In partnership with Mulberry
Since inception, fashion weeks across the globe have always been the perfect place to uncover the 'it' accessories of the season. While the runway might lead us in one direction, it's the word on the street that tells its own story entirely. It's no surprise then, that this Afterpay Australian Fashion Week, we were keeping a close eye on the models, creatives, editors and street style veterans and the pieces they couldn't get enough of. This year's biggest trend? Leaning into the classics, reimagined – and it was the iconic Mulberry Bayswater bag that made its mark within the fashion set.
Celebrating the unmistakable silhouettes' 20th anniversary this year, there's many reasons why the Bayswater has been so enduring in its impact. For many of us, it was a definitive bag of the early noughties – spotted on the likes of our favourite 'Indie Sleaze' idols, including the formidable Alexa Chung, Sienna Miller, Kate Moss and Rihanna. But its real tenure lies not only in its versatility and function, but its ability to transcend time and trends. It's a characteristic that is reflective of Mulberry's Made to Last ethos – a commitment that has seen the Bayswater bag's sustainable credentials progress and develop. Since 2022, the bag has been crafted exclusively from environmentally accredited and carbon neutral leather, a requirement implemented across all Mulberry bags, and a marker of what it means to be a true icon.
While in its early days, it could be seen paired with tartan overshirts and those infamous polkadot stockings, on the streets of Carriageworks at this year's AAFW, the Bayswater signalled the beginning of its new era. Always innovative, as part of the bag's anniversary, Mulberry has released three new reenergised takes on the classic. The compact East/West Bayswater, a distinctly Mulberry take on the noughties renaissance; the North/South Bayswater Tote, a go-anywhere shoulder bag; and the contemporary Zipped Bayswater Tote, a roomy hold-all that is adaptable thanks to its multizip detailing.
Spotted on the shoulders of RUSSH editors and friends, including models Jessica Gomes and Elodie Russell, content creator and founder of CULTURE MACHINE, Yasmin Suteja, and RUSSH editors Kim Russell (@thekimbino), Ella O'Keeffe and Jess Blanch, the evolution of silhouettes, styles and colourways were on full display. For Suteja and Gomes, the North/South Tote offered an element of functionality, with the easy to open Postman's Lock clasp a saviour when running between shows, while Blanch leant into the compact, satchel style offered by the East/West.
Whether in need of a classic and unbeatable carry all that can see you through all the events on your fashion week calendar, or if its the charm of the Mini in electric blue that has your heart, Mulberry's Bayswater is for everyone. Here's how some of your favourite trendsetters and creatives styled their pieces on the streets of AAFW.
"I really just carry the bare essentials during fashion week, so the East/West Bayswater is a nice fit under my arm or coat." — Jess Blanch.
"Only the Mulberry Zipped Bayswater Tote could fit the copious essentials I need for fashion week." — Kim Russell.
You can shop the street style set's favourite pieces, as well as the full Bayswater collection, on the Mulberry website now.
