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Original poster

Are vintage Mulberry bags dated or classic?

35 replies

QuimJongUn · 07/10/2019 23:46

I used to have three but sold them (very reluctantly) about eight years ago. I miss them and always said I'd buy one again one day. I've just had a mini windfall and now could be the time. I'm looking at a Rosemary in chocolate - the pic attached is the oak version, choc is a dark brown. Thing is, are they just beyond dated now, or do they look all cool and classic and vintage? I'm hoping the latter but I'd rather know before I fork out!

Are vintage Mulberry bags dated or classic?
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ThanksForAllTheFish · 08/10/2019 00:10

I have no ideas the style is dated or not but if you loved them so much that 8 years on you still wish you had them then I would say go for it. If it’s a style you like and would get good use from then I don’t think it matters if it’s the latest design or not. Then again I’m not one to spend that amount on a handbag so maybe I’m not the best person to comment.

dellacucina · 08/10/2019 00:13

I think it depends on how you style it. If you want trendy, I don't think it's that, but it could look cool if worn the right way with the right clothes.

Ninkaninus · 08/10/2019 04:21

It’s quite a dated style, that one, very of its time. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, and if you love it, you love it and you can happily wear it. If it goes well with your general look then go ahead and buy it. I’d probably use it if I had one and I’d manage to make it work quite nicely, I think - I’m planning to use the ones I have for years and years by which time I’m sure at least some of them will be dated, but i won’t care.

But before you buy, have you had a good look at current or newer models to make sure you’d rather not have something else? Or maybe go to Bicester and see what you might find there for the same money, if that’s feasible. Depends on how much your budget is, of course.

www.npnbags.co.uk/ sells authenticated preloved handbags and often has Mulberry in stock.

Ninkaninus · 08/10/2019 05:48

Oh heh just noticed the image you attached is from NPN so I guess you’re already aware of her shop! Smile

Allice · 08/10/2019 05:58

I still like that style but they are so incredibly heavy with nothing in them. Have bought from NPN, she's very good.

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QuimJongUn · 08/10/2019 07:05

Thanks all!

My one issue with Mulberry is how heavy they are, yes. I had a Roxanne and it was a proper backbreaker even when empty! This is the smaller version of Roxy though so hopefully not as bad, and I'm thinking the shoulder strap may make carrying easier.

My style is sort of vintagey, almost a bit goth. I love Vampire's Wife in my dreams and anything a bit antiquey. I originally loved Mulberry because it went so well with that whole aesthetic, especially when it got a bit old and bashed!

I did have a look at the newer styles and although lovely, they weren't for me. I'm just a sucker for the chunky old Darwin ones!

I've managed to spot it locally for £150 which is an incredible price given how much they were new. I'm happy that it's authentic having had a really good look at it. I think I'll go for it!

Thanks again all Smile

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botemp · 08/10/2019 07:11

Go for it OP. I'd say we're on the cusp of this type of bag styling to be considered not fashionable to rediscovered fashion forward. You may need to wait a year or two before everyone is deeply envious but going by your own style description it will be very complimentary to that in the meantime.

MrsCollinssettled · 08/10/2019 07:13

Better old and genuine than new and fake

Ninkaninus · 08/10/2019 07:28

If you know you love it and it goes perfectly with your style then you should definitely have it and I’m glad you’ve decided to go for it. I’m excited for you! Smile

I think it’ll go very well with the general retro vibe that’s going on atm, too.

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QuimJongUn · 08/10/2019 07:34

Better old and genuine than new and fake

I love this, and it goes for people too Grin

What's hard for me to get my head around is that these styles are considered vintage and retro. It seems like only five minutes ago that they were current but of course in reality it's a decade and a half!

It's interesting what you say about them becoming fashion forward again, @botemp. One style I thought would never again see the light of day is the tiny 90s shoulder bag - too small to be practical, for one thing. But here we are and they're everywhere! I don't really care too much about fashion personally but I didn't want to look like I was stuck in the past either. It's a fine line!

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Ninkaninus · 08/10/2019 07:40

I’d love it in tan like the one you’ve posted. And it would work so well with what I like to wear................

asteri76 · 08/10/2019 07:43

I have that Mulberry bag.. haven't used it in years though, think I need to dig it out again :)

botemp · 08/10/2019 07:53

Nothing is really new in fashion, we just find new ways to wear it. Attached are some recent runway pictures, the first two from Chloe have that leather and hardware heavy look. Not quite as full on as your Mulberry but it's definitely heading there eventually and probably took inspiration from that era. If it weren't for the outfits they were worn with you'd easily mistake them for older models rather than the latest and greatest fresh off the runway.

The third pic is definitely a Confused moment from me. I never thought we'd be seeing that type of 90s US mom bag from the mall with the weird furniture fabric again. I'd happily forgotten about those and I'm not all that eager to see them back.

Are vintage Mulberry bags dated or classic?
Are vintage Mulberry bags dated or classic?
Are vintage Mulberry bags dated or classic?
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QuimJongUn · 08/10/2019 09:35

@botemp I can't see your pics Sad The 'mom bag' sounds, erm, delightful however!

I've just reserved Rosemary, I'm picking her up tomorrow. So excited I don't know how I'll sleep tonight! Thank you all for enabling advising me!

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QuimJongUn · 08/10/2019 09:38

Ah the pics have just come up! That that last one looks like something my auntie used to carry from St Michael at M&S circa 1982. I adore anything vintage but that's a little far even for me!

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TattiePants · 08/10/2019 09:45

@QuimJongUn I have quite a few older Mulberrys and most of the 'classics' don't date (unlike many of their more recent bags). I have a Rosemary in oak and it's very light compared to the Roxies I've had in the past. I haven't used it in ages so I think it's time to give it an airing. £150 is a great price - I think mine was £330 many years ago and that was pre-loved.

SpeckledyHen · 08/10/2019 10:01

Rosemary is a lovey old Mulberry - here’s my Ginger one .

Are vintage Mulberry bags dated or classic?
LemonPrism · 08/10/2019 10:04

Hideous

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QuimJongUn · 08/10/2019 10:18

@LemonPrism don't beat about the bush, say what you really think 💪

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QuimJongUn · 08/10/2019 10:21

@TattiePants that's what I was thinking re the modern styles. They're all very 'of the moment' which is lovely but I want something that's more classic. I've never had a Rosemary but whenever I see someone carrying one I go into full drool mode and have done for over a decade! I've had a Roxy (too heavy) and a Blenheim (too small) so I'm hoping that the Rosy will be just right.

@SpeckledyHen oh she is a complete beauty! The ginger is just gorgeous, so warm and spicy. Perfect for autumn in fact!

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QuimJongUn · 08/10/2019 10:22

Ha emoji fail on my reply to Lemon there. Too excited to type properly (and not wearing my glasses which doesn't help!).

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CoolcoolcoolcoolcoolNoDoubt · 08/10/2019 10:30

Glad you're going for it, I think the bag you posted is really nice!

TattiePants · 08/10/2019 10:39

I coveted a Rosemary for ages until I found THE perfect one. Like you, I'd had a Blenheim which was too small and two Roxies that were too big / heavy. I'm sure you'll find this one just right and Mulberry chocolate Darwin leather is just beautiful.

PinkOboe · 08/10/2019 11:39

I love old mulberries, really don't like the newer ones, but an old roxy / bays / elgin in darwin leather is absolutely a classic i'd say. espacially, as you say, a bit battered and worn, they look better and better with age.

Ninkaninus · 08/10/2019 11:51

@QuimJongUn I blame you for the fact that I’m now trawling Vestiaire Collective to find the perfect vintage bag.