Why the Mulberry Stevie Is Destined to be the Subsequent It Bag This Fall 2026

As a seasoned style editor, every time I declare with delight that I really like my job, it is often after I’ve been capable of get my palms on the most recent luxurious bag. And as quickly as I laid eyes on Mulberry’s latest launch, the Stevie, my It-bag senses began tingling.

This does not occur usually lately, as a result of it solely takes one celeb sighting for a bag to explode seemingly in a single day and fade away simply as rapidly. So, for a mode to achieve lasting It-bag standing in 2026, it actually must be one thing particular. Positive, glorious craftsmanship is a given, and the bag nonetheless has to really feel concurrently of-the-moment and timeless, however further questions must be requested to find out how sound an funding it could be. Specifically, how a lot does it maintain? Will it adapt to your life? Is it dress-code proof?

I’ve realized that adulting usually requires a classy all-rounder bag, which makes Mulberry’s new Stevie a really robust contender. The quintessentially British equipment model had such a prolific It Bag run within the 2000s and early 2010s—each girl-about-town and style particular person had no less than one Mulberry on rotation. They have been so coveted of their heyday that some style insiders are reliving the period by toting those self same pre-loved kinds once more, or higher but, pulling out their authentic purchases.

However now it is the elegant Stevie’s flip to steal the highlight. Composed of 28 distinct sample items, each component is a masterclass in contrasts, from the defining high deal with and removable crossbody strap—which maximize the methods you possibly can carry it—to the spacious physique that’s as superbly tender as it’s structured. It’s thoughtfully created to be each traditional and fashionable—your go-to each day and night time, polished however nonetheless relaxed.

Because the purse pendulum swings between slouchy, oversize shapes and neater, primmer silhouettes, the Stevie sits someplace within the minimalist center. The entrance flap options Mulberry’s iconic Postman’s Lock with out making the bag really feel like a satchel; it’s a assured design that’s good for somebody equally confident and practical-minded. Obtainable in two sizes, the bag suits greater than you’d count on with out trying cumbersome. The common measurement is large enough in your laptop computer or an outfit change—a no brainer on work and journey days—whereas the compact “small” iteration is the epitome of a desk-to-dinner bag and aligns with the broader development for shrunken variations of well-liked kinds.

The array of coloration and leather-based selections is the place you possibly can actually assert your persona and make the Stevie your individual. Leather-based or suede? Or would you like embossed snake? Every measurement, coloration, and material mixture creates a unique temper, full with gleaming metallic {hardware}, to remodel something you pair it with. It’s fairly onerous to resolve between Black, Ebony, Amethyst, and Foggy Gray, as a result of every colorway has its deserves in each sizes and may elevate a comfy coat or a night gown immediately.

The Mulberry Stevie is so new that nobody has actually been seen carrying it but, so it’s not related to a singular look or vibe, making this the right time to speculate forward of fall. Inevitably, it will not be lengthy earlier than the primary “It Brit” will probably be pictured carrying it, however for now, we’re free to experiment with the bag’s limitless styling potentialities and contemplate the way it’ll really operate in actual life. Is it actually as versatile because it appears? It’s actually my job to search out out, so I took 4 completely different iterations of the Stevie out for a spin. Learn on for my verdict with detailed styling notes.

Small Stevie High Deal with in Ebony Supple Easy Leather-based

Type Notes: Name off your seek for the final word day-to-night bag, as a result of the Small Stevie High Deal with is right here. Not too large, not too small, however excellent for busy days and evenings out when there’s completely no have to lug round greater than you want; simply the necessities you possibly can’t go away dwelling with out, together with a paperback e book in my case, organized so as of accessibility between the exterior and inside compartments—I earmarked the entrance pocket for my bank card, lip balm, and hand sanitizer.

This deep chocolate tone is divine. Even a black bag loyalist like myself can recognize the heat and richness of the hue. Although it appears fall-coded, it’s able to transcend seasons and impress year-round. Right here, I’ve teamed it with an indigo denim gown and cream heeled loafers as a result of I seen that the colours and textures complement one another so properly. Past neutrals and earthy, muted tones, burgundy additionally works with this colorway, and I feel it could actually set off a sky-blue gown or a gold-toned yellow high. I would additionally use it to anchor leopard print.

Because the styling right here is pared-back and unintentionally preppy, it felt most pure to hold the Stevie by its high deal with, although I slung it over my shoulder after I wanted my palms free. It is a look I might put on for a day that may begin within the workplace, with the Stevie taking pleasure of place on my desk, then pivot to exterior conferences and appointments, ending with an impromptu dinner or drinks. I would additionally carry it with the straps tucked in to create the phantasm of a clutch, additional elevating this smart-casual outfit.

