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ACCESSORIES

A C C E S S O R I E S With fashion writer Lucy King

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H I S T O R Y I N T H E M A K I N G

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FLIGHT CLUB Bring a touch of elegance to your essentials with these heavenly holiday must-haves

THE HERITAGE HOLDER Fly the flag with this limited-edition passport pochette, in British Airways colours, from a brand that champions British craft. Mulberry Passport Wallet, £135, page 71

A behind-the-scenes look at the handcrafting heritage that goes into every iconic Mulberry bag W hether it’s the classic Bayswater, the accessory lies an undeniable sense of British heritage. Now the largest manufacturer of leather goods in the UK, the brand’s humble roots stem from founder Roger Saul’s kitchen table in Somerset back in 1971. These days, creative director Johnny Coca heads up a team of around 600 craftsmen and women working out of the company’s two factories in Somerset. “It’s not a case of sketch, cut and stitch, it’s so much more than this,” Coca says. “There are many processes.” The first of which is to create a paper pattern from the initial sketch. The bag celebrity-inspired Alexa or our new arrival, the Amberley, at the heart of every Mulberry

Scenes from the museum: Grace Kelly carrying her namesake bag

INTEL

In the bag Whether it’s a fashion statement or a work tote, your handbag can say a lot about you – but what you put inside it reveals most of all

THE STREET-STYLE BAG The bumbag is hogging the spotlight right now – go anywhere with this practical up-to-the-minute accessory. Ucon Acrobatics Jacob Bag, £36, page 75

he handbag you choose speaks volumes about your style and personality, but what you carry inside it can

behind the bag, from elegant handcrafted luxury leather pieces, such as the Hermès Birkin, to mass-produced utilitarian nylon rucksacks – and everything in between. As well as making a statement, the bag will often dictate its contents. Slipping a handbag like Liberty London’s Ianthe Mini Marlborough (above) over your elbow on an evening out allows a limited array of keys, purse, phone and make-up pouch. A generous tote like the Bally (below) gives you space to cart around laptop, make-up bag – even a spare pair of shoes. Find our bag collection on pages 69-76

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is then mocked up using a stiff lining fabric. Once this has been approved, the leather is finally cut (above) by a skilled artisan and the seams are finished using inking and skiving (the shaving of leather) techniques. Stitching is next (right) before the final edge inking is applied. Finally the hardware components, such as locks, are fixed on. It takes around 30 pairs of hands to construct just one bag. “Getting the finish right is what makes the difference and adds value. It’s artisanal, which is so much more valuable,” says Coca. A Mulberry bag might carry your belongings, but it carries a sense of history, too. Mulberry Amberley Clutch, £445, right; more Mulberry pieces, page 71

give away so much more – about work, health, habits, lifestyle… even the age of your children. We all have different requirements for this now ubiquitous accessory, from toting around everyday essentials to having it finish an outfit. The term handbag was first coined in the early 1900s, when it was used to refer to the handheld luggage carried by gentlemen, but by the 1920s it had become a popular item for women, too. This spring a new exhibition at London’s Victoria & Albert museum takes a close look at the rise of this fashion accessory. Bags: Inside Out examines the style, function, design and craftsmanship

NEW MULBERRY Amberley Clutch

THE DESIGNER MASK Sleep peacefully beneath this soft silk-charmeuse mask. Most stylishly, too, it's designed in a print exclusively reworked from a 1920s original. Liberty London Orion Silk Eye Mask, £65, page 72

This exquisite clutch is the latest addition to Mulberry’s Amberley family of equestrian-inspired accessories. In a design exclusive to British Airways, the slimline bag has been handcrafted in soft leather with a printed grain effect. Its suede-lined interior features a zipped pocket and six credit-card slots, while the bag is completed with a detachable chain strap – so it doubles as chic shoulder bag or streamlined clutch – and the brand’s distinctive Rider’s lock. Size: 13.2 x 22 x 4.8cm

Pre-Order & Home Delivery Only • British Brand Design Exclusive To British Airways

£445 AC984

Liberty London has been a champion of arts and crafts for more than 140 years. Now you can refresh a favourite outfit or simply bring a pop of pink to a grey day with this silk scarf in the iconic Tree Of Life design, specially created for British Airways customers. £195, page 73 S P R I N G U P D A T E

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H I D D E N A S S E T S

A foldable tote or rucksack can be a godsend, whether you’re on a city break or off for some winter sun, and there’s a choice of casual or classy in our col lection. The Oakley foldable backpack (left) is styl ishly practical and folds into a handy pouch that you can stash in your suitcase or carry-on. It’s perfect for an unexpected coastal hike or trip to the beach.

For extra souvenirs or on-board buys, look no further than the beautiful ly roomy Bal ly tote (above). It’s crafted in sleek nylon with soft leather handles and, when not needed, it packs origami-style into a smal l wal let. You’ l l never need a plastic bag again. NEW Oakley Foldable Backpack, £36, page 75; Bally Foldable Tote, £230, page 76

‘History in the making’ words: Angelina Villa-Clarke

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