simple leather bags up to $3000+ for exclusives. The average bag is $1500-$2000.
- The typical Mulberry customer is a working professional or celebrity who wants a timeless, functional bag that will last. Mulberry has an aura of quiet luxury.
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Key Differences Between Strathberry and Mulberry
While Strathberry and Mulberry both offer well-crafted luxury bags, there are some notable differences shoppers should keep in mind.
1. Brand History
Founded in 2013, Strathberry is a relatively young brand that has quickly gained recognition for its minimalist and modern design aesthetics.
Based in Edinburgh, the brand has gained a global following, and it is known for its sleek lines and signature bar closure. Despite its youth, Strathberry has managed to establish itself as a notable name in the luxury fashion industry.
Mulberry, on the other hand, has a rich heritage, having been established in 1971 in Somerset, England. With over five decades in the industry, Mulberry is synonymous with timeless British luxury.
The brand is famed for its craftsmanship and has a longstanding reputation for producing high-quality leather goods, particularly its iconic handbags like the Bayswater and the Alexa.
2. Design Aesthetic
Strathberry’s design aesthetic is characterized by a contemporary and minimalist approach. The brand often employs vibrant colors and streamlined shapes, creating a fresh and innovative feel. Each piece is designed to cater to modern tastes, striking a balance between functionality and style.
Mulberry, in contrast, adheres to a more traditional English sensibility. The designs emphasize subtle detailing, fine materials, and a timeless appeal. The bags often exude an old-world opulence and a sense of permanence, making them a classic choice for those who value heritage and longevity in style.
3. Quality and Longevity
Both brands are known for their exceptional leatherwork, hardware, and attention to detail. Strathberry, despite being newer to the market, has demonstrated impressive craftsmanship.
However, it hasn’t had the opportunity to fully prove itself across decades in terms of the longevity of its products.
Mulberry, with its long track record, is renowned for the durability and timeless appeal of its bags. The brand’s products are known to stand the test of time and wear, often becoming more beautiful as they age. This reputation for quality has helped cement Mulberry’s place in the luxury market.
4. Price Point
Strathberry aims to offer luxury that is attainable. The brand sits on the lower end of luxury pricing, seeking to balance quality with accessibility. This approach has allowed a wider audience to experience the elegance and refinement of Strathberry’s designs without compromising on quality.
Mulberry, conversely, is positioned at the higher end of the luxury market. The brand offers a range of exclusives and limited-edition pieces, reflecting its longstanding reputation for craftsmanship and quality. For those seeking a true investment piece with a touch of British legacy, Mulberry is a go-to choice.
5. Size Offerings
Strathberry primarily focuses on smaller crossbody bags and totes, which are well-suited for everyday use. The brand’s offerings are designed to be practical and versatile, meeting the needs of the modern working woman who values both style and functionality.
Mulberry provides a more extensive range of sizes, from tiny clutches to large travel satchels. This diversity in offerings ensures that there is a Mulberry bag for every occasion, whether it be a formal event, daily use, or travel.
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Pros and Cons of Strathberry
Pros
- Sleek, structured bag silhouettes with interesting shapes and detailing
- Vibrant color options like greens, blues, and burgundies beyond basic black and brown
- Excellent quality leather and suede at slightly lower luxury price points
- Contemporary, fashion-forward styling adapted to modern tastes
- Crossbody bags and totes convenient for everyday use
- Creative seasonal collections and collaborations with new styles
Cons
- As a newer brand, resale value and long-term reputation unknown
- Limited larger bags for travel or work
- Mostly smaller bags not suited for overnights or laptops
- Sparse availability outside of Strathberry’s own boutiques
- Some seasonal styles can feel trendy rather than timeless
Pros and Cons of Mulberry
Pros
- Long legacy of exquisitely crafted, durable leather bags since 1971
- Timeless silhouettes like the Bayswater withstand changing trends
- Postman’s locks, buckles, and logo tree are signature Mulberry details
- Beautiful leather develops a patina that ages beautifully over decades
- Wide range of classic and functional styles for every purpose
- Excellent resale value, especially for iconic styles like the Alexa
Cons
- Conservative color palette heavy on neutrals like black, oak, or oxblood
- Very expensive, with many bags over $2000+ for regular leather
- Not as lightweight or versatile for daily wear for some styles
- More formal vibe doesn’t appeal to some modern tastes
- Exotic leathers and limited editions have reduced accessibility
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Strathberry is considered a luxury bag brand. Their bags are priced between $500-$1000 on average, with some reaching over $1000. They use premium Italian leathers and suedes, along with quality hardware and linings. The designs and craftsmanship meet luxury standards.
Strathberry bags are known for excellent quality and attention to detail in both materials and construction. Their leathers are supple and durable. Hardware stands up well over time and wear. Craftsmanship and finishing is outstanding. They’re quickly gaining a reputation for making bags to last.
Yes, Mulberry is one of the premier luxury handbag brands. Their reputation is built on generations of masterful leatherworking and impeccable hardware. Bags are made from high quality leathers and suedes. Brand heritage and timeless styles add cachet. Prices span from $500 to over $3000.
Mulberry bags are renowned globally for their extraordinary leather, craftsmanship, and durability. Their leathers develop a beautiful patina over time and many bags last for decades or more with proper care. Details like finished edges and stitching uphold their luxury reputation.
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Final Thoughts
When deciding between Strathberry Vs. Mulberry bags, consider your budget, style, and needs. Strathberry excels at sleek, modern luxury day bags. Mulberry represents a more traditional British aesthetic with diverse classics that stand the test of time.
While different, each brand offers stellar craftsmanship and quality worth the investment. Choosing between the two comes down to lifestyle and personal taste. For timeless luxury, Mulberry still reigns – but Strathberry offers a fresh perspective.