bag wars

Report: Mulberry to Poach From Céline?

The post-fashion-month shuffle continues: Following the bombshell announcements that John Galliano will take over at Margiela and that Peter Copping is joining Oscar de la Renta, it looks like the industry’s perpetual game of musical chairs has not yet concluded. For one thing, Mulberry, which has been without a creative director since the departure of Emma Hill, is said to be shopping around. Women’s Wear Daily reports today that Johnny Coca, Céline’s head design director for leather goods, accessories, shoes, and jewelry, is the top contender. (Also being considered, according to their item: ex-Chloé designer Hannah MacGibbon and Blue Farrier, former creative director of Issa.) If the Coca news is true, it sounds like Mulberry —  which has been trying a lot of tacks, including lowering prices, recruiting Cara Delevingne to design bags, and trying to subliminally associate itself with royalty — is hoping to get a piece of that ineffable Céline magic. Isn’t everyone?

Report: Mulberry to Poach From Céline?