Back in 2020, Mulberry launched a pioneering circularity programme, the Mulberry Exchange, allowing customers to trade in their existing bags to be refreshed by the highly skilled artisans at its carbon-neutral Somerset factories and passed on to a new generation of owners. Whilst the programme itself is only three years old, Mulberry has been offering repairs on archives since almost the very start of the label's history. Now, for the first time, the brand has brought another acclaimed label in on the act, inviting Stefan Cooke to remodel its pre-loved bags for an exclusive capsule collection made from restored leather and hardware archives.

Marking the latest link-up in the ongoing Mulberry Editions series, the collaboration didn’t come quietly. Last night on September 15 - the first night of London Fashion Week - Mulberry celebrated the opening of its first ever pre-loved pop-up in the UK and collaboration with Stefan Cooke with a party in the store. Filled with a host of creatives, musicians, models, and influencers, the event celebrated the collaboration and gave guests an exclusive preview of the bespoke space.

Today, Mulberry officially opens its doors and alongside showcasing the British design duo's one-off takes on its classic bags, there will be a specially curated programme of events including everything from poetry nights, to intimate live performances and inspiring panel conversations.

Here's what went down last night, what's to come and everything you need to know about the pop-up.

SPECIAL GUESTS GOT AN EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK

Hosted in the space, last night's opening party was the ultimate kick-off to London Fashion Week. While guests enjoyed drinks, South London DJ Arthi soundtracked the night, playing an eclectic mix of genres including UK garage and dancehall. 

Alongside the guests of honour, Stefan Cooke and Jake Burt, the guestlist also ranged from the likes of Craig Green, Reuben Selby, Joe Puxley to musician Flowerovlove and models Julia Campbell Gillies, Caleb Frempong, Iwana Cristal, Adam Rhazli.

VISITORS GET A HEALTHY DOSE OF PRE-LOVED MULBERRY (AND A CHANCE TO SHOP AN EXCLUSIVE CAPSULE COLLECTION)

Since the purpose of the pop-up is to celebrate Mulberry’s circularity programme, it should come as no surprise that a number of pre-loved pieces take centre stage. Courtesy of a considered edit, some of the luxury brand’s best-loved styles over the brand's 50 year history are on show – from the Bayswater, to Alexa, Roxanne, and Antony – proving that they’re made to last for generations.

Then, of course, there is a healthy dose of the Mulberry x Stefan Cooke collab, which has seen co-founders Stefan Cooke and Jake Burt work with artisans in Somerset to put their unique, craft-oriented spin on 27 rejuvenated bags, released as a new exciting exclusive capsule collection. Debuted at Cooke's latest LFW show, the bags were immediately put online and in the pop-up and are now available to shop.

THE PROGRAMME IS PACKED WITH CREATIVITY

Running from September 16 to September 26, the Soho pop-up has a lineup of creative events for visitors to enjoy. Naturally, this includes an intimate conversation from the design duo behind Stefan Cooke hosted by Susie Lau, discussing everything from their process and inspirations, to practical advice for those just starting out in the creative industries. 

Elsewhere, there is also a poetry evening in partnership with Adult Entertainment – a series founded by south London wordsmith James Massiah and a TikTok creator panel on driving sustainability through their community. Attendees will also be able to enjoy an intimate live performance from Flowerovlove, alongside exclusive DJ sets. 

THE SETTING PAYS HOMAGE TO STEFAN COOKE

The pop-up’s interiors aim to bring Mulberry’s “Made to Last” ethos to life, taking inspiration from traditional symbols of longevity (think: continuous flowing lines and an overarching focus on sustainability, down to the plaster on the walls). There is no shortage of nods to Stefan Cooke, either, with design codes woven throughout the pop-up’s design, including a mirror making use of the label’s signature slash technique. In case that wasn’t enough, visitors can take a deep dive into the design process and intricate craft behind every Mulberry x Stefan Cooke bag, via behind the scenes footage screened throughout the space.

HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN GET INVOLVED WITH

Maybe you haven't made it to London, or maybe you just didn’t get a chance to push your way through the fashion week crowds for the exclusive pop opening. Either way, you’ve not entirely missed the boat. The Mulberry Exchange is always available in UK and US stores and online, as well as globally through Mulberry’s partnership with Vestiaire Collective. This month, it’s also set to extend into China for the first time, with a series of pop-up exhibitions offering pre-loved bags across several cities.

In the meantime, you can look at images from London’s Mulberry pre-loved pop-up event in the gallery above.

Find out more and sign up for events here.