High tip: You too can match an iPhone 17 Professional Max, purse, earphones, sun shades, keys and a small snack inside.

Stevie High Deal with in Foggy Gray Suede

Type Notes: I by no means thought a suede bag was a threat price taking dwelling in a wet metropolis like London, however this Stevie High Deal with has fully gained me over. The tender construction stops it from changing into too slouchy when it is not full, so it feels extra grown-up and fewer boho, which is ideal for me. I additionally like how the luxe texture (the strokable floor may be very onerous to withstand) instantly softens something you put on it with.

This common measurement is harmful for licensed bag lovers like me, who can now decant the contents of the three luggage I would carry individually into one: an umbrella, a spare clothes layer and a foldable tote bag for starters, together with my tech, make-up bag, a bottle of water and possibly even some spare sneakers. However it’s not a bottomless pit; quite the opposite, there are ample compartments to maintain issues organized. Styled right here with an oversize trench coat, a checked orange co-ord, and ballet flats that match the {hardware}, the bag actually pops, doesn’t it?

The Foggy Gray colorway clashes pleasingly with all the things I personal, as you possibly can see, so whereas it’s technically a impartial shade, it positively makes a daring assertion. Once more, I’ve dressed up somewhat right here with an outfit I’d in all probability put on to dinner with associates (after switching the flats to heels), however I think about this bag would look simply nearly as good with denims and even elevated monitor pants. What pleasantly shocked me probably the most was that the slim crossbody strap slipped simply over the quantity my coat added to my shoulder. This is not at all times the case with luggage, and it means I can carry the Stevie and layer to my coronary heart’s content material: wool, leather-based, denim, fake fur, or no matter else I wish to throw on. None of my heaviest winter coats and puffy jackets are dominated out, both.

High tip: Spray it with a very good suede protector and spend money on a brush to comb away any grime.

Stevie High Deal with in Black Supple Easy Leather-based

Type Notes: Roomy and smart with clean strains and tender curves, the Stevie High Deal with ticks all of the work-bag bins and is greater than stylish sufficient to put on elsewhere. In pitch-black leather-based accented with darker {hardware}, it’s traditional and provides style and intention to an outfit with out ever trying like an afterthought. That’s why I, and different style insiders, consider it is advisable have no less than one good black bag in your assortment. For me, that is it.

Nothing beats black-on-black (flash of purple elective) if you wish to look put-together. I’ve gone down a sportier, technical route with this day-to-day look to exhibit that the Stevie actually goes with all the things, even informal trainers and a water-resistant raincoat. It may possibly adapt to any style temper, and I charge its craftsmanship even greater as a result of the bag retains its form when full and by no means appears bloated—a pet peeve of mine with different luggage I’ve owned. The price-per-wear (or moderately, the cost-per-pleasure) ratio is off the charts.

The opposite factor about this smooth Stevie is that I don’t really feel the must be too treasured about it. I’d wish to present it off and use it as a lot as attainable, so I would be comfy carrying it underneath an umbrella within the rain or utilizing it as my carry-on for a flight. I’m additionally excited to customise it with a dangling bag appeal, wrap a shawl across the deal with, or quickly add a claw clip.

High tip: This bag will excel in each scenario and event, come rain or shine.

Small Stevie High Deal with in Foggy Gray Waxed Snake Print

Type Notes: Swapping clean leather-based for embossed snake takes the Small Stevie High Deal with to a different stage. This new sample immediately transforms the minimalist silhouette into one thing enjoyable and maximalist but easy—it is nonetheless an on a regular basis bag if you would like it to be. The persona and spark it provides to an outfit is simple and shouldn’t be restricted to particular events. It performs rather well with easy shapes and capsule wardrobe staples as a result of the feel does many of the heavy lifting, so the remainder of the outfit doesn’t have to compete.

That being stated, I needed to assume exterior the field when styling it. I opted for a pink cashmere cardigan, black leather-based skirt, and black Mary Jane sneakers to let the gray-toned snakeskin shine in all its glory. Eye-catching and subversive, I additionally needed this weekend outfit to lean into the bag’s retro spirit; as fashionable because the Stevie is in design and performance, it has echoes of the demure, prim luggage that trendy ladies carried within the Nineteen Fifties.

The bag was sufficiently small to maintain glued into the criminal of my arm if I didn’t wish to maintain it by the highest deal with, and of all of the Stevie iterations I attempted, that is the one which was probably the most clearly “night,” with probably the most potential to be characterised as, dare I say, attractive—particularly when used with the straps tucked in to accessorise an LBD.

High tip: If carrying snakeskin feels too daring or flashy, type it as if it is impartial.

This text was initially printed on Who What Put on UK.