Last October, *Vogue Business* reported that out of the top 30 luxury brands featured in their “Vogue Business Index,” only 8 out of 33 creative directors were women. Furthermore, only one of those women was a person of color—Sandra Choi of Jimmy Choo. This grim statistic highlights the continued struggle for women, especially women of color, in the fashion industry.
It is in this context that the collaboration between London-based Korean designer Rejina Pyo and Mulberry, a prominent British accessories brand, becomes especially significant. Driven by a strong belief in empowering women, Pyo assembled a female-led team to design the collection, which will be released on September 4th. The collection emphasizes feminine community, featuring an Argentinean artist and designer, Connie Valero, known for her work exploring diverse interpretations of femininity, as the face of the campaign. The campaign itself is shot by female photographer Gwen Tranoi.
The collection is a reflection of Pyo’s commitment to designing for the modern woman and her multifaceted life. Pyo herself states, “I believe that we women can bring a personal and real sensibility to design that reflects our everyday lives. Fashion has long been led by men, but the clothes women wear today are deeply connected to our feelings, experiences, and identities. Speaking from my own experience, since having my second child, I’ve been exploring the meaning of being a working woman more than ever, balancing the roles of mother, daughter, wife, and professional. Women should feel confident, comfortable, and empowered in what they wear. Who better to capture those emotions in clothing than women living those lives every day?”
This latest venture with Pyo follows Mulberry’s successful collaborations with other prominent brands such as Richard Malone, Ahluwalia, and Stefan Cooke. The collection features 15 limited-edition items, including bags, jewelry, and, uncommonly for Mulberry, ready-to-wear pieces, all rendered in an earthy palette of browns, khaki greens, and grays. From a leather tote large enough for a laptop to a cargo shoulder bag praised by *Vogue* editors, statement-making earrings, and knitwear featuring Pyo’s signature scarf detail, each item is designed to elevate your wardrobe for the new season.
“I thought about the women who would be wearing the clothes I designed,” says Pyo, “women who value timelessness and quality, who seek understated beauty that never fades. I was inspired by Mulberry’s archive, finding treasures within that became the starting point for the collection. From there, I wanted to create an effortless world with my own twist, using delicate yet confident colors, materials, and details.”
Pyo, who earned her master’s degree from Central Saint Martins in 2011, has consistently built a successful career since launching her eponymous label in 2013. She has garnered widespread recognition, including winning the British Emerging Talent award for womenswear at the 2019 British Fashion Awards and collaborating with the high-street brand & Other Stories in 2021. A common theme throughout her design work is “elevated basics.”
“When I first started my brand, I was very confused by all the different opinions I was getting,” Pyo recalls. “Sometimes, even when I knew something felt ‘wrong’ in my gut, I would go along with what others said. But I quickly realized that wasn’t working. I learned to take a step back, and while remaining open to learning, I became more discerning with my advice. Following my own intuition led to the success of my brand.”
By regaining her confidence in her own intuition, Pyo has solidified her position as a talented female designer. Her partnership with Mulberry serves as a testament to this achievement. As young designers continue to navigate the increasingly volatile fashion industry, Pyo’s story reminds us of the importance of staying true to oneself and trusting one’s own instincts. When asked about the most helpful advice she’s received, she shares a poignant anecdote.
“I learned so much from Louise Wilson, the renowned professor at Central Saint Martins. She was a very intimidating person, but Louise helped me understand my real strengths as a designer. She told me, ‘Do what you’re doing now, but do it well! And the opportunities will come.’”
“Mulberry X Rejina Pyo” is available exclusively on mulberry.com.
