Emma Hill with Twilight‘s Xavier Samuel / image supplied
When Mulberry opens a new store, it has to be celebrated by a veritable list of who’s who to the sounds of DJ Anna Lunoe playing songs from Mulberry’s seasonal playlist of favourite tunes.. And that was just what happened when Mulberry opened their new Sydney flagship store in the new Westfield Sydney. With Mulberry‘s creative director Emma Hill in town, a Garden Party was thrown in her honour at The Swifts, a private property in Sydney’s exclusive suburb of Darling Point. The house lawn was decorated with oversized pink roses flown in from London especially for the party (we heard more than one person tried to smuggle some home). We rocked up a tiny bit late with two of the crew from Sydney Confidential, but we did spy the likes of Xavier Samuel of Twilight fame, Miranda Otto, Australian models Nicole Trunfio, Samantha Harris, Jessica Gomes and Georgina Wass mingling with Hill and various members of the fashion pack.
We managed to snag an interview with Emma and asked her a few questions about what she’s been up to in town, her favourite Mulberry bag, her new year plans.
How are you finding Australia?
Emma Hill: I LOVE Australia! It’s my first time here and I’ve fallen head over heels! I love the weather, the relaxed attitude, the friendliness and the incredible view from our villa in Rose Bay! Sadly we’ve been working since we’ve been here but I have managed a sneaky wander around the Paddington area (shopping-my weakness!), and a quick chill out on Bondi Beach!
You just opened the new Mulberry London flagship store and the Sydney store just opened recently, is Mulberry planning a global domination? Where are the next Mulberry flagship stores due to launch?
EH: We are so proud of our new Flagship we have in Bond Street and loving our very first store in Sydney’s Westfield! Next stop for Mulberry is a store in Beijing, in January. And then… you will have to watch this space!!
Where are your favourite places to travel? And which Mulberry bag(s) do you always take with you on holidays?
EH: I love going to New York, I lived there for 13 years, before I joined Mulberry, so it’s like going home. And new to my list is Sydney… how could it not be a favourite place to travel too! And I always take my Piccadilly bag on the plane to keep my stuff in and a Lily bag for instant evening glamour!
How many Mulberry bags do you own?
EH: Each season I have a classic bag for everyday. I am waiting for my amazing Oversized Tillie in Oak Silky Snake, from the Spring ’11 collection. I carry a lot around with me for work and there is always my 4 year old son, Hudson’s, current favourite toy in there. For night I like to use a more colourful bag, like the gorgeous new Lily in Washed Denim and my favourite new party bag, the Jewelled Lily – I own too many Mulberry bags to count!!
How are you spending the holiday season when you get back to London?
EH: I am doing a quick pit stop in London to pack some warm clothes and of course get my delicious son, Hudson and then we are off to New York to spend Christmas with my friends in Bellport, Long Island. For New Year, we are all flying down to Mexico which I am soooo excited about!
What are you thankful for in 2010?
EH: Wow… so many things! Including our new Flagship on Bond Street which I have been dreaming about and now it’s here and even better than I imagined! We also just released our interim financial results which we are all completely thrilled about at Mulberry. And my A-Ma-Zing design team as, I believe, our collection keeps becoming the best yet!! Oh, and of course, our amazing BFA Best Brand of the Year win- go Mulberry!
What do you hope for in 2011?
EH: More of the same!!
Some of our personal photos from the night!
Arriving at The Switft2
The Mulberry garden path
The party scene
The Mulberry bar
Our polaroid picture among the flowers – nifty polaroid cameras
were left on the outdoor tables for guests to capture fun moments with.
Paul & I taking a picture with the Mulberry paper girls on our way out.
Perhaps I should have posed with my Mulberry Brook bag. Or my imaginary Alexa 😉
People need to start having garden parties around here!
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