Mulberry's Double Header (The Shophound)

Weekly Advertiser Love

Té Casan Steps Out on West Broadway

British luxury leathergoods firm Mulberry is taking a gutsy approach to entering the U.S. retail market by opening two new stores in Manhattan almost simultaneously. The first shop, opened on Bleecker Street just before Thanksgiving to immediate success, and the second, larger showcase is set to open on Madison Avenue any minute now. Stores in Manhasset, Los Angeles and Atlantic City are set to open in the coming months. Mulberry's arrival in America has been a long time coming, The company was started in the '70s, and the new store offers the fullest selections of their English-made products including an expanded range of men's bags and accessories that have been taking off. In addition, it is one of the few Mulberry stores worldwide to feature a custom order program, so If you like their signature Piccadilly bag, you can choose a range from a range of leathers and have one made to your own specifications. Mulberry has often been described as England's answer to Coach, and designer Stuart Vevers' products have a similar, classic feeling, but with a much more luxurious and refined edge. They will look just as good going to work as they will with with your jeans.
The store's warm, leather and wood lined interior provides a perfect backdrop for the merchandise, but like most Bleecker Street stores it is very small. For now, it's an appetizer for the Madison Avenue store which will be about three times the size and is stocking its shelves as you read this.

Some gift ideas after the jump

For Women, The Shophound recommends the Elgin tote (left).
New York women love their totes, and this one has handles you can fit over your shoulder and just enough shiny hardware to look current, but not so much that in a couple of years you will wonder what you were thinking. And it is made to last for years. Throw in a matching Small Wallet (right) for good measure.

For Men you really can't beat Mulberry's messenger bags. Men's bags have become a tricky proposition. Once taboo, Men are now faced with stuffing their pockets with wallets, cameras, cell phones and PDAs so carrying a bag around has become a completely viable option. The Brynmore (below right) is an excellent option that remains suitably masculine.