Mulberry appoints British fashion designer Christopher Kane to top role

His first collection is expected to be unveiled at London Fashion Week in September

Somerset-headquartered luxury handbag maker Mulberry has announced the appointment of a new creative director. Scottish designer Christopher Kane will be responsible for relaunching the Chilcompton-based brand’s women’s ready-to-wear collection, with the debut expected to take place at London Fashion Week in September.

The news of the 43-year-old Glaswegian’s appointment has been hailed by the fashion industry, with Vogue reporting that Kane’s absence since closing his business in 2023 was “almost criminal oversight of a major talent of his generation”.

Mulberry, meanwhile, has said the partnership marks “the next step” in its recovery strategy, which was launched last year in a bid to revive falling sales.

Kane, who has worked for Donatella Versace, is highly regarded in the fashion world and counts the likes of stars such as Rihanna and Michelle Obama among his fans. A graduate of Central Saint Martins, he is the winner of the Vogue Fashion Fund and four British Fashion Awards, including Womenswear Designer of the Year.

He founded his label – Christopher Kane – alongside his sister Tammy in 2006 and in 2013, French multinational Kering snapped up a 51 per cent stake in the label. Some five years later Kane acquired the business back, but was forced to shut it down amid the pandemic as the fashion sector came under immense pressure.

A return to London Fashion Week this year would be Mulberry’s first catwalk show for nearly a decade. Kane’s collection will be in stores and online from January 2027, according to the heritage brand.

“Welcoming Christopher marks an important moment for Mulberry as we open a new chapter for ready-to-wear,” said Andrea Baldo, chief executive of Mulberry. “Christopher brings a rare combination of creativity, intellectual rigour and instinctive playfulness, alongside a deep respect for craft and materials.

“His vision resonates strongly with Mulberry’s heritage and the spirit of British creativity that defines the house. Together we look forward to evolving Mulberry’s creative language beyond accessories and shaping a compelling future for ready-to-wear on a global stage.”

Kane said: “It is an honour to join Mulberry, a brand with such a rich British heritage and a deep commitment to craft. I look forward to working closely with Andrea and the team to create a new chapter of ready-to-wear that celebrates the spirit of Mulberry.”

In January, Mulberry posted robust sales figures for the Christmas trading period, suggesting its transformation plan is starting to bear fruit.