When Mulberry launched the Alexa in 2010, it didn't just become a bag—it became a cultural moment. As Vogue noted, few bags have managed to feel simultaneously of-the-moment and timeless. Inspired by Alexa Chung and her penchant for vintage Mulberry briefcases, the Alexa satchel perfectly captured the "relaxed British cool" of the early 2010s.
The Origin Story
The Alexa was born from a simple observation: Alexa Chung was frequently seen carrying a vintage Mulberry Elkington briefcase. Mulberry's design team took that masculine, utilitarian briefcase and reimagined it into a feminine, slouchy satchel. By adding the iconic Postman's Lock and the signature braided handle, they created a design that felt like it had been in your family for years, even on the day you bought it. Grazia charted exactly how that collaboration became a cultural phenomenon.
The 50th Anniversary Relaunch
The Alexa's evolution reached a milestone in 2021 when Mulberry marked its 50th Anniversary with a relaunch of the iconic satchel. This wasn't just a nostalgic look back — it was a refinement of the original. The anniversary collection was crafted using leather sourced from accredited tanneries, produced in Mulberry's UK factories, and finished to the same exacting standards that made the original a modern classic.
It was a masterclass in modernising an icon — merging the brand's 1970s archives with a manufacturing process that proved the Alexa could evolve without losing what made it special. It cemented the bag's status not as a fleeting trend, but as a permanent, considered piece of British craft. Read the full Forbes preview on the eve of the 50th Anniversary relaunch →
The Archive Perspective: Stewardship by Leather Type
The Alexa is a "chameleon" in terms of material. Because it was released in so many different finishes, there is no one-size-fits-all care routine. At Archive Essentials, we believe your stewardship ritual must match the hide. Not sure which leather type you have? Our guide to the most common leather types is a good place to start.
- The Oak Natural Leather: This is the most iconic finish. It is designed to develop a "patina"—a darkening and softening over time. Care Tip: Do not try to keep it "brand new." Use our Gentle Leather Cleaner (100ml) to lift surface dirt without disturbing the developing patina, then apply a light protector to shield against rain — and let the leather develop its own unique character.
- The Soft Buffalo/Grain: These are more resilient but can lose their shape if overfilled. Care Tip: Always store your Alexa stuffed with acid-free tissue to maintain that signature "slouch" without letting it collapse.
- The Heritage Check Strap: This beautiful multi-coloured weave is a focal point, but it is more prone to snagging than smooth leather. Avoid wearing it against rough-textured clothing or sharp jewellery to keep the pattern crisp and clear.
- The Hardware: The Postman's Lock is the "heart" of the bag — a detail shared with the Mulberry Bayswater, another icon built around the same signature closure. Keep it free of hand oils and dust to ensure the brass finish remains bright and the mechanism stays smooth.
For a full restoration ritual — cleaning, nourishing, and protecting in one — our Luxury Restore & Replenish Kit is ideal for Alexa owners looking to give their bag a proper seasonal refresh.
A Note from the Founder
I'm particularly fond of my own 50th Anniversary Alexa. That heritage plaid strap isn't just a design detail—it's a nod to Mulberry's long history of British craftsmanship. It's the perfect example of how the brand can reinvent an icon while staying true to its roots. She's the bag that doesn't take herself too seriously; she's meant to be worn, meant to be filled, and meant to travel. For me, "stewardship" of an Alexa isn't about keeping it in a box; it's about ensuring that as the leather matures, it stays nourished and protected so it can handle another decade of adventures.
Ready to begin your own stewardship ritual? Shop The Ritual →
Do you own an Alexa? Tell us which leather and era yours is from — and whether the patina is coming along beautifully.
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